12 Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

11. Thick, discolored nasal discharge

One of the hallmark signs of a sinus infection is the presence of thick, discolored nasal discharge. This mucus, which can range in color from yellow to green, is a clear indicator that your body is fighting off an infection. During sinus infections, white blood cells flock to the nasal passages and, as a result, mucus in the nose thickens and changes color. As these white blood cells die, they mix with debris from the nasal passages, again thickening the mucus and changing the color to yellow or green. Stay hydrated to help thin the mucus and use saline nasal sprays to facilitate drainage. Recognizing changes in the discharge's consistency and color can also help you monitor your recovery progress.