Sinus infections are quite common during this time of year. Nearly 31 million Americans deal with a sinus infection each year, but many of them still aren’t sure which symptoms indicate whether they have a sinus infection or not. Sinus infections and sinus headaches aren’t the same thing, but sinus headaches are one common symptom of a sinus infection. It is important to note, however, that sinus headaches can also occur on their own, apart from a sinus infection. Our AFC Urgent Care TN team explains more about both sinus headaches and sinus infections below, so keep reading!
What Is a Sinus Headache?
Sinus headaches cause deep, throbbing pain inside a person’s head and pressure throughout their face. Sinus headaches are frequently mistaken for migraines or tension headaches as all these conditions can share similar symptoms, such as a sensitivity to light and noise. The difference is that sinus headaches are a specific reaction to inflammation of the sinuses, which are the air-filled cavities in the forehead and cheeks and around the nose and eyes. Because of this, a sinus headache may start off feeling like congestion and then turn into something more painful
Common Sinus Headache Symptoms
- Fever
- Stuffy nose
- Thick, colored mucus discharge from the nose
- Feeling of fullness in the ears
- Swollen or puffy face
What Is a Sinus Infection?
Like we said earlier, the sinuses are air-filled spaces inside the forehead, cheekbones and behind the bridge of your nose. When they get inflamed, which is usually because of an allergic reaction or a bacterial or viral infection, they swell, make more mucus and the channels that drain them get blocked with fluid. When a blockage occurs, it typically causes a sinus infection. We’ve listed the most common symptoms of a sinus infection below.Common Sinus Infection Symptoms
- Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose (runny nose) or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
- Blocked or stuffy nose that causes difficulty breathing through the nose
- Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead that worsens when bending over
