I have a headache, nose and ear block. Are my sinuses infected?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had a cold for just over a week. I have woken up this morning with a headache that throbs with each movement. I blew my nose to find blood in it, and my ear feels all blocked. Could this mean my sinuses are infected? And is it worth seeing a doctor? Or will they not give me anything anyway?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are having upper respiratory tract infection, that might be in the form of sinusitis, bronchitis, or rhinitis. I suggest you get the following tests done: Auscultation, CBC (complete blood count), nose and ear examination by rhinoscopy and otoscopy. You will be given a decongestant drug like Phenylephrine. If needed and if CBC shows high count with neutrophilia, then an antibiotic course will be given. Vitamin C lozenges are useful. If in auscultation, rales or rhonchi are heard, then chest x-ray needs to be done. If needed, further work up, like sputum examination can be done. So, yes, consult an ENT specialist or a physician nearby for examination with keeping my answer in mind. Take care. Hope your concern is solved.