Sinus infections are one of the most common infections across the world. Sinus attacks are caused by an infection in the sinuses or cavities that are present in the bones near the nose. When there is any swelling in these sinuses because of some infection, breathing becomes difficult resulting in fever, headaches, and other discomforts. This is known as sinusitis.

Each sinus or cavity in the skull has an opening that allows free exchange of mucus and air. Each sinus is joined to the other by a mucous membrane lining. When there is an infection like hay fever or a disease like asthma, these sinuses and the lining become inflamed, causing air and mucus to be blocked inside or a vacuum to be created. This can cause pressure on the sinus walls, causing severe pain. There are four kinds of sinuses: frontal sinuses, maxillary sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, and sphenoid sinuses. Any part of these four sinuses can be infected, causing pain in that particular area.

There are different kinds of sinus infection symptoms depending upon the sinus that is infected. There can be pain anywhere near these sinuses. With frontal sinuses there can be pain over the eyes in the brow area; with maxillary sinuses, inside each cheekbone; with ethmoid sinuses, just behind the bridge of the nose and between the eyes; and with sphenoid sinuses, behind the ethmoids in the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes. This pain is the most common symptom for sinusitis.

Other common symptoms for sinus infections are pain in the head, ear or neck; headaches early in the morning; pain in the upper jaw/ cheeks /teeth; swelling of the eyelids; pain between the eyes; nasal discharge; stuffy nose; loss of smell; and tenderness near the nose. Sometimes, there could be fever, tiredness, weakness, severe cough and runny nose. Sinusitis can be diagnosed by tapping the sinus areas with fingertips. Very rarely, acute sinusitis can lead to infection in the brain or some other complications.

There are many over-the-counter decongestions and pain killers available to provide relief from sinus infections. These can be in the form of tablets or sprays. There are also home remedies for sinus infections like a cold/hot compress, jalapeno pepper, ripe grape juice, etc. These can provide effective relief from sinus symptoms. But acute or chronic sinusitis requires continuous treatment from a specialist.