Coughs and Colds

These symptoms most commonly result from a viral or bacterial infection or allergy. If you have symptoms that specifically suggest a bacterial infection ("acute sinusitis"), then it is important for you to see your doctor for an evaluation so that you can receive appropriate treatment.

Symptoms that would suggest a bacterial sinus infection include:

• headache
• fever
• pus (murky or opaque fluid that is yellow, green, or brown) in the nose instead of clear mucus
• a toothache in your upper set of teeth
• tenderness of your face around the sinus areas (brow, nose, and cheeks)
• a lump (that could be an enlarged lymph node) in your neck or near your ear.

Do you have one or more of the symptoms from this list? Yes, I have one or more of these symptoms. No, I do not have any of these symptoms.

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Online Medical Reviewer: McDonald, Thad, MD Date Last Reviewed: 5/4/2006 Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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