What are the Symptoms of Sinus Infection?

Are you suffering from sinus related problems? Do you find it hard to breathe due to sinus related infection? Are you aware that sinus infection is very different from a regular cold or flu? 

A sinus infection can be easily mistaken to be a cold or flu, but it is essential to take the opinion of a doctor and also make sure you take proper medication for the kind of infection you may have developed. A sinus infection is very different from a regular cold and cough, it requires proper medication. It may become worse and persist for a longer period if not treated accordingly.

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What Is A Sinus Infection?

Sinus is basically these hollow cavities on either side of your nose, behind the nose and the forehead. These are generally surrounded by mucus. When these tissues are infected by virus, bacteria, and fungi, due to which they swell, that is when it is called a sinus infection.

Kinds Of Sinus Infection

There are various kinds of a sinus infection. These are classified on the basis of the period of time the infection lasts for. The following are the kinds it is classified into:

#1. Acute: An acute sinus infection lasts for around four weeks or even less.

#2. Sub-acute: This kind of infection lasts for at least four to twelve weeks.

#3. Chronic: Once the infection lasts for more than twelve weeks it becomes a chronic infection. It will require specialized treatment.

#4. Recurrent: When the infection keeps occurring several times a year, it is known to be recurrent.

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The Symptoms Of Sinus Infection

#1. Bad Breath is a symptom that generally takes place when you have any kind of infection. A long lasting bad breath which persists for a considerable period of time is one the prominent symptoms of a sinus infection.

#2. When you experience pressure in the sinus cavities, it is sure a symptom of having a sinus infection. Constant pain in the sinus cavities is a sign you need to get yourself checked by a doctor.

#3. When you experience stuffiness in the nose time, and again, it is a sign of a sinus infection.

#4. A major amount of nasal discharge is also a symptom that you may be experiencing sinus infection. This is also the sign of a regular cold, but in case of a sinus infection, you will have a cloudy nasal discharge throughout the period of having the infection. It will mostly be greenish-yellow in color.

#5. A sore throat and cough also denote a sinus infection.

#6. Ear pain is caused due to a serious sinus infection.

#7. Due to congestion, you may find it very difficult to breathe and speak properly. A sinus infection makes it difficult to breathe, due to all the congestion.

(Image courtesy: Craig Armstrong, DDS)

#8. A headache and fatigue are constantly experienced if you have a sinus infection. All the virus and bacteria that cause the infection are sure to cause fatigue and weakness.

#9. Pain in your teeth is another symptom that you might experience. Because of all the infection all around the ear and nose area, there is a certain amount of pain that can be experienced in the teeth as well.

#10. Puffiness around the eye area is also another symptom of a sinus infection.

While experiencing a sinus infection, it is essential to take rest. It is important to keep in mind to cover your mouth while coughing. Whether a sinus infection is contagious depends on the cause of the infection. When it is caused due to a deformation around the nasal area, or any kind of allergy, it is not contagious. But if it occurs due to a bacterial infection it may be contagious. Thus, you need to take measures accordingly.

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