Summary: Sinus infection symptoms are usually pretty classic. You should always consult with your doctor though to make sure. Antibiotics are generally effective short-term but of little help in preventing chronic sinus infections.
Dear Curtis: I’m wondering if these are sinus infection symptoms: I have pain above my eyes with a clear nasal discharge. I have had a cold for about a week and while the cough is getting better the headache remains. and it’s BAD. It’s hard to even go to work.
First of all let me say…I’m sorry!
Having a sinus infection is a miserable experience. particularly one you’ve had for any length of time. and I know from personal experience.
I had never had a sinus infection before so when I finally got one it took me by surprise. It went on for weeks. I had extreme head pain. was sensitive to light and if I blew my nose just perfectly I could hear (and feel) a little ‘release’ in my nose. It almost sounded like a slow, high pitched tire leak.
That would give me a little bit of relief but then it would build back up and I was to square one.
Eventually, with the help of a same day care doctor I discovered that I did indeed have a “raging” sinus infection (in his words). but, enough about me.
With what you are telling me it’s frankly, hard to say if it is a sinus infection. but, with the general symptoms you are listing there is a good chance it’s a sinus infection. also, because you said you had a cold it makes me think it’s a sinus infection as they often follow a cold or a flu infection.
But, to help you (and your doctor) let’s ask a few more questions and look at a true sinus infection in a little more detail.
Acute vs. Chronic Symptoms
From what you’re describing you appear to be in the acute phase since it has been occurring less than 4 weeks. A chronic sinus infection would run out past eight weeks.
Sinus Location
Also, you have more than just one ‘sinus’ – as the name confusingly implies. the area that you are describing, above your eyes, is very commonly affected. but, without getting into too many specifics lets just focus on some of the more common symptoms that you might experience with a sinus infection and that way it will give you a better idea of your next course of action.
Common General Symptoms
While the following tend to be seen in most sinus infections they may not all be present at the same time.
- Nasal discharge: Because sinus infections often follow colds or flu’s nasal discharge can be common and actually thicken and become worse over time.
- Chronic Dry Cough
- Pressure in the face
- Teeth pressure (particularly as you bend over)
- Pain around the eyes (especially if a child has a sinus infection)
- Bad breath
- Post nasal drip (where nose discharge literally drips back into your throat causing you to clear your throat constantly)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Lack of response to antihistamines or decongestants
Sinus Infection Treatment
I’m pretty confident that your doctor will likely conclude that you do have a sinus infection and will likely prescribe you some antibiotics to treat it like Amoxicillin.
Now, while antibiotics will likely bring you relief in my experience they aren’t a long term solution because they aren’t fixing the actual cause.
Without getting into too much detail your sinuses are basically air filled pockets in your skull. and, as you learned above, with the right conditions (say a cold or a flu) they can become inhabited with bacteria, fungus or viruses. They set up camp in your sinuses and make you miserable.
So, while treating the actual bug that is causing the sinus infection is helpful, unless you control your overall health and keep the sinuses clear you may likely have a reinfection with your next cold. That’s why the most helpful thing for me to prevent (and even treat a mild sinus infection) has been sinus irrigation.
It keeps your sinuses flushed out and makes it difficult for bacteria or other bugs to call it home. plus, it’s extremely safe and approved by a lot of ear, nose and throat doctors. but, just to make sure, discuss it with your doctor.
I’m a big fan because it helped me when prescription medications couldn’t. That’s why when I feel a cold coming on now I immediately start irrigating my sinuses.