Common Sinus Infection Symptoms
Sinus symptoms can feel like a cold at first, but they often come with more facial pressure and thicker drainage.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Stuffy or blocked nose
- Thick yellow or green nasal drainage
- Facial pressure or pain (forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes)
- Headache
- Cough
- Post-nasal drip (mucus draining into the throat)
- Sore throat or cough (often worse at night)
- Bad breath
- Fever or fatigue
- Ear pressure
While many sinus infections improve on their own, you should consider urgent care if symptoms are not improving, getting worse, or disrupting your daily life.
What Causes a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection happens when the lining of your sinuses becomes swollen. This can trap mucus and cause pressure, pain, and congestion. However, the cause of your sinus infection may be due to a number of different factors.
Viral Illness
Most sinus infections begin with a viral illness, such as the common cold. When a virus causes swelling in the nasal passages, it can block normal sinus drainage. Trapped mucus creates pressure and discomfort. Viral sinus infections often improve within 7 to 10 days with rest and supportive care.
Bacterial Infection
Sometimes, bacteria grow in trapped mucus inside the sinuses. This can happen after a cold that doesn’t improve or seems to get worse. Bacterial sinus infections may cause facial pain, thick nasal discharge, and fever. Unlike viral infections, they may require prescription treatment to fully resolve symptoms.
Allergies and Irritants
Allergies, smoke, pollution, and strong odors can inflame the nasal passages. Ongoing swelling makes it harder for the sinuses to drain properly. For example, high pollen counts or exposure to cigarette smoke may trigger congestion and pressure. Over time, this irritation can increase the risk of sinus infection.
Structural Factors
Certain structural issues can block normal sinus drainage. A deviated septum, nasal polyps, or narrow sinus openings may prevent mucus from flowing freely. When drainage is limited, mucus can build up and create pressure. These factors can make some people more prone to recurring sinus infections.
How We Diagnose a Sinus Infection
To diagnose a sinus infection, our providers focus on your symptoms and exam findings.
During your visit, we may ask:
- How long symptoms have lasted
- Whether symptoms are improving or worsening
- If you have allergies, asthma, or frequent sinus issues
- What treatments you’ve already tried
Based on this information and any related testing, we’ll recommend a care plan that fits your symptoms and history.
Find Relief from Sinus Infection Symptoms
Care starts with understanding what’s behind your symptoms and how much they’re affecting you. After an exam, your provider will create a care plan focused on easing discomfort and helping your body heal.
Your plan may include:
- Medications to ease congestion or sinus pressure, when appropriate
- Treatment for allergy-related symptoms, if allergies are a factor
- A prescription, if your condition calls for it
- Simple at-home tips to improve comfort and recovery
If signs point to a bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed.
At University Hospitals Urgent Care, we make it easy to get answers fast, so you can breathe easier and get back to your routine. Walk in today or book ahead online for convenient, trusted care close to home.