The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. They are located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes. Mucous membranes line the sinuses and drain out, allowing air to flow. Certain conditions may cause an inflammation in the sinuses or nasal passages, allowing the mucous to build up, causing an infection.
Head Pain
A headache may be an indication of a sinus infection, especially in the forehead area. Pressure and a feeling of fullness may be felt. The upper cheek area, including the teeth and jaw, may be tender to touch. Pain between the eyes may be a medical symptom of a sinus infection. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) reports that the eyelids and tissues surrounding the eyes may become swollen in combination with the pain. A stuffy nose and loss of smell may also be present. Pain at the top of the head and earaches can also be involved.
Post-nasal Drip
Frequent, thick, nasal secretions that drip down the back of the throat during a sinus infection are referred to as a post-nasal drip. This can be difficult to clear from the throat due to the consistency. The drainage may appear as yellow, green or blood-tinged.
Other Symptoms
Common symptoms often associated with a sinus infection are bad breath, a cough that intensifies at night, fever, fatigue or tiredness, and a sore throat.
Symptoms in Children
The University of Maryland Medical Centers states that sinus infections in adults usually follow a cold that does not improve and children experience this also. Children may begin to recover, but the illness regresses. Children may exhibit a sinus infection with the symptoms of running a high fever accompanied by dark, nasal drainage, usually lasting for three days. The nasal drainage may be present with a cough and can last for 10 days, while not showing signs of improvement.
Duration of Symptoms
A sinus infection that is caused by bacteria typically lasts up to 4 weeks, and an infection caused by a virus lasts less than 4 weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The duration of symptoms regarding a sinus infection will also depend on the status of the immune system and other predisposing factors, such as the presence of nasal polyps or nasal bone spurs, a deviated septum, and other diseases or allergies.
