Sinus Infections

How do I know if I have a sinus infection, a cold, or allergies?

Sinus infections, colds, and allergies often coincide and may share many symptoms, including nasal congestion, post nasal drip, and a runny nose. A common cold often begins with minor symptoms that worsen quickly and then gradually resolve over about one week. Viruses often trigger fevers, body aches, chills, and other symptoms throughout the body in addition to their associated congestion and drainage. Mucus is often clear during a viral illness, but over time may become thicker and discolored as the flow of mucus is impaired from the sinuses and nasal cavities. Colds can lead to sinus infections, which often take off with worsening symptoms just as the initial cold symptoms were improving. Sinus infections generally last longer than colds, and often carry additional symptoms such as localizing pressure or pain in the forehead, cheeks, between or behind the eyes, persisting and worsening nasal congestion, and drainage on one or both sides of the nose that appears increasingly like infection (thick, yellow/green/white mucus).

When should I see a doctor for my sinus infection?

Acute sinusitis rarely requires medical attention, and patients can usually find symptomatic relief through over-the-counter remedies such as decongestants, nasal sprays, and nasal saline irrigations. However, you should contact an experienced sinus specialist if:

• Your symptoms last longer than a week
• Your symptoms seem to improve, but then worsen
• You have a persistent fever
• Your sense of smell remains dull
• Your nose remains congested
• You have a history of chronic sinusitis

In some cases, sinusitis leads to a more serious infection involving the eyes or the brain. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, you should contact a doctor or seek evaluation in an emergency department immediately:

• High fever
• Pain, redness, or swelling around the eyes
• Confusion
• Changes to vision, including double vision
• x Trusted Source Acute Sinusitis Mayo Clinic Go to Source Stiff neck

How is a sinus infection diagnosed?

Sinus infection diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s symptoms and a CT scan of the sinuses, which may be available in the office during your visit or might require a visit to an imaging facility. In certain cases an endoscopic examination of the nose and sinus openings might be needed for further clarification, particularly when evaluating for nasal polyps, nosebleeds, or lesions that might require further biopsy and workup. Cultures are obtained from inside of the nose in specific situations, but are not needed in the routine management of sinusitis.