Symptoms that feel like a sinus infection can also be caused by the common cold, the flu, seasonal or year-round allergies, COVID-19, migraines, or other respiratory illnesses.
Upper respiratory viral infections and allergy symptoms can mimic sinusitis; however, there are some distinguishing characteristics. Usually we do not diagnose a sinus infection unless symptoms have been present for at least ten days.
If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose and facial pain that don't go away after ten days, you might have bacterial sinusitis. Your symptoms may seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms.
Allergic sinusitis symptoms generally vary with the season and may include: Nasal congestion (sneezing, runny nose) and post nasal drip that persists for more then two weeks. Itchy eyes, nose and throat. Headache, pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around the forehead, cheeks, nose and between eyes.
An infection, growths in the sinuses, called nasal polyps, or swelling of the lining of the sinuses can cause chronic sinusitis. Symptoms might include a blocked or stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe through the nose and pain and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
To relieve pregnancy sinus pressure, use safe methods like saline nasal sprays/rinses, steam inhalation, humidifiers, and warm compresses; stay hydrated with water/broth; elevate your head when sleeping; and consider pregnancy-safe OTC nasal sprays (like Rhinocort) or antihistamines (like Chlorpheniramine) after checking with your doctor, who can also recommend what's safe.
Sinusitis red flags signal a severe infection needing urgent care, including severe eye symptoms (swelling, redness, vision changes like double vision), high fever, stiff neck, confusion, severe facial swelling/numbness, or neurological changes (difficulty walking/talking), indicating potential spread to the eyes or brain. For less severe cases, seek care if symptoms last over 10 days, worsen after improving ("double sickening"), or include severe facial pain/toothache, suggesting bacterial sinusitis.
The four main symptoms of sinusitis are nasal congestion/blockage, facial pain/pressure, thick, discolored mucus (yellow/green), and a reduced sense of smell or taste, often accompanied by a cough, postnasal drip, and fatigue, making it hard to breathe and causing discomfort around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
Sinus infections and COVID-19 can both cause congestion and sore throats, but COVID-19 often presents with additional symptoms like body aches and loss of smell. Understanding the key differences between COVID and a sinus infection can help with getting an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment.
How else can I get rid of a sinus infection naturally?
SINUSITIS OFTEN GOES MISDIAGNOSED AS:
Sinusitis and earache are closely related as a sinus congestion often develops into an ear congestion. Infected sinuses tend to swell and become congested with mucus, in turn exerting painful pressure on nearby body parts, such as the middle ear. This leads to experiencing severe discomfort in one or both ears.
A health care provider inserts a thin, flexible tube, known as an endoscope, into the nose. A light on the tube allows a care provider to see inside the sinuses. Imaging tests. CT or MRI scans can show details of the sinuses and nasal area.
Many people associate sinus and nasal symptoms with a sinus infection, also called sinusitis, or with an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. Someone may say that they're experiencing a sinus headache. But sinus and nasal symptoms often can signal something else: a migraine headache.
Invasive fungal sinusitis is an infection that develops in the sinus tissue from inhaling a fungus. It affects the sinuses and the nose lining and causes inflammation, stuffy nose, fever and headache. If left untreated, it can spread to the blood vessels, eyes and nervous system.
Sinusitis fatigue can lead to a feeling of deep-seated, persistent weariness or exhaustion that goes beyond regular tiredness. Your body may feel exhausted, with a sluggishness that makes it difficult to perform even simple, routine activities.
Common New COVID Variant Symptoms in 2025
Self-Assessment Quiz Sinus Infections
Yes, a sinus infection (sinusitis) can absolutely cause nausea, primarily through post-nasal drip irritating the stomach and from the intense pressure and inflammation leading to headaches and dizziness, which in turn trigger queasiness. This happens when excess mucus drains down the throat, upsetting the stomach lining, and sinus pressure affects balance, leading to nausea or even vomiting.
A GP may refer you to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you: still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment. keep getting sinusitis. only have symptoms on 1 side of your face.
Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are linked to increased inflammation in the sinuses, which can lead to more frequent and severe sinus infections. When your body doesn't get enough vitamin D: Your immune system may not fight infections as effectively.
Warning signs you should never ignore
Head to the ER right away if you have a sinus infection that includes new vision problems, significant swelling around your eyes, a severe headache, confusion, or trouble speaking. These symptoms suggest the infection may be spreading and should be treated as an emergency.
Examples include fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief, Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief, others), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), mometasone and beclomethasone (Beconase AQ, Qnasl, others). Decongestants. These medicines are available with and without a prescription. They come in liquids, tablets and nasal sprays.