Causes. 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.
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.
Did you know that almost 12% of American adults suffer from recurring sinus infections? If your sinus infections just don't quit, you may have chronic sinusitis, a condition that occurs when your sinuses are inflamed for more than three months.
Avoid contact with people who have colds or who are sick with other infections. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals. Manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control.
Sinus infections may cause long-term sinus inflammation and symptoms. If you have more than three sinus infections in a year or have symptoms longer than 12 weeks, you could have chronic sinusitis.
A sinus infection caused by a viral infection lasts about seven to 10 days, meaning you'll be contagious with the virus for up to two weeks. If your symptoms last more than 10 days, or if they subside after a week then return again a few days later, you likely have a bacterial sinus infection that cannot be spread.
Untreated sinusitis allows bacteria and other harmful pathogens to enter the bloodstream and travel all throughout the body, leading to the following potentially life-threatening conditions. Meningitis develops when infection targets the brain or spinal fluid. It requires immediate medical attention.
Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems.
Sinus infections and COVID are not caused by the same things. COVID is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A sinus infection can happen after a viral illness but can also be caused by allergies. The treatments for each condition are also different, which is why it's important to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.
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.
You can treat a sinus infection at home with: Decongestants. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medications. Nasal saline rinses.
Imaging studies — a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can show any complications in the structure of the nose that is causing your sinusitis. Nasal and sinus cultures — if your condition is worsening, a culture can determine the cause of the infection.
Sinus infections can last many days. Viral sinus infections are usually the worst 3 to 6 days after they start, and then begin to get better by day 10.
“It is often best-and many times, company policy-that employees stay out of work until they are fever-free for 24 hours, especially with the flu.” Nasal congestion with sinus or facial pain suggests a sinus infection. Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial. “Either way, it's best to stay home,” Wigmore says.
Does a sinus infection cause a 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.
In certain patients, however, the infection can result in lower respiratory symptoms such as cough and chest congestion, eventually turning into bronchitis, sometimes even pneumonia. This typically occurs from infected post nasal drainage entering the lungs.
As we age, the nose lining gets thinner and makes you more prone to sinus complications. Get advice on treatment and care from the Department of Otolaryngology at Singapore General Hospital.
It's possible for an acute sinus infection to develop into a chronic infection over time. However, most chronic sinus infections are caused by: Problems with the physical structure of your sinuses such as nasal polyps, narrow sinuses, or a deviated septum. Allergies such as hay fever that cause inflammation.