Symptoms of sinusitis are caused by infection or swelling of the nasal and sinus mucosa (lining). Although sinusitis may be present with a stuffy, runny nose, the hallmark of a sinus infection is facial pain or pressure that is worse when bending over.
Sinusitis may cause:
Facial pain pressure or headaches
Runny nose, nasal obstruction, and diminished sense of smell
Cough, fever, bad breath, and fatigue
Ear pressure
Mouth breathing
Not all runny noses are from sinuses. Patients often think that all draining noses are from the sinuses. A draining nose may be from inflammation of the nose without involving the sinuses. As a result, nasal draining is one way your body know how to clear sinuses.