A sinus infection can be a serious issue, but it’s often confused with the common flu, as the two conditions share many of the same symptoms. Because of that, many people go without treatment, even though they may need to.

That lets the condition affect you for longer while possibly causing more damage. Figuring out when to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor can be confusing if you don’t know much about the condition.

There are multiple signs you could have a sinus infection. It’s vital to know what they are so you can get proper help when you need it.

Nasal Congestion

It’s not uncommon to experience nasal congestion when you have a sinus infection. Your sinuses will usually be swollen and inflamed, leaving nowhere for mucus to go. It won’t be able to drain. That builds up quickly, causing the congested feeling you’ll have in your face.

Thick and Colored Nasal Discharge

Nasal discharge is common with flus, colds and sinus infections, but there’s a difference between the discharges you can expect. With a sinus infection, you can expect the discharge to be thicker and have a distinct color, with this usually being yellow or green. It also wouldn’t be as watery as you’d see with a flu.

Fatigue

Your body uses up a lot of energy to fight off a sinus infection, and this can cause you to feel fatigued for the time you have it. Some of the other symptoms of the condition, such as dizziness and a cough, can also make you feel more and more tired with time.

Head Pain

While colds and flus can cause a feeling of pressure on your face, a sinus infection causes a full-blown headache. It’s typically more painful than you’d find with either of the other conditions, with this being caused by inflammation and congestion around your face.

Symptoms That Persist for Over Two Weeks

One of the clearer signs you have a sinus infection rather than a cold or flu is the length of time you have the illness. Colds and flus usually only last a few days, but the symptoms of a sinus infection can last several weeks. If you’re suffering from any of them for more than two weeks, it’s time to see an ENT doctor to get it accurately diagnosed and treated.

Postnasal Drip

A postnasal drip is one of the more notable signs you have a sinus infection, but it’s also one of the more similar to the signs of a cold or flu. The drip takes place from your nose to the back of the throat, making it one of the more unpleasant symptoms to have. The mucus that this causes usually has a green or yellowish tint, setting it apart from the watery mucus caused by a flu.

Bad Breath

Bacteria builds up when you have a sinus infection, and this usually results in you developing bad breath. The bacteria builds up because of the congestion mentioned above, with this becoming worse as the infection goes on. Since the discharge can’t come out your nose, it leaks into the back of your mouth, causing a bad odor.

Loss of Taste and Smell

Sinus infections naturally affect your senses of taste and smell, with these often being one of the first things to be affected. In most cases, these will decrease, but it’s not uncommon for them to go away almost completely. Food will taste and smell quite bland, although it’s likely you could still tell sweet and salty tastes apart.

Fever

A fever is a normal reaction to any infection, with your body raising its temperature to try to kill it off. A low-grade fever can be a sign you have a sinus infection. It’s worth noting, though, that this isn’t always the case. Instead, it’s more common with acute cases rather than chronic sinus infections.

Dizziness

Nasal congestion can have an impact on its own, but it’s not uncommon for it to also lead to you feeling dizzy and off-balance. The symptom becomes more apparent if you move your head or lean forward, with this becoming quite unpleasant. As you move around, it could get even worse.

If you’re experiencing a sinus infection, speaking to an ENT doctor is an effective way to get it accurately diagnosed and treated. At ENT Physicians Inc., we’re specialists in diagnosing and treating sinus infections and similar issues. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, we can help.

Give us a call at (419) 318-4987 and we’ll schedule an appointment to help you.

10 Signs You Have a Sinus Infection