What is sinusitis? Symptoms and treatment options

What is sinusitis?

Most people know that sinuses — pockets of air in the skull — are located around the cheeks. They are also found behind the forehead, nasal bones and eyes. When those air-filled areas fill with fluid, either from a cold, allergies or some other cause, bacteria, viruses and other germs can then take hold and multiply, causing a sinus infection. The result: swollen and inflamed sinus cavities.

Although children’s sinuses aren’t fully developed, kids can still get sinus infections, and those who do are more likely to continue getting sinus infections as adults. Acute sinus infections are more common in adults than children, however.

The underlying cause of sinus infections can vary widely, but in most cases, a virus is to blame. While sinusitis originates in the sinus cavities themselves, an infection can create a wide range of symptoms affecting other parts of the body. 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

According to Duyen Nguyen, DO, an allergist at Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas, the most common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Facial pain and pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip (stuffy nose)
• Thick, yellow-green nasal discharge (runny nose)
• Cough

Dr. Nguyen says in some cases, sinus infections can also lead to:

• Fever
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Loss of smell and taste

A number of sinusitis symptoms are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. If someone is unsure whether they have sinusitis or COVID-19, it may be a good idea for them to take a COVID-19 test. 

Types of sinusitis

The three categories of sinus infections are based on the duration of the infection:

• Acute sinusitis (less than 4 weeks, although symptoms may go away in 10 days)
• Subacute sinusitis (4 to 12 weeks)
• Chronic sinusitis (12 or more weeks)

Most patients will be diagnosed with acute sinusitis, which is usually caused by a viral infection. However, if symptoms last longer than 10 days, a secondary bacterial infection is often diagnosed. Chronic sinusitis has several causes and might be triggered by seasonal allergies or respiratory tract infections (viral or bacterial). It can also occur due to nasal polyps (tissue growths in the nose), a deviated septum (when the wall between nasal passages blocks the airway) and other medical conditions that affect the immune system.

Is sinusitis contagious?

When the root cause of a sinus infection is a virus, people can spread the underlying virus to others. However, while others may catch that virus, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will develop into sinusitis for them.

Relief support options for sinusitis symptoms

If someone goes to their health care provider for a sinus infection, they may be prescribed antibiotics. In fact, sinusitis is a leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions in the U.S. It is important to note that this can lead to antibiotic overuse since many cases of sinusitis are self-limiting and/or caused by viruses.

Thanks to the viral nature of the majority of cases, some cases of sinusitis may go away on their own. In the meantime, there are at-home treatment options that can help provide support relief for symptoms of sinusitis.

• Nasal wash (also known as nasal irrigation). Some patients may choose sinus nasal washing using a nasal saline rinse, which can be purchased over the counter. “This can help clear the thick and sticky mucus from the nose,” says Dr. Nguyen.
• Pain reliever. Common pain relievers may help reduce inflammation and ease pain caused by sinus pressure. Some over-the-counter (OTC) products can help with both pain and inflammation. Always be sure to consult a health care provider before taking OTC products.
• Humidifier. Moisture may help break up mucus. Consider keeping a home humidifier to help manage symptoms.

If the illness persists, Dr. Nguyen recommends applying a warm, damp cloth to the face and forehead to help relieve pain caused by sinus pressure.

“Patients should contact a health care provider if symptoms last more than 10 days or sinus symptoms get worse after 5 days with a fever, pain or swelling in the face or eye, redness on the cheeks or around the eyes, severe headaches, confusion or a stiff neck,” says Dr. Nguyen.

In more serious cases, a health care provider may help pinpoint triggers — such as specific allergens — depending on the category of sinusitis and specific diagnosis. If treatments fail and sinusitis is chronic, Dr. Nguyen says surgery may be recommended.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplement and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.