Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

At ENT Memphis, Rande Lazar, MD, provides comprehensive care for patients with the full range of ear, nose, and throat problems. Rande Lazar, MD, frequently sees patients for pain caused by sinus infection. Also called sinusitis, a sinus infection is a swelling or inflammation of the sinuses caused by a blockage in the flow of mucus. These blockages can stem from a cold virus, allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. When normal mucus flow is blocked, the sinuses fill with fluid, and bacteria, viruses, and even fungi have the perfect environment to run rampant. A sinus infection can be acute (lasting four weeks or less) or chronic (lasting eight weeks or longer). Some patients have several recurring bouts of sinusitis every year. Symptoms include headache, facial pain, nasal drainage or stuffiness, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. At times, acute sinus infections go away on their own and do not require antibiotics. Other times antibiotics are prescribed. The physician may recommend decongestants as well as steam inhalation, saline nasal spray, and other home remedies to relieve the congestion and pain in the sinuses. For chronic and recurring cases, allergy shots and nasal corticosteroids may be advised. If symptoms continue for several months or keep recurring despite conservative treatments, an ENT specialist may recommend surgery to drain the sinus cavity or enlarge the sinus opening.

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