Sinusitis, commonly referred to as a sinus infection, can be a source of significant discomfort and pain. The primary symptom of a sinus infection is painful pressure in various areas of the face, depending on which sinus is affected. Frontal sinusitis leads to pain in the forehead, maxillary sinusitis causes pain over the cheek or in the upper jaw and teeth, ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis results in pain behind the eyes, and sphenoid sinusitis can cause pain at the top of the head.
According to Harvard Health, inflamed sinuses often require a ‘watch and wait’ approach. Alarm signs of a bacterial sinus infection include sharp pain in the cheeks or teeth accompanied by fever. If cold-like symptoms subside but then severe pain and fever emerge, antibiotics may be considered, though they are generally not very effective in sinusitis treatment.
Keck Medicine of USC highlights additional symptoms of sinusitis such as bad breath, fever, lethargy, loss of smell or taste, and ear pressure. It’s noted that sinus infection symptoms differ from common colds, with most cases beginning as a cold and resolving within 7 to 10 days.
While sinus pain is typically felt in the head, it’s important to differentiate it from other types of pain. Harvard Health points out that neck pain, especially when unusual or persistent and accompanied by severe headache, could indicate a cervical artery dissection. Baylor College of Medicine explains that sinus headaches usually accompany congestion, with sinus pressure arising from blocked drainage passageways.
Ohio State Medical Center describes the common symptoms and challenges in managing sinusitis, emphasizing the persistent stuffy nose and facial pressure. Stanford Medicine elaborates on the causes, noting that upper respiratory infections (URIs) and allergic diseases can lead to sinusitis due to inflammation and obstruction in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Harvard Health also mentions that acute sinusitis can cause various pains, like earaches from sphenoid sinusitis, or cheek pain from maxillary sinusitis. Sinus infections are more likely to cause green nasal discharge, fever, and facial pain.
In conclusion, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for sinusitis is crucial for effective management and relief from this common but often painful condition.
