Many people with COPD complain that they get frequent sinus infections that make their lives miserable. In fact, there is growing evidence to support that there is a direct link between COPD and chronic sinus infections, also known as sinusitis. What are the symptoms of sinus infection and what can you do about them?

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

There are four major pairs of sinuses: the frontal sinuses in the forehead, the maxillary sinuses behind the cheekbones, the ethmoid sinuses behind the eyes and the sphenoid sinuses, also behind the eyes.

Symptoms of sinus infection depend upon which of the sinuses are affected, but, may include:
pain or pressure in different areas of the face or head that may get worse when coughing, sneezing, bending over, lying down or sitting upright
headache of varying degrees, depending on which sinuses are infected
post-nasal drip
nasal discharge
visual disturbances
fever
sore throat
bad breath unrelated to dental problems
toothache or sensitivity of the teeth

When to Seek Medical Attention

Left untreated, sinus infections can cause severe complications and possibly even death. Call your health care provider if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, or any of the following:
swelling anywhere around the face or eyes
visual disturbances including dilated pupils, swelling of the eye, or double vision
personality changes including an altered level of consciousness
seizures
high fever

Self-Care for Sinus Infections

While your doctor is likely to prescribe medications to treat your sinus infections, including antibiotics, oral decongestants and nasal sprays, the following self-care tips can be done in the comfort of your own home:
drink plenty of water (unless your doctor tells you otherwise)
inhale steam several times a day (leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head works great)
use over-the-counter expectorants like Robitussin or Mucinex (unless your are told otherwise by your doctor)
take an over-the-counter pain reliever recommended by your doctor
use a Neti-pot for nasal irrigation (compare prices here)

By Deborah Leader, RN

http://copd.about.com/b/2011/02/10/sinus-infection-symptoms-and-copd.htm


Lets talk a little about Sputum and and post nasal drip.

Sputum production, also called phlegm or mucus production, can also be a symptom of COPD.

Sometimes, people confuse sputum with the mucus coming from their nose, which has drained from their sinuses.

Sinus drainage from the nose may drip down the back of the throat to the trachea, where it may "mix" with mucus coming from the lungs.

When your provider asks about sputum production, they are usually asking about the amount coming from your lungs, not your sinuses.

I hope this helps some of you who have had sinus problems like me.

Easy breathing to all of you,

Love
Holly