Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). This fluid buildup allows germs to grow. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections.
Are sinus infections contagious? “Because many times sinus infections are caused by viruses, they can be contagious like other infections, such as colds,” Melinda said. “If you have a sinus infection, it's important to use good hygiene skills.
Acute sinusitis lasts for less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis can last for more than 12 weeks. The majority of sinus infection sufferers will see their symptoms start to resolve after about 10 days. While one to two infections a year is considering normal, more than four requires medical attention.
Typically, antibiotics are needed when: Sinus infection symptoms last over a week. Symptoms worsen after starting to get better. Sinusitis symptoms are severe (high fever, skin infection or rash, extreme pain or tenderness around the eyes or nose)
As your body works hard to fight off the sinus infection, you'll feel more tired than usual. Fatigue can be also be caused by head pain, a lack of adequate sleep, and difficulty breathing due to sinusitis.
For adults — See a health care provider if:
You have symptoms for more than 10 days. You have a high fever. What's coming from your nose is yellow or green. You also have sinus pain or fever.
Instead, your doctor looks largely at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.
An untreated sinus infection may cause ansomnia, a decrease, or a complete loss of smell. Inflammation and blockage of your sinus passageways or damage to your olfactory nerves cause ansomnia. In many cases, ansomnia is only temporary but can become permanent.
Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial. “Either way, it's best to stay home,” Wigmore says. Viral sinus infections are often contagious. If you have had symptoms longer than one week, or if you have severe facial pain, teeth/jaw pain, or fever, you may have a bacterial infection and should consult your doctor.
A cough may also be a symptom of a sinus infection. As mucus drips down into your throat, it can trigger a cough. Coughing up phlegm should be a sign that this condition is more than a common cold.
Sinus infections are common and usually not serious. They can have many causes, including viruses and bacteria, nasal polyps or allergies. You can usually care for yourself at home by resting, taking over-the-counter products and drinking plenty of fluids.
What causes a sinus infection? In most cases, acute sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which means it usually develops after you've had a cold or the flu. It's possible for an acute sinus infection to develop into a chronic infection over time.
A cold, sinus infection, or virus can drag you out -- even for three or four weeks.
Acute sinusitis is sinusitis that gets completely better within 12 weeks. Most people, though, feel better within four weeks. Acute sinusitis may be triggered by a viral infection such as a cold. Chronic sinusitis is usually sinusitis that lasts for longer than 12 weeks.
In a technical sense, stress itself does not cause sinus problems. However, it can leave your body susceptible to infections, including sinus infections. If you have an existing infection or other sinus issues, stress can also worsen these symptoms or infections.
Sinusitis causes symptoms such as sinus inflammation and nasal congestion, which can interfere with a person's sense of smell. The condition can also cause bad breath and a discolored, bad-smelling discharge in the nose and back of the throat, all of which may create a bad smell in the nose.
Does a sinus infection cause sore throat? Yes, it certainly can. Sinus infections can often lead to complications with post-nasal drip — excess mucus draining down the back of your throat — which in turn can cause a sore throat or cough. Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve a sore throat due to sinusitis.