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Sinus Infection (cont.)

Sinus Infection Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of sinus infections depend upon which sinuses are affected and whether the sinus infection is acute or chronic.

Acute sinusitis:

  • Ethmoid sinusitis (behind the eyes)

    • Nasal congestion with discharge or postnasal drip (mucus drips down the throat behind the nose)

    • Pain or pressure around the inner corner of the eye or down one side of the nose

    • Headache in the temple or surrounding the eye

    • Pain or pressure symptoms are worse when coughing, straining, or lying on the back and better when the head is upright

    • Fever is common

  • Maxillary sinusitis (behind the cheek bones)

    • Pain across the cheekbone, under or around the eye, or around the upper teeth

    • Pain or pressure on one side or both

    • Tender, red, or swollen cheekbone

    • Pain and pressure symptoms are worse with the head upright and bending forward and better when reclining

    • Nasal discharge or postnasal drip

    • Fever is common

  • Frontal sinusitis (behind forehead, one or both sides)

    • Severe headaches in the forehead

    • Fever is common

    • Pain is worse when reclining and better with the head upright

    • Nasal discharge or postnasal drip

  • Sphenoid sinusitis (behind the eyes)

    • Deep headache with pain behind and on top of the head, across the forehead, and behind the eye

    • Fever is common

    • Pain is worse when lying on the back or bending forward

    • Double vision or vision disturbances if pressure extends into the brain

    • Nasal discharge or postnasal drip

Chronic sinusitis:

  • Ethmoid sinusitis

    • Chronic nasal discharge, obstruction, and low-grade discomfort across the bridge of the nose

    • Pain is worse in the late morning or when wearing glasses

    • Chronic sore throat and bad breath
  • Maxillary sinusitis

    • Discomfort or pressure below the eye

    • Chronic toothache

    • Pain possibly worse with colds, flu, or allergies

    • Increased discomfort throughout the day with increased cough at night

  • Frontal sinusitis

    • Persistent, low-grade headache in the forehead

    • History of trauma or damage to the sinus area

  • Sphenoid sinusitis

    • Low-grade general headache is common


  • Next: When to Seek Medical Care »

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