If you think you may have a sinus infection or think you may have had them in the past but are not sure, here are some simple ways you can tell. Often symptoms mimic that of a cold or people think they have a cold.

One of the first signs of a sinus infection may be an irritated or slightly sore throat. People don’t often make this connection to their sinuses. But it’s caused by sinus drainage. Fluids seep down into your throat all the time – a quart of mucous needs to move through your sinuses every day; when they get infected the infected mucous will cause throat irritation. To find out if you have a sinus infection or a sore throat due to other ailments gargle with some salt water, usually about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Then gargle for a few moments. If you feel the irritation ease up then it is most likely due to an infection, sinusitis or inflammation.

Sinus headaches are much more common then it was once thought.

I know many people who have made the connection from their headaches to their sinuses. These can be one-sided on the top of the head and are from the sphenoid sinuses which are deep inside- one of four sets of cavities. These headaches can be in the forehead or cheeks or even jaw and can be confused with tension headaches.

A classic sign is yellow discharge. You can cough it up and you may think it is coming from your lungs. But it’s sinus mucous draining down into the throat.

You may have the beginning of a sinus infection and not be aware of it until it’s full-blown. But there are many natural home remedies you can use without resorting to drugs. Antibiotics in general won’t work because most are not due to bacteria but rather to fungus – which is mold.

But once you recognize it you want to do something right away to keep a sinus infection from getting worse and turn it around in its. tracks. Many people are doing so these days on their own with natural treatment. You want to make sure that you stop exposing yourself to something that is causing it also. There are many pollutants in the air and bedrooms are among the worst rooms. Check your bathroom and household for mold. Keep the air as clean as possible and air out the house often. Know that you can do something about it naturally.