The proper medical term for a sinus infection is sinusitis. Because a sinus infection has many symptoms that are similar to those of a cold or the flu, to proper diagnose sinus infection by yourself is quite difficult. A sinus infection can also be in many cases, the result of a infection in your upper respiratory system. However, there are some signs of a sinus infection that are specific to this ilness. Here are some tips in how to make the difference between a sinus infection of the flu, or just a cold.
A sinus infection can be caused by bacteria or viruses. In many sinus infection cases, both a bacteria and viruses are the ones to blame. For example, when you catch a cold, your sinuses may also get inflammated, thus you can develop a viral sinus infection. However, because of the inflammation, bacteria could also get caught up in your sinuses and you could develop a bacterial sinus infection. This particular illness, sinus infection can also be acute or chronic. Chronic sinus infection is much worse than acute sinus infection and it is harder to treat. When you have more than three episodes of sinus infection a year and the period of the illness is much longer than two months, then you are probably suffering from chronic sinus infection. There are just some fact sheets that you need to know about sinus infection. Now, you must learn to make the difference between sinus infection, allergies and the flu, or the cold. If you do not have any fever, you feel no pain in your body but you are sniffing a lot, there is nothing to worry about. You do not have a sinus infection, but allergies. This is not contagious. However, if you have a fever, your body aches, you feel tired all the time and are sniffing, then you should take care of yourself. These are not signs of a sinus infection, but a cold or probably the flu. You are contagious in the first few days, so you should avoid any contact with people. Coughing, chills and sweat can also indicate the flu, not a sinus infection.