Diagnosing a Sinus Infection

You can probably usually tell right away when you have a cold or allergies because the symptoms - sneezing, headaches, sinus pressure or a stuffy nose, are always so obvious. However, how can you be confident that it is allergies instead of some other illness? If you think what you have might be more serious, take a look at this list of symptoms to figure out if it's a sinus infection or not. 
                                
It's common for a sinus infection to be diagnosed as a URTI. Family doctors can sometimes mistake this infection for an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (or URTI). While symptoms may be the same as the abovementioned it will need to be treated in a different manner. One good thing is that URTI's usually heal by themselves. 
  
Therefore, do not be concerned if you have a mild version of the following symptoms. However, chronic symptoms may be evidence of a full-blown infection, for which you should see your doctor for antibiotics. 
  
If your nose runs while producing a clear discharge. The easiest way to determine if you have this infection is to think check what your nose is doing. When someone has a sinus infection their nose will run but it will be a clear discharge. Over time the mucus may become yellow or green in color. It will seem like you are constantly blowing your nose. 
  
A hot spell, like a fever. There are many infections that can present with a fever so a fever alone is not enough to diagnose an illness. Is the fever 102 degrees or higher? Go to a doctor if that is present longer then 3 days. A sinus infection's symptoms include a fever. 
  
Coughing. A cough is a sign of sickness. It may be a symptom of just a cold, but also might mean more. Again, when accompanied by other symptoms of infections, it is highly likely that the cause of the cough is the infection and not a cold. One symptom of a sinus infection is a cough which gets worse in the evening hours. 
  
Pain in the neck. You should monitor any buildup in your sinus cavity, as it can lead to a splitting headache. You might feel this as pressure at the side of your head and in your nose. It will not go away completely until your sinus infection is cleared up, but it can be relieved temporarily by taking either acetaminophen or over-the-counter nasal sprays. 
  
Feeling tired or fatigued. Generally children show this symptom more often than adults but it indicates that an infection is present. A child will have less energy for everyday activities, especially when he/she has taken drugs for cold or sinus infections. Anyone with a this infection will want to rest and take it easy. If you think you have a sinus infection, it's important to rest so that you can get better. 
  
These signs may last for about a week before fading as the infection clears of the sinuses, no matter the age. If sinus infection symptoms last over a week, or you have other health related concerns, see your health care provider immediately.