Sinusitis is another name for sinus infection, an inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses. The sinus infection symptoms vary from pressure around the eyes, the cheeks, nose or at the sides of the head near the temples. Chronic sinusitis is the common, more long-term form of the ailment, whereas its sudden onset is called acute sinusitis.
Common sinus infection symptoms
Different types of sinus infection symptoms manifest according to which sinus is infected, and if the infection is chronic or acute.
Sinusitis originating behind the eyes is known as Ehhmoid sinusitis, and is diagnosed by sinus infection symptoms such as pressure or pain in the lower area of the throat behind the nose, the eyes and headache at the temples. Physical strain, lying on the back, forceful coughing or holding the head upright for long periods of time can cause discomfort to aggravate. Another common sinus infection symptom is fever.
The maxillary paranasal sinus is located behind the cheekbones. Sinus infection symptoms in the maxillary area range from pain around the cheekbones, eyes and upper teeth, with discomfort either or both sides. There may also be a redness, tenderness or swelling of the cheekbones, nasal discharge and fever. The discomfort worsens if the head is held upright, and alleviates when reclining.
The infection of frontal sinuses located behind the forehead manifest sinus infection symptoms ranging from severe pain in the forehead area, fever and a runny nose. The pain aggravates when holding the head upright and lessens when reclining. Sphenoid sinus infections symptoms vary from fever and headaches at the forehead or behind the eyes. The pain worsens when lying on the back. Other symptoms include double vision, visual disturbances and postnasal drip with a nasal discharge.
To diagnose sinus infections symptoms, the doctor might examine the swollen area around the eyes, tenderness of facial skin over the sinus areas, red nasal passages and a pus-like discharge from the nose. Also helpful in helping the doctor diagnose sinus infection symptoms would be the patient’s medical history and results of either a CT or MRI scan. MRI and CT scans show very clear images of the sinuses, making diagnosis easier.
Other complications, however uncommon, might occur with sinus infections. These occur when the infection spreads to the brain, possibly causing death.
Sinusitis is easy to treat if addressed in its early stages. Many chronic sinus infections symptoms can be caused by allergies. The medical practioner may start treating the infection with over-the-counter pain/fever remedies like Tylenol. If conditions persist, the infections are treated with bacterial antibiotics.
