How to Know If You Have a Sinus Infection

Upper respiratory illnesses occur often this time of the year, but it can be difficult to know for sure exactly what you’re dealing with. Read on to find out if you have a sinus infection or some other condition.

Every year, winter rolls around, and the risk of upper respiratory illnesses increases. Fortunately, as recently as mid-December 2025, cases of COVID, influenza (the flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were lower than expected, but with holiday travel came higher numbers and more reasons to worry.

These are just some of the upper respiratory problems you may encounter this time of year. Many others, including sinusitis (sinus infections), are troublesome and, because their symptoms are similar to other conditions, can be difficult to distinguish.

Chicago, Illinois, residents struggling with upper respiratory conditions, such as sinus infections, can get assistance from our team of doctors and dedicated staff at Michigan Avenue Primary Care.

Let’s examine common upper respiratory illnesses, causes of sinusitis, and methods of treatment and prevention.

Common upper respiratory illnesses

Often, viral and bacterial infections lead to conditions affecting your throat, sinuses, and upper chest, including:

Common cold: the most common infectious disease in humans
Influenza (flu): another common virus that affects your nose, throat, and lungs
Strep throat: soreness and scratchiness in your throat due to bacterial infection
Bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchial tubes in your lungs from viruses, bacteria, or other irritants
Laryngitis: inflammation of your vocal cords caused by viruses or overuse
Pharyngitis: also known as a sore throat, caused by viral and bacterial infections
Tonsillitis: infection of your tonsils from viruses or bacteria
COVID: an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Sinus infection causes and symptoms

Sinusitis causes inflammation of the sinuses, often developing from many of the infections mentioned, with colds being the most common. The result leaves you with sinus blockages that cause pain and pressure, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, ear pressure, coughing, headaches, and fatigue.

Other factors that increase your risk of sinus infection include nasal allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, a weakened immune system, asthma, and smoking.

Separating a sinus infection from other illnesses

Because sinus issues can stem from many different causes—and because other upper respiratory illnesses often look the same—getting an accurate diagnosis can be tricky.

Sinusitis can be a short-term, long-term, or recurring problem, and you can develop it after having other infections. It often affects only your sinuses and the areas around your nose, ears, and throat.

The common cold peaks and resolves in about two weeks; nasal allergies often also cause itchiness and sneezing (not common in sinusitis), and COVID can cause shortness of breath and fever.

To make sure you know what kind of upper respiratory illness you’re dealing with, contact the Michigan Avenue ENT team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care today for diagnosis and treatment. Call our office or schedule your appointment online.