Headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, and a persistent cough---these are all symptoms that can be attributed to the common cold or flu. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a week or two, it's possible that you may have a sinus infection. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, approximately 37 million Americans are diagnosed with sinus infection each year. While a doctor's care is required to determine for sure whether you're suffering from a sinus infection or otherwise, there are some steps you can take to find out for yourself.

Keep a calendar and mark off each day you've been ill. Since the common cold can last from one to two weeks, you can determine whether your ailment has lasted longer than what is normal for a cold or flu. You will also be able to give your doctor an accurate time frame of your illness when you go to visit her. If you've been sick for longer than a week or two, it's time to examine the symptoms you're experiencing.

Identify the symptoms of sinus infection. The most common symptoms are facial pain, pain in the teeth, sore throat, a persistent cough which may become worse at night, and fever. Take your temperature regularly using a thermometer, and make note of any fever temperatures (those above 98.6 degrees F). Using your notepad, document your temperatures when you take them, and also keep a list of the symptoms that you are experiencing.

Check the color. With a sinus infection, mucus usually becomes discolored, ranging from light to dark green in color. When you blow your nose, or cough up mucus, make sure you look into the facial tissue to see if there is any discoloration. Discolored mucus is a strong sign of infection. Your doctor will more than likely ask you if you have noticed any mucus discoloration, so this will help prepare you for your visit.

Examine your face in the mirror for any signs of swelling or puffiness of the skin. During a sinus infection, swelling may occur in your eyelids or the tissues surrounding your eyes. Swelling may indicate that an infection is present, and if found near the eyes, this is a tell-tale indicator of sinus infection.

See your doctor. Bring your calendar and notepad so you can help the doctor give you a proper diagnosis. Remember, sinus infections seldom go away if left untreated. Usually, antibiotics like amoxicillin or azithromycin are prescribed to help your immune system combat the infection. Your doctor will examine your eyes, nose, ears and throat, and may order a head X-ray to have a look into your sinuses. Armed with these medical techniques and the valuable information you've provided, the doctor will give you the last word on whether or not you're suffering from a sinus infection.

Tip

  • Take a nasal decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) to help clear the congestion in your sinuses.

    Take a mucus loosening expectorant such as guaifenisen (Mucinex) in order to keep mucus from backing up.

    Get lots of rest and remember to keep drinking clear fluids such as water and fruit juice.

Tip

  • Sinus infections can vary in severity and can be life-threatening in some cases. So it's important that you see your doctor as soon as possible to receive appropriate medical treatment. Don't try to "tough out" a sinus infection; you need medical attention. Also, make sure you have no allergies to any over-the-counter medications you plan on taking, and that you are currently taking no medication than has any interaction with any over-the-counter medication.

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