How to Identify Acute Sinusitis Symptoms

Normally when you drop an item on the floor, you immediately pick it up. If you have acute sinusitis, you will think twice when bending over. The trouble occurs in the sinuses, which are hollow cavities that are supposed to be filled with air. When there is inflammation of these passages, fluid becomes trapped in them. This inflammation does not allow mucus to normally drain and the result is a miserable infection. Every moment seems to hurt or cause you pain. Common causes include the common cold or allergies. Smokers are more at risk of sinusitis because the toxic smoke can cause irritation in the nasal passages. Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate that you are suffering from acute sinusitis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pain. Your face will feel extremely tender especially around your eyes, forehead, cheeks, and nose. This pain is because there is pressure in your sinuses.
2. Difficulty breathing. It will be difficult to breath because your nose will be stuffy. Sleeping when you have sinusitis is very uncomfortable and it is basically impossible to breath through your nose due to the congestion.
3. Fatigue. It’s one of those conditions that makes you feel as if you have to drag yourself out of bed. Any kind of infection produces a sense of fatigue.
4. Fever. You may have a fever because your body is trying to kill off the infection. As long as your fever isn’t extremely high, allow your body to try to rid itself of the infection as much as possible. You can try to take care of the infection at home if your infection isn’t severe. Always call your physician if you have a fever that is higher than 100.5 degrees F.
5. Cough. Mucus that constantly drains down your throat from this infection will cause you to cough.
6. Yellow or green mucus. Your nasal discharge will take on a colorful hue when you have sinusitis.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink a lot of fluids. Fluids are encouraged because they help to thin the mucus that is clogging up your sinuses. It will also help your sinuses to drain. This advice also pertains to those who don’t have this diagnosis because it will help to prevent sinusitis.
• Treatment often includes a 7-day course of antibiotics.
• Make sure that you finish all of the antibiotics. Never stop taking antibiotics just because you begin to feel better. Some people stop halfway through thinking that we can save them for later when we are struck ill again. Each infection is different and requires different antibiotics. You are better off completing the treatment.