A sinus infection (acute sinusitis) is an infection of the nasal cavities. These spaces can become infected, inflamed, and swollen. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as a stuffy nose and facial pain. So, what is a sinus infection? How do you know if you have one?

In this article, we’ll look at the different types of sinus infections, what causes them, and more. If you want more information, book an online sinus infection visit on Sesame to talk with a licensed health care provider immediately.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

Sinus infections—also known as acute sinusitis or rhinosinusitis—are infections of the nasal cavities, or sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull behind the nose and cheekbones. These spaces are lined with soft, pink tissue called the mucosa. Sinus infections occur when a pathogen—usually a virus—infects these cavities. This infection causes inflammation, swelling, and an increase in mucus production. These effects lead to the common symptoms of a sinus infection.

Acute sinusitis describes a singular infection of the sinus cavities. A virus, fungus, or bacteria can cause this condition. Acute sinusitis will usually go away after a few days with the help of medication and home remedies.

Chronic sinusitis is a persistent inflammation of the sinuses. Chronic sinus infections can be caused by an infection, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or other underlying health problems caused by a compromised immune system.

Sinus Infection Causes

Upper respiratory infections, like the common cold, most commonly cause acute sinus infections. The virus that causes this condition infects the sinus cavities, leading to the runny nose and congestion typical of a sinus infection. In some cases, bacteria develop in these cavities, leading to a bacterial infection of the sinuses.

Other common causes of sinus infections include:

• Allergies
  
• Nasal passage abnormalities (like a deviated septum or growths in the nasal passage)
  
• Nasal polyps
  
• Immune system disorders such as HIV
  
• The flu (influenza)
  
  

This is not a complete list of all causes, though these are the most common. Bacterial sinus infections usually occur when an acute sinus infection has not disappeared after ten days. This period allows bacteria to populate and infect the sinus cavities.

Fungal infections generally occur in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are more severe than viral infections and require prompt medical attention.

Chronic sinus infections are infections that last longer than 10–12 weeks. They are caused by similar risk factors as acute sinusitis—such as allergies, viruses, and nasal polyps—but last far longer.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

Sinus infection side effects appear similar to common cold symptoms or allergies.

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Runny nose (also known as nasal discharge or rhinitis)
  
• Nasal congestion
  
• Post-nasal drip
  
• Bad breath
  
• Facial pain
  
• Sinus pressure
  
• Sore throat
  
• Ear pain
  
• Toothache
  
• Decreased sense of smell
  
• Fever
  
  

Unlike allergies, sinus infections do not cause someone to sneeze or itch.

You should talk to a health care provider if your symptoms do not go away within a week. Additionally, if your symptoms worsen or a fever appears along with them, you should seek medical attention.

Sinus Infection Treatment

In most cases, a sinus infection will go away on its own. While waiting for the infection to subside, you can employ several home remedies to reduce your symptoms and shorten the healing process.

Saline nasal spray: Over-the-counter nasal sprays (like Sinex) are widely available at most pharmacies. These sprays rinse and clean the nasal passages, reducing symptoms while preventing the infection from worsening.

Steroid nasal sprays: Nasal sprays containing the steroid fluticasone (Flonase) aid in reducing sinus infection-related inflammation. Soothing inflammation can reduce symptoms of facial pain, sinus headaches, and congestion.

Decongestants: Decongestant medications containing pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed) are available over the counter as nasal sprays, oral liquids, or tablets. Decongestants clear up the mucus blockage in the nasal passages, reducing sinus pain and nasal discharge symptoms. You should only use a nasal decongestant for a few days, as repeated use can actually cause more severe congestion.

OTC Pain Relievers: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help minimize sinus pain and headaches. These drugs will not help clear up a runny or stuffy nose, but will help with discomfort caused by inflammation of the sinuses.

Antihistamines: Allergy medication can help treat the underlying cause of a sinus infection. Some antihistamines will actually help minimize congestion and nasal discharge. By lessening allergy symptoms, antihistamine drugs will also help keep sinus infection symptoms from worsening.

You should speak to a health care provider if your symptoms have not gone away within a few days.

You can supplement the over-the-counter medication options with simple home remedies for a sinus infection. These include:

Neti Pot: Neti Pots are common appliances used for nasal irrigation. To use one, put iodide and preservative-free salt water into the chamber. It is recommended that you boil the water first to sanitize it. Wait until the water is room temperature before you put it in the Neti Pot. Pour the solution into each nostril, per the device’s instructions. This saltwater rinse can help reduce congestion and pain caused by a sinus infection while cleansing the affected area.

Drink plenty of fluids: Fluids help thin your mucus, allowing it to drain from the nasal passages more easily.

Moisten sinus cavities: Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the vapor from a bowl of hot water. This helps moisturize the nose, drain mucus, and relieve sinus infection symptoms. Alternatively, take a hot shower and inhale the warm, wet air. Use a humidifier at night, ensuring you use filtered water in the chamber.

Warm compress: A warm compress applied to your nose and forehead may help alleviate sinus congestion.

Most sinus infections will go away on their own without prescription treatment. However, if you have been experiencing symptoms for several days, you should talk to a health care provider about advanced treatment. Bacteria may be the cause of some sinus infections, which necessitate antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics may be used for severe, progressive, or chronic symptoms.

Additionally, your sinus infection may be caused by an underlying health condition (like nasal polyps) that requires specialized treatment.

If you experience sinus infections caused by allergic irritation, immunotherapy can help address the underlying cause of congestion. Immunotherapy introduces small, measured doses of an allergen to your body to improve the body’s tolerance to that irritant. Gradually, this therapy should reduce your body’s reaction to the allergen. Immunotherapy may not provide immediate relief for a sinus infection, but it can help prevent recurring sinus infections for those who struggle with chronic sinusitis.

Sinus Infection Prevention

While not all sinus infections can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing one.

Standard preventative measures recommended by health care providers include:

Protect your health: Avoid people dealing with a common cold or upper respiratory infection. Maintain good hygiene while getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids to aid your overall wellness.

Manage allergies: Avoid irritating allergens such as pollen and pet dander. If you haven’t undergone allergy testing, it is recommended that you do so to protect yourself from substances that trigger your symptoms. Work with your health care provider to keep allergy symptoms under control.

Do not smoke: Tobacco smoke and inhaled substances can irritate your nasal passages and airways. Refrain from smoking and avoid smoky or polluted environments to prevent irritation.

While sinus infections can cause uncomfortable and annoying symptoms like congestion and a runny nose, they generally go away on their own after a few days. If you are experiencing a persistent sinus infection coupled with fever or swelling, you should speak to a health care provider immediately.

Looking for treatment right away? Sesame offers convenient online doctor visits with licensed health care providers to get the care you need without the hassle of going to a clinic.

Sources:

• Amanda S. Battisti; Pranav Modi; Jon Pangia. Sinusitis. (March 2, 2023). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
  
• Derek L. DeBoer; Edward Kwon. Acute Sinusitis. (August 8, 2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
  
• Edward Kwon; Maria C. O'Rourke. Chronic Sinusitis. (August 8, 2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Sesame content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern, it is critical to seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions. If you are facing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

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