Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, manifests with several common symptoms related to nasal and facial discomfort. The most prominent symptom is facial pain or pressure, often felt around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks. This discomfort can worsen when bending over or lying down. Nasal congestion and blockage are also typical, causing difficulty breathing through the nose. People with sinusitis may experience a reduced sense of smell and taste, as well as a persistent cough, particularly at night. Thick, discolored mucus drainage from the nose or down the back of the throat is another common sign of sinus infection.

In addition to these primary symptoms, sinusitis can cause headaches, fatigue, fever, and dental pain, particularly in the upper teeth. The mucus may be yellow or green, which is more indicative of a bacterial infection, though it can also occur with viral infections. Sinusitis symptoms can overlap with those of other upper respiratory conditions, such as the common cold or allergies, so it is important to track the duration and severity of symptoms to differentiate between these conditions. Chronic sinusitis may involve more persistent or recurrent symptoms, lasting longer than 12 weeks despite treatment.