Sinus infection is generally termed as sinusitis. It is the irritation in the paranasal sinuses lining. Frequently, it is also linked with the infection of the upper respiratory tract. ‘Sinuses’ is a term referring to the paranasal sinuses. Paranasal sinuses are nothing but cavities filled of air and lined by the mucus membrane. They are situated around and in the nose. Basically, you will find four types of paranasal sinuses, viz. frontal, maxillary, sphenoid and ethmoid. They derive their names after the kind of facial bones, where they are situated. The common function of sinuses is keeping your nasal cavity moist throughout.
The Sinus Infections Signs and Symptoms are generally based on the kind of sinus affected and if the infection is chronic or acute. Let us first consider the Sinus Infections Signs and Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis, based on its types.
1. Ethmoid sinusitis- is the one that is situated behind the eyes.
- Pressure or pain is experienced at the inside eye corner or at one side of the nose
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip is many a times accompanied with sore throat
- Fever is commonly observed
- The pressure or pain indications get worsened at the time of coughing, or lying down. It is good when your head is upright
2. Maxillary sinusitis- located behind the bones of the cheeks
- Red, tender and swollen cheek bones
- Pain in the cheekbone, towards the upper teeth, and under the eyes
- Pressure or pain is experienced at both the side or one side only
- The Sinus Infections Signs and Symptoms get worsened here with bending forward and upright head. It feels better when inclined
- Postnatal drip and fever is common
3. Frontal Sinusitis- located at the back of the forehead, either both or on one side only
- Nasal discharge
- The pain gets worsened when you recline however, feel better in an upright condition
- Severe headache along with fever are common symptoms
4. Sphenoid sinusitis- it is situated behind the eyes
- You experience worst pain while bending forward or lying on your back
- Severe headache wherein, the pain is experienced on the top and behind the head, eyes and across the forehead
- Postnatal drip and fever
- Disturbances in vision, if the pressure further extends to the brain
These were Sinus Infections Signs and Symptoms in case of acute sinusitis. Sinusitis generally occurs as a result of infection caused due to bacteria, fungi or virus. It may be also as a result of weak immune system, air pollutants, cold, stress, extreme climatic conditions, excessive smoking, dehydration, dental infection, etc. A sinus infection can be infectious or non infectious.
The common Sinus Infections Signs and Symptoms generally are fever, pain or pressure, headache, tenderness, etc. It is important to identify these warning signs and get your sinus treated, as soon as possible to avoid further problems. Or else, it may lead to meningitis, brain infection or osteomyelitis in severe cases.