By Dr. Kelsey Mijares
Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group
Most of the time, you probably don’t give your sinuses much thought, but you rely on them more than you may know. Your sinuses are hollow pockets that exist in your forehead and around your nose, eyes and cheeks. They produce a fluid (mucus) that cleans air before it reaches your lungs.
When your sinuses are healthy, this mucus drains into your nose or down your throat without you noticing it. When you have a sinus infection, inflammation or swelling prevents mucus from draining as it should, leading to facial pain, nasal congestion and other symptoms.
In many cases, the body can fight off a sinus infection on its own. If the illness hangs on too long, though, you’ll need a medical provider’s help.
Mucus that stays in your sinuses creates an ideal environment for germs to thrive. In most cases, those germs are viruses and bacteria, with viruses causing the most sinus infections by far. Less commonly, fungi can also cause sinus infections but typically in people with weak immune systems.
The common cold can lead to a sinus infection, which is why you’re more likely to develop sinus problems if you recently got over a cold. Other sinus infection risk factors include:
- A common anatomical problem called a deviated nasal septum, which may lead to chronic sinus infections, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Cigarette smoke.
- Seasonal allergies.
Sinus pressure may be the most well-known sign of a sinus infection, but it’s far from the only one. Other symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Bad breath.
- Cough.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Nasal congestion.
- Postnasal drip (mucus draining down the throat).
- Runny nose.
- Weakness.
Similar symptoms make it easy to mistake sinusitis for two of its potential causes — colds and allergies. Certain symptoms, however, such as facial pain or pressure and postnasal drip, may point to sinusitis.
How long does a sinus infection, or sinusitis, last? It depends on the type. Medical providers categorize different types of sinusitis based on duration:
- Acute sinusitis typically lasts no longer than four weeks.
- Subacute sinusitis usually lasts four to 12 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitis lasts for over three months.
- Recurrent sinusitis occurs when you experience multiple sinus infections within a year.
Many cases of sinus infection eventually clear up on their own. Take steps to stay comfortable while your immune system fights the infection.
Using an over-the-counter decongestant or saline nasal spray for a few days can help break up the congestion in your nose and reduce the aching in your face. Rest as much as possible, and when lying down, place a warm, damp washcloth over your nose and eyes to soothe facial pressure.
Finally, remember to drink water throughout the day. Drinking plenty of fluids eases a sore throat and helps you stay hydrated so your immune system can work well.
As you focus on self-care, watch out for signs that your body’s natural defenses against illness may not be enough to defeat the sinus infection. If, for example, your symptoms don’t get better after 10 days or get worse after improving, you may need medical treatment.
Antibiotics aren’t effective against infections caused by viruses, but your doctor may prescribe them for a bacterial infection. Still, we prefer to use antibiotics only for severe bacterial infections because overprescribing them can be harmful. For fungal sinus infections, we may prescribe medicines to destroy the fungus.
The good news about sinus infections is that they are not contagious. However, it is still important to maintain good hygiene.
The viruses or bacteria that may have caused the sinus infection can be contagious. So, do what you can to protect yourself and the people around you, such as washing your hands, not touching your face and staying away from people who are sick. If you’re sick, cover your mouth when you cough and stay home until you feel better.
You can’t prevent every sinus infection, but by looking out for your sinuses, you may be able to spare yourself the headache (and aching face) of an infection.
Kelsey Mijares, D.O., is an internal medicine specialist who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Palmetto Medical Group.
