Infected sinuses, a medical condition called sinusitis, can develop when bacterial or viral pathogens enter a person's respiratory tract. This common disease affects approximately 31 million people in the United States each year, according to health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center. Depending upon the severity of infected sinus symptoms, people may require antibiotic or saline nasal treatment to resolve uncomfortable symptoms.
Nasal Discharge, Congestion and Pressure
Nasal discharge and congestion are the most common symptoms of infected sinuses, report medical professionals with MedlinePlus. Nasal congestion can appear thick and yellow or green in color and typically limits a person's ability to breathe through the nose normally. Affected people may frequently rub, wipe or blow their nose to remove nasal congestion from the nostrils. Nasal congestion can also increase the amount of pressure within a person's sinuses. Consequently, people with infected sinuses can develop sensations of pain or pressure near the nose, along the jaw or at the front of the forehead. Additionally, people with this infection can develop mucus that runs from the nasal passageways into the back of the throat, an infected sinuses symptom called postnasal drip. These infected sinuses symptoms can be bothersome and may persist for longer than a week.
Headache, Fever or Fatigue
Increased sinus pressure caused by an infection within the sinuses can contribute to headache symptoms in certain people. Fever symptoms can also arise in conjunction with other infected sinuses symptoms, warns UMMC medical professionals. People with fever can appear flushed or may begin to sweat. These infected sinus symptoms can contribute to increased fatigue in certain people. Excessive fatigue can negatively affect a person's ability to remain alert and attentive while completing normal daily responsibilities.
Cough, Sore Throat or Unpleasant Breath
People with a sinus infection can develop a dry cough or sore throat as symptoms, reports MayoClinic.com. Cough symptoms can persist for several days and may be worse at night. Nasal mucus that drains from the sinuses can irritate and inflame the throat, leading to sore throat pain or difficulty swallowing. Postnasal drip mucus can emit a foul odor, which can cause people to develop unpleasant breath.
Earache
Nasal congestion resulting from infected sinuses can spread to a person's ears. Increased ear pressure can cause earache or ear fullness symptoms in people with this infection, according to UMMC health experts. Persistent earache symptoms can make it difficult for a person to fall asleep and can lead to temporary hearing loss.
