Symptoms of a sinus infection or sinusitis can include Show
Read more about sinus infection symptoms and causes » Is a sinus infection contagious?
Experts disagree about the contagiousness of sinus infections (also termed sinusitis and rhinosinusitis). Because bacteria and viruses (and occasionally, fungi) are the cause of most sinus infections, some experts say that the bacteria, viruses, or fungi can be transferred from person-to–person, and occasionally cause sinus infections. Other experts say that sinus infections, although caused by bacteria and viruses, occur because the conditions in the individual's sinuses are optimal for infection. Moreover, infection can be caused bacteria, viruses, or fungi that are already present in a person so that person-to-person transfer is not required for them to develop. However, the majority of doctors think that most people do not transmit sinus infections except in rare instances, and conclude that sinus infections are not contagious. Still, there is widespread agreement that bacteria, fungi and/or viruses are transmitted from person-to-person (contagious) even if the disease, sinusitis, is not. It's recommended that individuals with sinus infections avoid direct contact (for example, through kissing) with those who are more prone to infection, for example: infants, the elderly, and those who have weakened immune systems to reduce the chance of transferring bacteria, fungi, and viruses to other people as they may cause problems other than sinus infections. Viral or bacterial organisms that reside in the person's body are major causes of sinusitis. Since the majority of doctors consider sinus infections to be non-contagious, the only spread of sinusitis would consist of the bacteria to the various sinuses within each person. See Slideshow
What are the symptoms and signs of a sinus infection?Sinus infections usually begin with the symptoms of a cold (for example, a runny nose, occasional cough and/or mild fever), and then develop into pain and pressure in the sinus cavities. About 7 to 10 days after initial cold-like symptoms other symptoms develop that suggest you may have a sinus infection. Sinus infection symptoms include:
Many people with a sinus infection or sinusitis may develop signs and symptoms that include:
Definitive diagnosis of a sinus infection is based on the patient's history, physical exam, and evidence of sinus inflammation that may be seen with X-rays or CT scan of the sinuses.
What natural or home remedies help relieve sore throat symptoms and signs?Natural home remedies that relieve and soothe sore throat symptoms include: Symptoms, especially those caused by viruses, usually are treated with OTC drugs that reduce inflammation and swelling, for example:
How long do the signs and symptoms of sinusitis and sinus infections last?
How long does it take for a sinus infection to go away? Can they be cured?A person may be "cured" of a sinus infection when the symptoms stop, usually after about 3 weeks. However, a "cure" often is temporary in some people that either have chronic or recurrent sinus infections. Bacterial sinus infections may benefit from antibiotics (sometimes long-term antibiotic treatment is required before the patient is "cured" of a bacterial sinusitis), but there is no antibiotic treatment for viral sinusitis. See Answer
What medications help relieve and soothe pain and other symptoms? When is surgery necessary?Pain relievers to manage pain and other symptoms of sinus infections or sinusitis include Some people have sinus infections because of other conditions or diseases. For example, people with asthma have airway narrowing and are at a higher risk of developing sinusitis. Prescription medications to reduce asthma symptoms may reduce the tendency to develop sinusitis. Surgery for sinusitis and sinus infections Some people may need to have surgery or other procedures to open up narrowed or obstructed nasal or sinus passages in people with the following conditions: When should I call my doctor for sinusitis or sinus infections?If you develop persistent fever or have a history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis or if you have sinus symptoms that don't improve or get worse, you should contact your doctor. However, seek medical care immediately if you develop: By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
References Brook, I., et al. "Acute Sinusitis.: Medscape. Mar. 1, 2018. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/232670-overview>. Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can be easily mistaken for the very contagious common cold. However, just because the symptoms of sinus infections and colds are very similar does not mean that all sinus infections are as contagious as the common cold. Whether or not a sinus infection is contagious will vary depending on the cause. Share on PinterestA sinus infection is when the hollow cavities next to the nose become infected. The sinuses are hollow cavities in the cheeks, on either side of the nose, behind the nose, and in the forehead. These areas are normally filled with air and surrounded by a thin layer of mucus. A sinus infection occurs when the tissues around these hollow areas swell or get infected by bacteria, fungi, or a virus. There are several causes of sinus infections, some of which are contagious. A sinus infection that is caused by a virus is contagious and spreads easily from person to person. Sinus infections caused by a deformity, a blockage in the nasal passages, or allergies are not contagious. Types of sinus infectionsThere are several types of sinus infections, which are classified by duration. They include the following:
Additionally, each type of sinus infection has several potential causes, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some cases of sinusitis occur with only swelling and inflammation due to blockages in the nasal passages or deformities in the sinus cavities. Allergies and chronic exposure to pollutants can also lead to sinus infections. Sinus infections often feel like a bad cold. It may be difficult for people to distinguish between a cold and a sinus infection. Some of the most common symptoms resemble a cold. These include:
Sinus infections caused by bacteria have a few additional symptoms. These symptoms include:
For most sinus infections, treatment focuses primarily on symptom relief. There are many options available to relieve bothersome symptoms. These include:
In cases of bacterial sinusitis, a doctor will typically prescribe a round of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. A person with bacterial sinusitis can expect to take antibiotics for up to 2 weeks. In instances of chronic or recurrent sinus infections, treatment will also aim to correct the underlying cause and reduce the duration or frequency of the infections. In these cases, a doctor may suggest injecting steroids directly into the nasal passages to reduce inflammation. For cases of chronic sinusitis that are resistant to treatment, a doctor may suggest surgery to open up the sinus passages, giving them more room to drain. In cases of chronic sinus infections caused by allergies, a doctor may recommend allergy shots. In some cases, a person may want to self-treat the sinus infection at home. People can use over-the-counter medications that relieve symptoms until the sinus infection clears up. Some of the most common over-the-counter treatments to help treat sinus infections include:
Additional therapies may also aid at-home treatment. For example, using steam or a humidifier may help clear nasal passages. Some people try nasal irrigation at home, which helps to remove excess mucus and open airway passages. People interested in herbal or natural treatments may consider using essential oils. Some oils that may help with sinus pressure include lemon oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil. Some caution should be used with essential oils as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate or control them. Any person who experiences pain and pressure in the sinuses for longer than a week should seek medical attention. They should also address a persistent fever or a cough if they do not get better over time. A doctor will perform an assessment of a person with these symptoms. Part of the assessment will be determining any history of sinus infections in the individual, as well as doing a physical examination. A doctor will look for the following signs of sinus infections:
A doctor may also ask about pain. In particular, a doctor is often interested in pain in the ears, teeth, and areas surrounding the nasal passages. If a person has had a sinus infection for more than a week and the doctor suspects a bacterial sinus infection, they may prescribe antibiotics. Not everyone will need antibiotics as their infections may be caused from virus, allergies, or irregularities in their nasal cavities. |