Do I Have a Sinus Infection? 6 Signs It's Not Just Allergies

Especially in the spring when everyone seems to be sniffling from pollen, a sinus infection can easily be dismissed as nothing more than allergies. If you’re feeling congested, here are a few ways a sinus infection differs from allergies and a cold.

What is a Sinus Infection? 
Medically known as rhinosinusitis, a sinus infection is an infection that develops in your nasal cavities, chest, lungs, or respiratory system.

Identifying a Sinus Infection

1. Pain in Your Sinuses
Unlike a cold, which feels like pressure, a sinus infection can actually hurt. Normally, patients will experience pain in their forehead, upper jaw, and teeth.

2. Nasal Discharge
It’s definitely the topic no one wants to talk about, but it’s also one of the best ways to identify a sinus infection. During allergy season, it’s normal for your nose to run a little, but that discharge will typically be clear. If you have a sinus infection, it will likely be yellow or green.

3. Sinus Headaches
The inflammation and extra fluids that collect in your sinuses can quickly cause a sinus or pressure headache. Typically, they’re worse in the morning and begin to subside in the afternoon.

4. Sore Throat or Hoarse Voice
As the discharge from your sinuses begins to drip down the back of your throat, it can cause your throat to become irritated and inflamed.

5. A Fever
Infections and fevers go hand in hand. If you think you have a sinus infection, look to see if you have a fever. But it's important to remember that it is possible to have a sinus infection and not run a high fever, so you shouldn’t rely on the thermometer alone.

6. Fatigue
If you’re getting enough sleep but still feeling tired during the day, it could be another symptom of a sinus infection.

If you think you have a sinus infection, the specialists at Florida ENT can quickly and accurately cure your symptoms. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE!