A sinus infection, also referred to as sinusitis, occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed as a result of a viral or bacterial infection. The majority of sinus infections are caused by a virus rather than bacteria, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The symptoms associated with a viral sinus infection are typically less severe and do not last as long as those caused by a bacterial infection.
Nasal Congestion
The most common symptom associated with a viral sinus infection is nasal congestion. You might experience excessive nasal discharge and frequently need to blow your nose to remove congestion from your nasal passageways. The nasal discharge may be clear or yellowish in color. If your nasal passageways are completely blocked with mucus, it may be difficult for you to breathe through your nose. Your sense of smell may also be limited during a viral sinus infection.
Headache
Pressure caused by the buildup of nasal congestion can cause you to develop a headache. If you have a viral sinus infection, you may experience headache pain at the front of the forehead that is mild to moderate in severity. Over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help alleviate any headache symptoms associated with viral sinus infection.
Sore Throat
If congestion builds up within your nasal passageways, it may run down the back of your throat---a condition called postnasal drip. Mucus resulting from a viral sinus infection can cause inflammation or irritation to develop at the back of the throat. If this occurs, you may develop a sore or swollen throat, which can be painful and interfere with your ability to eat certain foods. Over-the-counter analgesic throat sprays or lozenges can help alleviate any throat pain you experience as a result of a viral sinus infection.
Fever
Some people who develop a viral sinus infection may also experience a fever. A fever is your body's natural defense mechanism against infection and helps prevent the virus from growing and spreading throughout your body. A fever caused by a viral sinus infection is typically low-grade---less than 100.4 degrees---whereas a fever caused by bacteria is likely to be higher, according to the CDC. Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, can help alleviate this symptom.
Facial Pain or Tenderness
Increased nasal congestion caused by a viral sinus infection can cause pressure to accumulate with the sinus passageways. This pressure can also cause pain to develop in areas of the face that surround the nose. The pain may be dull or throbbing or may become worse if you tip your head forward. An over-the-counter decongestant medication may help decrease nasal pressure and resulting pain.
