Causes: Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
A stuffy, runny nose may be an indication of a sinus infection, also called sinusitis.
Your sinuses are located on both sides of your nose and around your eyes. See for yourself.
They're hollow cavities lined with cilia and a mucous membrane, much like your nose. Narrow passageways connect your sinuses to your nose, so the mucus can drain out freely. But if those passages become blocked, usually as a result of swelling from allergies, a virus, or an obstruction, bacteria can get trapped and develop into an infection.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Congestion
- Runny nose -- usually with a thick, discolored discharge
- Facial pain or pressure around your eyes and nose
- Headache
- Nighttime coughing
- Fever
- Sudden bad breath
If you have three or more of the symptoms above or your symptoms last longer than 10 days, make an appointment to see your doctor. If you have a bacterial sinus infection, you may need to take a course of antibiotics to get rid of it.
To relieve symptoms, try these self-care tips.
