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OVERVIEW

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection is a condition in which the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. It is caused by bacteria or a virus. When your sinuses are inflamed or swollen for other reasons, it is called sinusitis.

Four hollow air spaces make up your sinuses. They’re located in the bones behind your cheeks, jaw, and eyebrows. Your sinuses make mucus, a fluid that cleans bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe. Mucus is removed from your sinuses by draining out your nose. But when your sinuses are swollen, the mucus has nowhere to go. It stays in your sinuses and become painful and uncomfortable.

• There are four main types of sinus infections:
• Acute infections last up to 4 weeks.
• Subacute infections can last 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic sinus infections last more than 12 weeks.
• Recurrent sinus infections happen several times a year.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

The symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, nose and ears, and between the eyes
• Headache
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Cough, which may be worse at night
• Drainage down the back of your throat
• Weakness or fatigue
• Bad breath (called halitosis)
• Toothache

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes a sinus infection?

When sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, you get a sinus infection. Sinus infections sometimes occur after you’ve had a cold. The cold virus attacks the lining of your sinuses, causing them to swell and become narrow. Your body responds to the virus by producing more mucus, but it gets blocked in your swollen sinuses. This built-up mucus is a good place for bacteria to grow.

Other causes for sinusitis can include:

• Allergies
• Certain conditions, such as a deviated septum
• Growths called polyps that block your sinus passages

PREVENTION

Can a sinus infection be prevented or avoided?

Sinus infections can’t be prevented. Certain factors increase your risk of getting an infection. These include:

• Having a cold or allergies
• Using decongestant nasal sprays too much
• Smoking
• Swimming or diving
• A weak immune system or taking drugs that weaken the immune system

However, there are some things you can do to try to keep yourself healthy:

• If you smoke, stop. Avoid second-hand smoke, if possible.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Don’t touch your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• If possible, stay away from things you know will trigger your allergies.

Is a sinus infection contagious?

The simple answer is no, a sinus infection is not contagious. However, if a cold or virus caused your sinus infection, those are contagious.

TREATMENT

There are several treatment options for sinusitis that is not caused by an infection. They vary depending on the cause of your condition.

You can use a saline nasal spray, which will clean out your nasal passages and help clear congestion. Your healthcare provider may suggest a decongestant nasal spray to treat swelling. Don’t use this for more than 3 days. It can worsen the swelling in your sinuses once you stop using the medicine.

A process called nasal irrigation can provide relief. A saline solution through a device called a neti pot (which looks like a small teapot with a long spout) can flush out your sinuses and help loosen thick mucus. It’s important to use distilled or sterile water or tap water that has been boiled for 3 to 5 minutes and cooled. Regular tap water isn’t safe to use because it hasn’t been properly filtered or treated to be safe in the sinuses. Some tap water contains organisms that can cause serious infections in your nasal passages.

Decongestant medicines relieve sinus pain and pressure. In general, you should only use them short-term. Over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve aches and fever as well. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter cold medicine. Some can make your symptoms worse or have other side effects.

Your healthcare provider can also recommend allergy medicine to treat conditions caused by allergies.

Severe sinus infections caused by bacteria may require an antibiotic. Your healthcare provider will instruct you to take this for 5 to 10 days. However, you often will start to feel better after taking it a few days. Make sure you finish all the medicine your healthcare provider prescribes.

Living with a sinus infection

A sinus infection often goes away even without treatment. There are things you can do at home to help yourself feel better.

• Get plenty of rest. Lying down can make your sinuses feel more stopped-up, so try lying on the side that lets you breathe the best. You can prop yourself up with a pillow.
• Drink plenty of fluids.  Sipping hot liquids can help soothe your throat.
• Apply heat. Try holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a cloth or towel. This will relieve sinus pressure and help open your sinus passages.
• Avoid alcohol, which can worsen swelling in the sinuses.

Contact your doctor if you:

• Have a fever that lasts more than 3-4 days
• Still have symptoms after 10 days with no improvement
• Symptoms that get worse after improving
• Get sinus infections several times in one year