Your sinuses are small, hollow cavities within your nasal passage. When these cavities become inflamed, you are experiencing a sinus infection (also known as sinusitis). Keep reading to discover what symptoms you’ll experience if you have a sinus infection, how it differs from allergies, and more.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
Your four pairs of sinuses are located in your forehead, behind your cheeks, between your eyes, and deep behind your nose. Your sinuses have very important roles! They contribute to the sound quality of your voice, decrease the weight of your skull, create mucus, and more. When your sinuses are inflamed, you’ll experience symptoms such as:
- Bad breath
- Cough
- Eye pain
- Ear pain
- Facial tenderness
- Fever
- Headache
- Nasal drainage
- Pain
- Pressure
- Sore throat
- Tooth pain
This is not an extensive list of sinus infection symptoms. If you believe you’re experiencing sinusitis, call our doctors: 912-351-3030.
Sinus Infection vs. Allergies
Although sinus infections and allergies have many of the same symptoms, there is a way to determine which one you are experiencing. If you have allergies, you will likely experience the above symptoms if you are near your allergy trigger such as pet dander, mold, dust, or pollen. When you leave the trigger-filled area, it shouldn’t take long for these symptoms to disappear.
However, if you have a sinus infection, you will have these symptoms whether you are near your allergy trigger or not. And, to make it more difficult to diagnose, allergies sometimes can cause sinusitis! This is why it’s important to consult an ENT doctor about your sinus infections. Depending on your diagnosis (allergies, acute sinusitis, or chronic sinusitis), your doctor will discuss what treatment option will be best for you.
At ENT Savannah, we help hundreds of patients each year breathe easier. Discover what our sinus care entails, then give us a call: 912-351-3030.