With fall just around the corner, many of us are gearing up for the start of cold and allergy season. But what’s really causing your stuffy nose? Is it the cooler temperatures? Beginning of the allergy season? Or, could it be a sinus infection?

All three have very similar symptoms which make it hard to tell the difference. To make it a little easier, here are eight signs and symptoms you have a sinus infection:

1. Facial pressure and pain

   A common symptom of a sinus infection is pain in the face. Here’s what’s going on, you sinuses are inflamed and swollen which causes a dull ache. All that added pressure can make your face feel heavy and full.

2. Headache

   Your stuffy nose can make you tighten the muscles in your forehand and at the top your head, leaving you with a headache.

3. Teeth hurt

   You don’t need to see the dentist. Your teeth are aching because of the increased pressure building up in your face.

4. Bad breath

5. Yellow or green mucus

   Usually, colored mucus is a sign of a sinus infection. But, it’s not always a bad thing.

6. Cough up phlegm

   Post-nasal drip is commonly associated with a sinus infection.

7. Nasal congestion

   A stuffy nose is a classic symptom of a sinus infection.

8. Fever

   If you develop a fever with your nasal congestion, this is your body getting ready to fight an infection.

So you think you have a sinus infection? Now What?

Dr. Michael Lee, a Board Certified Otolaryngologist, encourages anyone who has signs or symptoms of a sinus infection to visit an ENT specialist. Because sinus infections are caused by a virus they need to be treated by a doctor.

A stuffy nose may seem like a fall staple, but if your’s last longer than 10 days you should make an appointment to see one of the ENT physicians at Premier Medical. That’s the doctor’s orders.

Resources:
http://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sinus-infection-symptoms#Overview1

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20468529,00.html#your-teeth-hurt-0

http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/managing-sinus-congestion/sinus-infection-cold-allergies/