What symptom is likely to indicate sinusitis?

Green nasal discharge is a symptom often associated with sinusitis due to the presence of pus or mucus that may occur when the sinuses become inflamed and infected. In sinusitis, particularly bacterial infections, the mucus can become thick and change color, indicating the body's immune response to the infection.

While facial pain can also be indicative of sinusitis owing to pressure buildup in the sinuses, the presence of green nasal discharge is a more specific indicator of an infection and is commonly referenced in clinical practice as a hallmark symptom. Additionally, bad breath may occur due to the accumulation of bacteria in the nasal passages or throat but is less directly linked to the condition compared to nasal discharge. Fever can be present in sinusitis, but it is a more general symptom that can indicate many types of infections and does not uniquely point to sinusitis itself.

In summary, green nasal discharge is a significant and commonly recognized symptom in diagnosing sinusitis, as it suggests infection and the body's direct response to it.