Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. Inflammation of the sinuses could be due to an allergy, an infection, or ongoing exposure to an irritant, such as pollution or smoke. Symptoms can include a headache or pressure in the area of the sinuses, a stuffy nose, achy teeth, an odor coming from the nose, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, laryngitis, lightheadedness, constant low fever, and thick, yellow to green nasal drainage.
The best way to identify a sinus infection is with a sinus CT scan, although sinus x-rays are a decent alternative. A sinus CT scan will also identify if any of the openings that drain your sinuses are blocked. If your symptoms are due to sinusitis, they will last as long as the inflammation continues. Please read our Sinusitis MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/sin.html for more information about ways to clear up the inflammation. Check with your doctor to see which of these would work best for you.
For bronchitis see:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/uri.html
UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS (COLDS) and ACUTE BRONCHITIS
"Acute bronchitis is swelling and inflammation in the airways of the lungs. It is often caused by an infection. Rarely, acute bronchitis can be caused by exposure to chemicals or toxic gases.
Symptoms can include:
cough with sputum production
chest discomfort
fever
extreme tiredness. "
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For nasal congestion [rhinitis] see:
http://nationaljewish.org/medfacts/allergic_rhinitis.html
Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Do you suffer from a runny or stuffy nose much of the time? In the U.S., about 40 million people do. This problem is known as rhinitis.