If you've been walking around feeling quite stuffy, you may just think that you're about to get a cold. You're all too familiar with the runny nose, sneezing, and coughing that can accompany a bad cold. However, although you might think that you're just dealing with a common cold, the issue could be much more serious than that. You might actually have a sinus infection. Use this information to learn more about the signs that you're not just coming down with a cold but are in the throes of a sinus infection.

You Feel Pain Throughout Your Face

When you're trying to determine whether you have a regular cold or something more serious, the first thing you should do is pay attention to the way that your face feels. If you find that you experience pain throughout your face, it's time to get to a doctor.

Understand that you have sinuses at different points all throughout your face. Some are beneath your eyes, around your nose, and even up in your forehead. When these points become inflamed, you'll notice a dull ache throughout your face. You may even attribute the pain to a headache, since it can come from the forehead area. The sinuses could also start to swell, and this could be quite alarming if you've never experienced it before.

The best thing to do when you find yourself dealing with an ache throughout your face that you just can't seem to shake is get to a medical professional. Even if your condition turns out to be a mixture of a cold and a headache, at least you'll have the peace of mind that comes with a professional diagnosis.

You Have a Green Sinus Discharge

The next sign that you may have a sinus infection can be detected by noting the color of the discharge that comes from your nose. If you find that the discharge is green in color, your sinuses just may be infected.

Your sinuses are emitting a discharge because they are infected. You may find that you can't blow your nose often enough and that some of the discharge even slides down your throat while you're asleep. This could lead to coughing fits that make it very difficult to get a good night's rest.

Paying attention to the signs is the best way to know when you might have a sinus infection. If any of these symptoms crop up, get to a doctor, such as one at Rochester Otolaryngology Group PC, without delay.