The symptoms of acute sinusitis include ethmoid sinusitis (behind the eyes) and nasal congestion with discharge or postnasal drip (mucus drips down the throat behind the nose). Pain or pressure around the inner corner of the eye or down one side of the nose. Also headache in the temple or surrounding the eye. Pain or pressure symptoms are worse when coughing, straining, or lying on the back and better when the head is upright and fever is common

Symptoms of maxillary sinusitis (behind the cheek bones)includes pain across the cheekbone, under or around the eye, or around the upper teeth and pain or pressure on one side or both. Tender, red, or swollen cheekbone as well as pain and pressure symptoms are worse with the head upright and bending forward and better when reclining. Also, nasal discharge or postnasal drip and fever is common.

The symptoms of frontal sinusitis (behind forehead, one or both sides)involve severe headaches in the forehead and fever is common. Pain is worse when reclining and better with the head upright and nasal discharge or postnasal drip.

The symptoms of sphenoid sinusitis (behind the eyes) include deep headache with pain behind and on top of the head, across the forehead, and behind the eye and fever is common. Pain is worse when lying on the back or bending forward. Double vision or vision disturbances if pressure extends into the brain and nasal discharge or postnasal drip

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis include ethmoid sinusitis and chronic nasal discharge, obstruction, and low-grade discomfort across the bridge of the nose. Pain is worse in the late morning or when wearing glasses and chronic sore throat and bad breath.

The symptoms of maxillary sinusitis are discomfort or pressure below the eye and chronic toothache. Pain possibly worse with colds, flu, or allergies. Increased discomfort throughout the day with increased cough at night.

Call a doctor when experiencing pain or pressure in the upper face accompanied by nasal congestion or discharge, postnasal drip, or ongoing bad breath unrelated to dental problems.

Fever can be a symptom of a sinus infection or a cold. Simple congestion with a low-grade fever probably indicates a cold and may not call for medications or antibiotics. Those also experiencing facial pain or headaches may have a sinus infection.

A doctor often can treat simple sinusitis. If left undiagnosed and untreated complications of sinusitis can occur that may lead to severe medical problems and possibly death.