●     Bad breath

●     Fever

●     Tooth pain (especially in the upper teeth)

●     Cough

●     Ear pressure

Because many of these symptoms could indicate the presence of another condition, your otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) will take into consideration a number of factors when making a diagnosis, including the timing of the symptoms and your specific combination of symptoms. He or she may order additional tests that can help with a correct diagnosis of your problem.

Are Sinus Infections Serious?

Sinus infections are painful, uncomfortable and irritating to sufferers, especially ones that linger. However, what many people don’t realize is that the cause of the infection and the location of the infection could lead to serious consequences when left untreated.

The term "sinusitis" refers to the condition -- the inflammation of the sinus linings or nasal passages. However, this term refers to a condition that has many causes, which can be very different. These infections may be viral or bacterial in nature, and the only way to determine whether or not you have a viral infection (e.g., the common cold) or a bacterial infection is to swab the inside of the nose and culture it. While this is typically unnecessary, patients who experience severe or lingering infections should seek medical attention to determine the cause and treatment options.