1. It Starts With the Nose
An acute or chronic sinus infection causes inflammation in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. This inflamed state causes excess mucus production. This fluid will eventually clog the nasal airways. The first signs of sinusitis arising from inflammation are breathing difficulties.
Your nose may be runny at first, which could be a symptom of many conditions, even simple exposure to cold air. If you blow your nose, however, and notice a thick discharge that is green or yellowish in color, an infection is present. This thick mucus will soon cause congestion, making it hard to breathe through your nose. The outer nasal area might appear red or inflamed due to erythema, an increased blood flow to the skin surface.
2. Pain Spreads Through the Sinus Zones
Sinus inflammation reduces the space inside the sinus cavity at the same time that it fills with fluid. This creates a painful situation that manifests as headache, earache, tooth or jaw pain, or facial tenderness around the cheeks and nose.
If you have a headache that seems to center on any of these areas while showing other symptoms of sinusitis, an infection or other irritant is causing sinus inflammation. The pressure of the congested sinuses can create throbbing in the forehead, temples or behind the eyes. Sudden tooth or jaw pain might make you think you have a cavity, but these are also signs of sinusitis.
3. Throat Irritation and Cough
All the excess mucus that doesn't drain through congested nostrils will drain down the throat, when sinuses finally begin to clear. You may notice bad breath. You may also develop a cough that produces discolored phlegm and a sore, itchy throat because of it.
Eating and drinking can be a challenge when throat symptoms are at their peak. Drinking plenty of liquids will help soothe throat irritation and keep you hydrated while your body is under stress.
