Symptoms

Acute sinusitis signs and symptoms often include:

• Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose (runny nose) or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
• Blocked or stuffy nose (congestion) causing difficulty breathing through your nose
• Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead that worsens when bending over

Other signs and symptoms include:

• Ear pressure
• Headache
• Aching in your teeth
• Altered sense of smell
• Cough
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Fever

When to see a doctor

Most people with acute sinusitis don't need to see a doctor.

Contact your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Symptoms that last more than a week or so
• Symptoms that worsen after seeming to improve
• A persistent fever
• A history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis

See a doctor immediately if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a serious infection:

• Pain, swelling or redness around your eyes
• High fever
• Confusion
• Double vision or other vision changes
• Stiff neck