How to Recognize a Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, an inflammation of the nasal passage and sinuses, is often painful and can be somewhat easy to recognize. You just need to know what the symptoms are. A sinus infection can also be confused with the congestion that happens when you have a cold, so it's important to be able to distinguish between the two.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A doctor to confirm your suspisions

1. Check to see if you are experiencing regular headaches. Sinus infections cause headaches. If you have been experiencing an increase in headaches, especially those that originate behind the eyes or face, you may have a sinus infection.

2. Ask yourself if you have pain or pressure in your face. Feeling pain or pressure behind your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead can be symptoms of a sinus infection.

3. Check to see if you are experiencing swelling in the area around your eyes and eyelids? Many sufferers of sinus infection have these symptoms.

4. Take note of a change in your sense of smell. A sinus infection can also cause a stuffy nose and a loss of smell. Those symptoms can be a sign of a sinus infection.

5. Check for the following symptoms of a sinus infection, including pain in the ears and neck, fever, runny nose, and a cough.

6. Think about how long your symptoms have been taking place. If it's been only 7-14 days, it may be a cold. If your symptoms have persisted for longer than that, then it's likely a sinus infection.

Tips & Warnings

• If you think you have a sinus infection, see a doctor to find out how best to treat it. Over-the-counter medicine has only limited effectiveness in treating a sinus infection.
• Don't attempt to treat your symptoms yourself if you suspect a sinus infection. It's always best to be diagnosed by a medical doctor who can take all the symptoms and factors into account.

Resources

• Web MD: Sinusitis

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[jkmom2007]

on 12/17/2008 Thanks for the tips. I think I have one right now.