Sinus Infection Symptoms - What is a Sinus Infection?

Everyone is likely to experience several bouts of sinus infection symptoms during his or her lifetime. Whether it begins as a cold or an allergy, sinus infection is one of the most common reasons why people call in sick for work, resulting in two to three days of non-productivity. With so many bothersome symptoms -- including clogged and/or dripping nose, fever and headache -- who would even want to work?

What is a Sinus Infection?

Sinus infection, or simply sinusitis, is an inflammatory condition of the sinuses and nasal passages. This inflammatory process may be triggered by any of the following...

·    Viral infection (such as in flu)

·    Allergens (irritating substances that cause allergies)

·    Bacterial infection, specifically Streptococcus pneumoniae (which causes strep throat), Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis

These pathogens are the common causes of acute sinusitis. In an acute sinus infection, an individual should have no more than 3 episodes per year with each episode having a duration not exceeding 10 days.
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Chronic or recurring sinusitis, on the other hand, is characterized by episodes that may occur more than 4 times in a year with a duration exceeding 20 days, and sometimes exceeding 8 weeks. Chronic sinus infection is more often caused by anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can thrive even without oxygen) such as Staphylococcus aureus and fungi (especially in immunocompromised patients).

Sinus Infection Symptoms : How Does Sinus Infection Develop?

The sinuses and nasal passages have built in defenses against viruses and bacteria in the form of a mucous layer and hair-like cells on the surface called cilia. The mucous layer traps bacteria and other irritants which are then propelled outside by the cilia.

In the process of an infection, primarily viral, the cells in the sinus lining become damaged, resulting in inflammation. As the lining thickens and mucous secretion increases, the sinuses and nasal passages become obstructed, so that any harmful bacteria could not be expelled. This causes the proliferation of bacteria, which invade the sinus lining, giving rise to a full blown sinus infection and symptoms.

To read more about how sinus infection develops, WebMD offers comprehensive information.

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

Doctors are often heard to say "sinus infection signs symptoms", but what is the difference between the two? According to DeGowin & DeGowin's Bedside Diagnostic Examination, a sign is any "abnormality perceived by the physician's senses and found by him or her in the physical examination". An example of a sign is facial tenderness elicited by the doctor while palpating the sinuses of the patient. On the other hand, a symptom is any "abnormality perceived by the patient's own senses and conveyed to the physical during history-taking." An example of a symptom is a headache.

The signs and symptoms of a sinus infection is dependent upon which particular sinuses are affected and if the infection is acute or chronic. In general, a sinus infection may present with any or all of the following symptoms...

·    Nasal congestion

·    Thick nasal discharge, which may be purulent

·    Headache or a feeling of pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek or one side of the head

·    Dizziness

·    Post nasal drip (mucus secretions drop down the throat behind the nose)

·    Sore throat

·    Bad breath

·    Fever

Sinus Infection Symptoms, Remedies and Treatment - Dr. Jordan Josephson

Sinus Infection Symptoms - Conclusion

Aside from treating the cause of the sinusitis, every sinus infection symptom, particularly troublesome ones like headache and sinus pressure, have their own treatment. Thus, to guarantee complete cure of sinusitis, both the causative agent of the sinus inflammation and individual sinus infection symptoms need to be addressed.