How are sinus infections diagnosed? Diagnosis To diagnose sinusitis, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and their duration and perform a physical exam. This test may include pressing on parts of your face to check for pain. If you have chronic sinusitis, your doctor may do these tests and more. Includes: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cb4be6e1-dd6e-4806-b03c-c13f4cbae470 Allergy testing to determine what allergens are causing chronic or recurrent infections CT scan to identify sinus abnormalities, such as polyps or a deviated septum Magnetic resonance imaging to check if you have a nasal tumor or fungal infection Biopsy, if your doctor suspects another health condition is the cause, or in rare cases if the infection has spread Do I need to call my doctor?Most cases of sinusitis do not require medical attention. However, call your doctor if you have a history of chronic sinusitis or if you have any of the following symptoms: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629362d09f5-e7ae-4f4f-b65a-087804d62f28 Lasts for more than 10 days Gets worse after improvement Accompanied by fever Because the infection is serious and can spread, seek medical help right away if you have:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629362d09f5-e7ae-4f4f-b65a-087804d62f28 high fever pain, redness, or swelling around the eyes Changes in vision, including diplopia Confusion Stiff shoulders Resources we trust Cleveland Clinic: Sinus Infections (Sinusitis) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Basics of Sinus Infections Harvard Health Publishing: How to Deal with Sinusitis Johns Hopkins Medicine: Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Mayo Clinic: Demystifying the Sinuses: 8 Answers to 1 Frequently Asked Questions Signs and Symptoms of a Sinus Infection Characteristic Symptoms of an Acute Sinus Infection include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762987b4d273-a977-4b1e-b875-e1afb4fa84a0 Nasal congestion Facial pain and pressure Postnasal drip (a condition in which mucus drips into the back of the throat) Sticky nasal discharge e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629abed04c8-aa48-4699-a2aa-06240603b37f Bad breath (bad breath) Headache Cough Sore throat Nausea relief odor 60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293da6a4d6-0655-4e88-b71e-67e35a77c 19b fever 60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fbf3a2ec-e31a-48db-b964-0988e2b6ce04 Fatiguee60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629abed04c8-aa48-4699-a2aa-06240603b37f The sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind the eyebrows, behind the cheekbones, and between the eyes. The inside is lined with mucous membranes that filter and humidify the air you breathe. This lining can fill with fluid and become inflamed and swollen, causing sinusitis. This inflammation can lead to sinus infections as a result of viruses, bacteria, or, less commonly, sinusitis. fungi.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629277ae049-1947-402b-b5c5-718295a22 61fe60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629714c1e58-0290-4d4e-800a-feb0e741d8c7Complications of Sinus Infections Complications Most sinus infections resolve on their own and do not spread. However, if sinusitis spreads, it can cause: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c9dc89ab-20c2-404f-902e-0cdaba3acfea Cellulitis on the face or around the eyes Abscess around the eyes Blindness Blood clot in the cavernous sinus Epidural or subdural empyema, or pus-filled infection Meningitis Key points Sinus infections occur when the mucous membranes inside the sinuses become inflamed and trap microorganisms, causing bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The most common cause of sinusitis is a cold, but sinusitis can be caused by other conditions such as allergies, the flu, or a weakened immune system. Most sinus infections can be treated at home using steam, nasal sprays, and over-the-counter medications. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, contact your doctor. Sinus infections can become chronic and require additional treatment, including surgery. Lifestyle Changes and Preventing Sinus Infections Lifestyle Sinusitis itself is not contagious, but colds and flu often cause sinusitis. Taking steps to reduce the risk of viral infection can help prevent sinusitis. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762965afa525-61ce-4c29-beac-9b1f4f95e2a4 Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing Influenza Other ways to reduce your risk of getting a sinus infection are: Getting recommended vaccinations, such as Vaccine and Pneumococcal vaccines Staying away from people who have upper respiratory infections Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke Using a humidifier Other ways to reduce your risk of getting sinusitis are: Use a humidifier and avoid dry environments Inhale steam or use a saline nasal spray regularly Drink plenty of water Treat allergies Clean your sinuses regularly Types of Sinus Infections Sinus infections can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than 12 days). e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a9598290-ac06-482a-beba-f34429954c40 Acute Sinus Infection A sinus infection can occur. from:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629629e1589-2b4d-4b59-85be-6a59db9820b5 A virus related to the common cold. This is the most common cause of sinusitis and can be contagious. Bacterial infection. It can occur after a viral infection. Although this infection is not contagious, it can cause long-term sinusitis. Fungal infections , with more severe symptoms. This is the rarest type of sinus infection and is most prevalent among people with weakened immune systems. Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic sinusitis, involves inflammation that lasts at least 12 weeks. This swelling may be the result of an acute sinus infection, allergy, or inflammation. If you have chronic sinusitis, you may develop nasal polyps that are large enough to block your sinuses. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a9598290-ac06-482a-beba-f34429954c40 It is not always clear why some people develop these polyps and others do not. Causes and Risk Factors for Sinusitis Causes The most common cause of nasal congestion is inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages caused by a cold or allergies. It can also be caused by influenza or various bacteria. Although the terms “sinus infection” and “sinusitis” are often used interchangeably, sinusitis simply refers to inflammation of the sinuses. With or without infection. Sinus infections develop due to blockage of the sinuses and nose, which is ultimately a result of inflammation of the sinuses. infection.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297730f9f4-4a2d-4883-8c63-3747f6b9856c Several factors can increase your risk of developing sinusitis or sinus infection. Including: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762961d979ed-7892-426a-b03f-bc3c53e 7c05be60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762907742f6e-c897-478f-a295-55760d993457Allergies Colds Nasal polyps or other nasal growths Deviated septum, a bend in the wall between the two nostrils Reduced immunity Certain smoking drugs se60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292859fd3c-6e9a-4986-a222-92edae01e f95 asthma 60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292859fd3c-6e9a-4986-a222-92edae01ef95 Allergies, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions that can keep your nasal passages inflamed can also increase your risk of developing chronic diseases. Sinusitis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762980c00d79-4ef9-4903-a828-f85b1c661f72 Sinusitis Treatment and Medication Options As many as 70% of people with acute sinusitis recover without prescription medication. Treatment of acute sinusitis focuses on relieving symptoms. Including: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294b1ce32c-a0bc-47c0-8c4b-6be4781 05cd9e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fe013838-2fe8-486a-b09a-157c23f7f830Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest Flush your sinuses with a saline nasal rinse or spray Inhale steam several times a day Use a humidifier Place a warm, damp washcloth or compress on your nose and forehead to rest Medication options A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications may help relieve sinusitis symptoms. These include: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e0fe6459-60e0-4604-91b3-dc64534a 2e45e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fe013838-2fe8-486a-b09a-157c23f7f830Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Corticosteroid nasal spray Nasal decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Secretion-thinning drugs that help clear mucus Some sinusitis treatments may include antibiotics, but only if you have bacterial sinusitis. If allergies cause sinus problems, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e0fe6459-60e0-4604-91b3-dc64534a2e45 Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis Chronic sinusitis may require long-term treatment for symptoms. In addition to treatment options for acute sinus infections, treatments for chronic sinus problems include: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294270f009-1fdb-4784-a3fd-2a454444ea84 Surgery to recanalize the sinuses in cases of nasal polyps or deviated nasal septum Balloon sinuplasty, a surgery to widen the sinuses by inserting balloons into them The drug dupilumab (Dupixent) is used to treat chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps or allergic fungal sinusitis. Infectious disease e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296ecb4aaa-741d-4726-a4a9-5fcbd07 8c43ee60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ff2c9d6c-3c40-4e03-bd0a-1f94d4cf8197Combined oral and intranasal corticosteroid irrigation Complementary and integrative therapy In some cases, complementary therapies can help reduce sinusitis symptoms. Supplements such as the enzyme bromelain found in pineapple se60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292b300b13-cb87-43f2-8747-7551e5ce39a6 Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in many foods, including onions, apples, and green tea. Red wine 60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762931451cc6-55a4-4f27-8b84-153376a62378 Pelargonium Cydoides root or South African geraniume60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291b1bf73b-a6d7-40d2-922b-d892b7569635 Eucalyptol (cineole) or spike Some herbal medicines such as lavender oil60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ef7c27fb-bbb9-4fce-98bd-97da63a60a96 Mind-body practices such as yoga may support overall health, but there is little evidence to support the treatment of sinusitis Consult your doctor before starting any supplements and ask about the effectiveness of complementary therapies on your health. situation. How long does sinusitis last? Prognosis Acute sinus infections usually last less than 4 weeks and may resolve without medical attention. However, it may happen again. Chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks. This inflammation can last for months or even years.
