It is a common symptom of a sinus infection to feel “off-balance.” Some people experience dizziness by itself and don't get the accompanying nausea, but the majority of people feel sick from feeling dizzy.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are pain and a feeling of pressure in your face. You may also get a blocked or stuffy nose, green or yellow mucus coming from your nose, a raised temperature, a cough and a general feeling of being unwell.
Common symptoms of sinus infections include: Runny nose. Stuffy nose. Facial pain or pressure.
Although many of the symptoms of the sinus infection are very similar to that of influenza, a person may not recognize them immediately. That's because these symptoms are more subtle and build up over time.
Instead, your doctor looks largely at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.
You doctor may recommend antibiotics if: You have symptoms of a bacterial infection and you have not gotten better after 10 days, even with home treatment. Your symptoms are severe, or you have other problems, such as pus forming in your sinus cavities.
Fighting a sinus infection demands energy from the body, so it is common to feel fatigued. Some people feel exhausted because they cannot breathe easily or are in pain.
“It is often best-and many times, company policy-that employees stay out of work until they are fever-free for 24 hours, especially with the flu.” Nasal congestion with sinus or facial pain suggests a sinus infection. Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial. “Either way, it's best to stay home,” Wigmore says.
You can possibly be contagious for a few days even before or after showing symptoms. Those suffering from a sinus infection should stay cautious around others for at least three days after the last symptoms have subsided.
As your body works hard to fight off the sinus infection, you'll feel more tired than usual. Fatigue can be also be caused by head pain, a lack of adequate sleep, and difficulty breathing due to sinusitis.
Try to breathe in clean, fresh air. This will be the best for your sinuses and your recovery.
If you have acute sinusitis, your symptoms likely will go away within a week to 10 days, but some people have symptoms that last up to four weeks. Chronic sinusitis symptoms last 12 weeks or more. Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) can clog your nose with mucus, make your face hurt and make you feel exhausted.
A cold typically causes peak symptoms around days three to five and then will improve over the next week. A sinus infection can cause symptoms for longer, with up to 10 or 12 days of more consistent symptoms. If your peak symptoms last for more than a week you can suspect a sinus infection.
Sometimes, you may need to get a CT scan to look for more serious inflammation deep in your sinuses. It uses X-rays to produce a cross-section view of a particular part of the body. Your doctor may also take a swab from inside your sinuses if they think you may have a fungal infection or bacterial infection.
Diagnosis of sinusitis
Imaging studies — a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can show any complications in the structure of the nose that is causing your sinusitis. Nasal and sinus cultures — if your condition is worsening, a culture can determine the cause of the infection.
Does a sinus infection cause a sore throat? Yes, it certainly can. Sinus infections can often lead to complications with post-nasal drip — excess mucus draining down the back of your throat — which in turn can cause a sore throat or cough. Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve a sore throat due to sinusitis.
Antibiotics and sinus infections
This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren't recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70% of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.
If you have a viral sinus infection, you'll typically start to feel better in 5-7 days. Symptoms unique to bacterial sinusitis include: Your condition gets much worse after you seem to be improving. You have a high fever of 100° F (37.8°C) or higher.
Fungal and bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, are not contagious, but these types of infections are uncommon. If you have a sinus infection, it's best to assume that it is viral and take as many precautions as you can, like staying home from work or school.
Avoid blowing your nose – Many medical experts feel that blowing your nose causes the bacteria that normally live in your nose to be propelled into the sinus chambers. The sinus inflammation prevents the bacteria from being swept out by normal cleansing, which can lead to more significant bacterial sinus infection.
Bright colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduces inflammation.