Sinus Infection Symptoms

If you’ve ever had a sinus infection or are having a sinus problem now then you may know what some of these symptoms are.

However there are symptoms you may not have recognized and then of course there are the more obvious. In all my years of helping people recognize and treat themselves naturally for sinusitis or any type of chronic sinus problem, I find there are many people who just don’t have the knowledge yet.

Part of the problem is that many people assume they have a cold and try to treat it as such when they actually have a sinus infection or the beginning of one. There are a few ways to tell if you have a sinus infection and not a cold. Both of these medical problems are systemic meaning the whole body is affected not just locally- the area of the sinus cavities.

You may have the same symptoms as someone else or your symptoms may be different. Sniffling, coughing and a runny nose may or may not be existent. Some people experience a blockage and don’t experience any sniffling, coughing or runny nose.

I have found that about 75% of the people I’ve talked to with sinus symptoms who think they have a cold have a sinus infection starting or a full-blown acute sinus infection already or sinusitis (inflamed sinuses) and not a cold. Colds are caused by viruses. Sinus infections are usually caused by fungi. There can be other particles in the air that can get up into the sinus cavities and stir up trouble. They can inflame and weaken the sinus cavities in such a way that they are more vulnerable.

One of the most common symptoms is an irritated or sore throat. Many people with sore throats assume they’re getting a cold or strep throat. There is an easy way to find out. Gargle with some salt water solution, called saline solution. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Gargle gently a few times. Make sure you don’t have too much salt because you don’t want to irritate your throat even more. Wait a few minutes. And if you feel some relief you may have an irritated throat from the sinus drainage that leaks down the back of your throat irritating it.

Many people tell me they have a slight headache or severe headache. There are many medical experts over the years that claim that sinus headaches are rare. But too many people have reported to me that they have them during or at the beginning of a sinus infection.

Another obvious symptom which may or may not be present is yellowish mucous. This has been a classic sign of a sinus infection for many years.

There are other more obvious symptoms that may help you know how to tell if you have a sinus infection such as nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, a feeling of blockage, sneezing, coughing, feeling of pressure and chills with some sinus infections. There are natural remedies and methods that can help you stop a sinus infection in its tracks. Sinus treatment has changed over the past few years and antibiotics are no longer recommended. Sinusitis can be treated without sinus drugs or medicines.