Every time I get a cold, I spend the entire duration wondering if it is actually a dreaded sinus infection (aka Sinusitis). No one has actually explained the difference in the symptoms between a sinus infection and a nasty cold, so I always just lived in fear that this one could actually be a sinus infection.
However, when I recently came across a list of common symptoms of a sinus infection, courtesy of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, I had to share:
- Headache, particularly first thing in the morning.
- Pain in the forehead, jaw, teeth and cheeks, or between the eyes.
- Swollen or inflamed tear ducts, eyelids, and other tissues surrounding the eyes.
- Congestion, sore throat, neck pain or cough.
- Fever.
- Weakness and fatigue.
So there you have it. If the cold medicines you've been taking to relieve the symptoms of the common cold are not working and you've got a terrible headache, it looks like it's time to see a doctor.
Morgan
Boysens
Crocs
I have had sinus infections before so I know what you mean about wondering if that little sniffle is the gateway to sinusitis. Another sign of a sinus infection (I'm sorry if this sounds gross) is copious amounts of green or yellow mucus coming from your nose. I also usually get a crackling or popping sensation in my sinus cavities. I'm sure it's all that lovely mucus moving around.
1Yea the green and yellow stuff shows there is an infection...it's so gross!
2I have massive sinus cavities (thanks mom) and I get sinus infections about 3-4 times a year and they are NOT fun. I hate them so much and it sucks having to go to the doctor evey single time
She recently gave me some nose spray though, and that works wonders!
Anyone know of any over-the-counter or practical remedies for sinusitis? I get them 2-3 times a year also and I really don't have the time/luxury of going to the doctor everytime it strikes.
3Dealing with sinus infections is so hard, esp in combination with allergies...Doctors keep prescribing nasal sprays, I mean they work for a period but it always seems to creep back. The facial pain is soooooo annoying, I hate when I can feel the presseure in my teeth...Its pretty hard to function with sinus pain.
4@ Kristennn,
5I get Sinutab whenever I cant get to the Doctor, I find the nightime extra strength works great...but, I try not to take it as much bcuz it raises ur blood pressure.
Sinutab sinus headache = awesome.
6I have been prescribed zithromax and amoxicillin for sinus infections, and I HATE zithromax.
I've had sinus infections before and they're no fun. Sometimes they are not bad enough to warrant staying home from work but bad enough that you don't want to be there in the first place.
I try to use some home remedies first, like rubbing Vicks Vapor Rub between my eyebrows and on my forehead. I drink any kind of minty tea; spearmint or peppermint. I heard steaming your face (like a facial) is good too. If you have a lot of mucous, you just may HAVE to see a doctor to get something to dry it up. There is an over the counter medicine (at this moment I forgot the name, sorry) but it dries up mucous pretty good and you only take one pill every 12 hours...I wish I could remember its name.
7Good old Advil... Can't take any type of cols/sinus stuff during the day because I get really loopy!
8I had this just last week. I'm still recovering. I have never had it before, but the migraine I got out of it left me a invalid for days. Advil was good, but I'm on antibiotics now.
9my fiance got myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) from a sinus infection - so take it seriously!
101) Many sinus infections are precipitated by an underlying chronic allergic rhinitis/sinusitis. If you can control the allergy, you can eliminate the recurring sinus infections.
2)Headache, ear pain, and periorbital pain can also be caused by a TMJ disorder--get an updated dental consultation to rule this out.
11My dad gets sinus infections all the time and it makes me wonder if I'll be prone to them too, since I take after him and have bad sinus allergies.
12Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.