Sinusitis usually causes a mix of symptoms in the nose, face, and head. A runny nose and congestion are the most common signs, but other symptoms can appear depending on whether the infection is short-term or long-lasting. Knowing the exact symptoms and what puts someone at risk is important for early diagnosis and treatment. At Liv Hospital, we focus on taking a detailed patient history to distinguish sinusitis from other conditions, such as migraines or dental issues.
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The primary symptoms of a sinus infection are directly related to the inflammation and blockage of the sinus cavities.
Sinus pressure and pain are key symptoms. The pain usually matches the affected sinus. Maxillary sinusitis causes pain in the cheeks and upper jaw, often feeling like a toothache. Frontal sinusitis leads to pain in the forehead, which can get worse when you lean forward. Ethmoid sinusitis causes pain between the eyes, and sphenoid sinusitis can cause a deep ache behind the eyes or at the top of the head. This pressure can be very uncomfortable and often feels like heaviness or fullness in the face.
Nasal blockage or congestion is a common symptom that makes it hard to breathe through the nose. This often comes with nasal discharge, which can be thick, yellow, or green in bacterial infections. In chronic sinusitis, the discharge may be clear but lasts a long time. Postnasal drip, where mucus runs down the back of the throat, is also common and can cause a sore throat, hoarseness, and a cough that often gets worse at night.
Beyond the nose, sinusitis can affect the whole body.
A sinus headache feels like a deep, steady pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of the nose. The pain often gets worse with sudden head movements or straining. Sinus headaches usually come with other sinus symptoms, such as congestion or a fever, unlike migraines. However, real sinus headaches are less common than many people think. Often, people who think they have a sinus headache actually have tension headaches or migraines that are triggered by nasal congestion.
In acute bacterial sinusitis, fever is common and indicates an active infection. In chronic sinusitis, fever is rare. Fatigue is a common symptom in both types. The body’s effort to fight the infection and inflammation can make you feel tired and unwell. A reduced sense of smell and taste is also frequent, which can affect how much you enjoy food and your overall quality of life.
Specific structural abnormalities in the nose and sinuses can predispose individuals to recurrent or chronic sinusitis.
External factors play a significant role in the development of sinusitis.
A person’s general health affects how likely they are to get sinus infections.
Dental Infections: Because the roots of the upper teeth are very close to the maxillary sinus floor, a dental infection (tooth abscess) can spread upward and cause maxillary sinusitis.
The risk of getting sinusitis changes with age.
Specific medical interventions can inadvertently increase the risk.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
The main symptoms include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, thick yellow or green discharge, and a reduced sense of smell.
Yes, infection in the maxillary sinuses can put pressure on the roots of the upper teeth, causing toothache-like pain.
Yes, a sinus headache is usually associated with congestion and fever, while a migraine often involves nausea and sensitivity to light, though symptoms can overlap.
Risk factors include allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, smoking, and a weakened immune system.
Yes, smoking damages the cilia that clean the sinuses and causes chronic inflammation, making sinusitis harder to treat and more likely to recur.
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