Symptoms of Sinus Infection in Adults

Sinusitis may occur in two forms; acute and chronic. The acute one occurs suddenly, while the other one, which is also the most common, develops gradually with time. The acute form, usually lasts for 4 - 8 weeks, and commonly occur 3 times a year, for an average person. However, when it comes to the chronic type, the condition may last more than 12 weeks, and keep on recurring. Most people suffer from it for about 4 times a year.

Symptoms Typical of Sinus Infection

The symptoms that indicate the onset of a sinus infection are obvious, and easy to detect. The following presents a table, wherein, the symptoms of the infection in adults would be described according to the type (acute or chronic), and the sinuses that are affected. The sinus comprises frontal sinuses (in the forehead), maxillary sinuses (behind the cheek bones), ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes), and sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes).

Acute Sinusitis
Sinuses	Symptoms
Frontal sinusitis	The forehead is affected by a throbbing pain Pain gets better when sitting or standing with the head in an upright position, but worsens with a reclining one. Fever, postnasal drip, and nasal discharge.
Maxillary sinusitis	The pain radiates around the cheekbone area. It may spread to the areas under the eyes, or under the teeth. Cheekbone may appear swollen or tender to touch. When the patient keeps the head in an upright position, the pain worsens, but improves when reclining. Postnasal drip; may be accompanied by a fever.
Ethmoid sinusitis	Postnasal drip. Pain around the inner corner of the eye is common. Pain can also affect the temple, or around the nose. This pain worsens with coughing, sneezing, bending, etc.
Sphenoid sinusitis	When the sphenoid sinuses are affected, the symptoms that occur may include pain that can felt behind the eye, on top the head, and across the forehead as well. If the person lies on his back or bends forward, then the pain aggravates. Visual disturbances may also occur as a result of this sinusitis. Fever is common, and so is nasal discharge, and postnasal drip.

Chronic Sinusitis
Sinuses	Symptoms
Frontal sinusitis	Pain in the forehead stays with a mild intensity.
Maxillary sinusitis	A constant discomfort or pressure under the eyes is one common symptoms. Toothache may be present, and may be long-lasting. Conditions such as colds, flu, or allergies tend to worsen the symptoms. Cough increases at night.
Ethmoid sinusitis	Sore throat, accompanied by bad breath. These symptoms may be chronic in nature, happening almost everyday. Pain tends to be worse in the morning. Nasal discharge may be chronic in nature.
Sphenoid sinusitis	A low-grade headache.

Causes of Sinus Infection

The common factors which are known to cause sinus infection may include:

• Viral infection
• Bacterial infection
• Fungal infection
• Tumors on nasal passages
• Infection of teeth
• Allergies
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated nasal septum
• Immune system disorders

The treatment is to address the causes. In case of acute sinusitis, the most common cause is a viral infection. That is why, it does not really require any treatment, except that the person must take plenty of rest. Also, making use of nasal decongestants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and over-the-counter pain relievers, are good enough to improve the symptoms, while the condition is getting healed.

In case of a chronic sinus infection, bacterial infection or fungal infection are the common offenders, including the others that have been mentioned. Antibiotics, or antifungals are used to treat a chronic sinus infection. Even if the condition gets better, the symptoms tend to recur, and that is why, in most cases, the chronic type cannot be cured. Thus, the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms, and improving the quality of life. Doctors aim for reducing the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, helping the sinus to drain, and preventing or treating any infection.