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Flatnews.cf, HEALTH - Sinus infection symptoms such as runny nose and nasal itching and congestion, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, fever and phlegm, often overlap with symptoms of other diseases such as allergy and flu.
But, there are some unique symptoms that can be a special marker of bacterial infection sinus that usually need to be treated with antibiotics.
Typically, the initial sinus infections are caused by viruses, as well as colds or flu. The virus then makes you so thick mucus making it difficult breathing.
"Then the bacteria to grow in the mucus or mucosa it. That's how the virus changes into a bacterial infection," explains Erich Voigt, M.D., director of the division of otolaryngology at NYU Langone Medical Center.
Because the virus can not be cast out of antibiotics, the doctor will determine if you actually have a bacterial infection before they give medicines.
Usually, the doctor will confirm the symptoms and may also take a sample of your mucus to be checked. The good news is, bacterial infections can be easily treated with antibiotics.
So how can you know that you suffered is a sinus infection, not allergies or the common cold? Here are the typical symptoms of a sinus infection.
1. flu-like symptoms that last longer than a week
Typically, sinus infection begins with the classic flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, fever, itching in the throat, feeling tired and sore muscles, "says Voigt.
Generally, flu symptoms will improve after three to five days, or as long as seven days. If not, or the symptoms get worse, chances are it is a bacterial infection.
2. Color snot or mucus changes
Sinus symptoms will be more obvious when an infection develops. "The nose will increasingly clogged and mucus from the nose will be more productive and change color," said Voigt.
3. Post-nasal drip
Mucus is more productive may mean you are having post-nasal drip. This occurs when the sinus mucus accumulates behind and drips into the throat and chest.
4. Cough phlegmy
Phlegmy cough is a cough that occurs because you are trying to remove the mucus that clogs. By a doctor, this is called a productive cough and a classic symptom of a sinus infection.
5. Sinus pressure and pain
Flu-like symptoms can make the nose and head feels heavy. Sinus infection also makes facial and sinus area you feel tight and painful, causing headaches.
"In some people, it can seem excruciating and often mistaken for toothache. The pain is also felt in the back of the eye or between the eyes and nose," says Voigt.
Several other people find their sinus area was swollen and sore to the touch. Sinus headaches often get worse when you bend forward, according to the Mayo Clinic.
