Sinus Pressure Symptoms – A Sign of Infection?

Are you wondering if you have a sinus infection?

There are several signs and symptoms of sinus infection. But even though they’re all pretty miserable, there are lots of different types of sinus infection, too. Here, we’ll take a brief look at some of the different types.

First off, you’ll want to know if your symptoms are acute or chronic. Acute symptoms come on pretty suddenly, and usually get better within a couple of weeks. Chronic symptoms are sneakier–they usually come on more slowly, and they don’t go away within a couple of weeks. In fact, they can last for months–or even longer.

The symptoms of sinus infection can be different, depending on whether it’s acute or chronic. The location of the infection makes a difference, too. Are you having pain and/or discomfort? If so, where? Location gives a clue to which parts of your sinus passages are involved (1). Take a look at the different areas of your sinus passages, and where your pain might be:

Ethmoid – behind your eyes

Sphenoid – behind your eyes

Frontal – behind your forehead, on both sides or just one side

Maxillary – behind your cheekbones

So, the first step is knowing whether your sinus infection is acute or chronic. The next step involves figuring out which part of your sinuses are involved. Finally, think about the symptoms you’re dealing with.

Wherever it’s taken hold of your sinus passages, acute sinusitis usually includes post nasal drip. Fever may be common, too (1).That’s because acute sinusitis often starts with a cold or other illness that begins with catching a virus.

With chronic sinusitis, you’re less likely to have a fever. Post nasal drip may or may not be present. The pain that so often comes along with sinus infection is different, too–with a chronic sinus infection, it may be worse in the morning, at bedtime, or even when wearing glasses (1).

So, think about your symptoms. When did they start? If you have pain or discomfort, where is it? Are your symptoms better or worse at different times of day? Are you dealing with post-nasal drip?

These are important pieces of information you and your health care provider will need to know, in order to move forward in getting rid of your sinus infection.