As cold and flu season gets underway, a pharmacist has highlighted six surprising signs of a sinus infection that can easily be mistaken for other health concerns, including toothache, bad breath and earache.
Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, often following a cold or flu. This can prevent mucus from draining properly, leading to a build-up of pressure and uncomfortable symptoms.
A sinus infection is located inside the bones and tissues of the face. When the air-filled cavities behind the cheeks, eyes, nose and forehead become inflamed and filled with trapped fluid, the pressure and swelling can show up on the outside of the face.
Six lesser-known symptoms to watch for
Rachel Jones, Pharmacy Superintendent at Superdrug, reveals six surprising signs of a sinus infection to look out for, why they happen and when it's time to seek help.
1. A lingering cough, particularly at night
Jones said: "Many people don't realise that a sinus infection can contribute to a persistent cough, especially when lying down at night. This is often linked to postnasal drip, where mucus travels down the back of the throat and causes irritation, triggering the urge to cough.
"It can be particularly noticeable when you're trying to sleep. However, a cough can have many causes, so if it lasts more than three weeks, is getting worse or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical advice."
2. Headaches that worsen when bending forward
Jones said: "Sinus infections can cause a feeling of pressure or discomfort around the forehead, cheeks and eyes. Some people notice this more when bending forward, as changing the position of the head can make the pressure feel more noticeable.
"However, not every headache around the forehead or eyes is caused by sinusitis. Migraines and other types of headaches can cause similar discomfort, so it's important to consider any accompanying symptoms rather than relying on the location of the pain alone."
Signs that mimic dental and ear problems
3. Toothache
Jones said: "One of the more surprising signs of a sinus infection is toothache, particularly in the upper back teeth. This is because the maxillary sinuses sit just above the roots of your upper teeth, so when they become inflamed, the pressure can create pain that feels like it's coming from your teeth.
"Unlike a typical dental problem, sinus-related toothache may affect several upper teeth rather than just one, and the discomfort can become more noticeable when bending forward. However, toothache can have several causes, so it's important to see a dentist if you're unsure, particularly if the pain is severe, persistent or focused on one tooth."
4. Bad breath
Jones said: "Persistent bad breath isn't always down to poor oral hygiene. When your sinuses become inflamed, excess mucus can drain down the back of your throat, known as postnasal drip, which can contribute to an unpleasant smell or taste in your mouth.
"A blocked nose may also cause you to breathe through your mouth more frequently, leading to dryness that can make bad breath worse. Staying hydrated and maintaining good oral hygiene can help, but if bad breath persists, it's worth speaking to a healthcare professional to rule out other causes."
5. Earache or a feeling of blocked ears
Jones said: "Your ears, nose and throat are closely connected, which means inflammation and congestion around the nose can sometimes affect how your ears feel. Swelling can interfere with the normal function of the Eustachian tubes, which help regulate pressure in the middle ear.
"This may leave you experiencing ear pressure, muffled hearing or discomfort that feels similar to an ear infection. Although these symptoms can occur alongside sinusitis, persistent or severe ear pain, ear discharge or new hearing loss should be assessed by a healthcare professional."
6. A reduced sense of smell or taste
Jones said: "If you've noticed that your morning coffee doesn't smell as strong or your favourite foods seem to have lost their flavour, sinus inflammation could be contributing. When the nasal passages become swollen and congested, odours can struggle to reach the smell receptors high inside your nose.
"Because our sense of smell plays such an important role in how we experience flavour, food can also seem less enjoyable. A reduced sense of smell can have other causes, including respiratory viruses, so it's important not to assume sinusitis is always responsible."
When to seek help
Jones explains: "The good news is that most cases of acute sinusitis improve on their own, often within two to three weeks, and antibiotics aren't usually needed because many cases are caused by viruses. There are simple things you can do at home to ease discomfort, including getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated and using a saline nasal spray or rinse to help clear congestion."
