Do I Have A Sinus Infection?

Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Sinusitis

Persistent pressure in your face, the stuffy nose that makes breathing a chore, the nagging headache that just won't quit. If these symptoms sound familiar, you are likely one of the millions who experience the unpleasant reality of a sinus infection (sinusitis).

“While often dismissed as a common cold, sinusitis can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, can become chronic or lead to more severe complications,” shares Dr. Jack Li, Catholic Health Family Medicine physician.

“Understanding what causes sinus infections, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to treat and prevent them can help you breathe easier and get back to feeling your best.”

What is a Sinus Infection?

Your sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of your face surrounding your nasal passages that produce mucus, trapping and removing bacteria and other particles. When the lining of these sinuses becomes inflamed or swollen, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection, the drainage pathways can become blocked. This blockage traps mucus, creating a breeding ground for germs, leading to the uncomfortable symptoms we associate with a sinus infection.

Patients with allergies often develop sinus infections during allergy season. In an attempt to flush out allergens, the nasal and sinus passages become congested and inflamed. This can cause an allergic fungal sinus infection.

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

Unlike viral infections like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19, sinus infections are not contagious. However, patients with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial or fungal sinusitis.

Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

Sinus infection symptoms can vary in severity and duration, but some of the most common include:

• Nasal congestion: A stuffy or blocked nose is a hallmark sign.

• Facial pain and pressure: You might feel pain or pressure in your forehead, cheeks, around your eyes, or even your upper teeth.

• Nasal discharge: Can range from clear to thick, yellow, or greenish mucus.

• Postnasal drip: Mucus dripping down the back of your throat can cause a sore throat and cough.

• Headache: Often described as a dull ache or pressure, it can worsen with head movement.

• Loss of smell or taste: Inflammation can affect your olfactory senses.

• Fatigue: Feeling generally unwell and tired is common.

• Cough: Especially worse at night due to postnasal drip.

How Long Do Sinus Infections Last?

Symptoms of a sinus infection can persist for weeks. Acute sinusitis is typically short-lived, lasting less than four weeks, and often develops after a cold or flu. Chronic sinusitis includes symptoms that persist for 12 weeks or longer, even with treatment. Chronic sinus infections are common for patients who also suffer from allergies.

Sinus Infection Treatment & Prevention

Viral sinus infections may clear up on their own, but bacterial sinus infections may require antibiotics to fully resolve. Whether you’re recovering from a sinus infection or are a frequent sufferer, these tips can help prevent and treat sinusitis:

• Rest: Give your body the time it needs to fight off infection.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus.

• Use a saline nasal rinse or spray: This helps to clear nasal passages and reduce congestion. 

• Apply warm compresses: Placing a warm compress over your face can help relieve pain and pressure.

• Use a humidifier: Dry air can irritate your sinuses, and adding moisture to your air can provide relief.

• Avoid irritants: Steer clear of smoke, strong odors, and other environmental irritants.

• Manage allergies: If allergies are a trigger, work with your doctor to develop an effective management plan.

• Practice good hygiene: Frequent handwashing can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Sinus Infection Complications

If left untreated, sinus infections can spread, causing a slight risk for severe complications such as orbital cellulitis, nasal polyps, and increased asthma symptoms. Serious complications are rare. However, it's vital to be treated for sinus infection and monitor symptoms if they worsen.

While many acute sinus infections resolve on their own or with over-the-counter remedies, you should see your primary care doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Severe symptoms such as intense facial pain and high fever.

• Symptoms that worsen after initially improving.

• Symptoms that last longer than a week to 10 days.

• Recurrent sinus infections.

• Underlying medical conditions that might increase your risk of complications.

Your doctor can properly diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, including antibiotics for bacterial infections, nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or other medications to manage symptoms. In some cases of chronic sinusitis, further investigation or surgery might be necessary.

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362).

For convenient urgent care, visit a Catholic Health Urgent Care location.