What Is Sinusitis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

It can stick around for longer than you might think.

A common cold can bring you to your knees, leaving you longing for healthier days. But how can you distinguish between a typical cold and a sinus infection? Sinus infections, affecting 31 million people in the United States annually, as reported by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, are a prevalent concern. To provide clarity on sinus infections, including their duration and effective remedies for alleviating congestion and sinus pain, Health consulted healthcare professionals. Here’s what you need to know about sinus infections.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

Officially termed sinusitis, a sinus infection occurs when your sinuses become inflamed, according to the National Library of Medicine. However, when people perceive they have a sinus infection, it often encompasses both the nose and sinuses. Rarely does an individual suffer solely from a sinus infection; it is typically a condition known as rhinosinusitis, as per UpToDate. Acute rhinosinusitis occurs when both the sinus and nasal cavities’ linings become swollen, explained Philip Chen, MD, an otolaryngologist at UT Health San Antonio, to Health. Therefore, if you receive a diagnosis of sinus infection or sinusitis, it is likely rhinosinusitis since these terms are frequently used interchangeably.

Sinuses are air-filled pockets located near the nose, Dr. Chen stated. These pockets feature a mucosa lining that contributes to sinus health. In the case of an infection, it is the mucosa lining that becomes inflamed.

Typically, sinus infections result from conditions that block the sinuses, such as common colds or allergies, clarified Landon Duyka, MD, an otolaryngologist at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. This obstruction creates an environment conducive to the development and progression of a sinus infection, Dr. Duyka added.

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

Those who have experienced sinus infections are familiar with their discomfort. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, discolored nasal mucus, postnasal drainage, facial pain, facial pressure, and reduced sense of smell and taste, according to Dr. Duyka. Some individuals may also encounter ear pain, upper tooth pain, sore throat, bad breath, and a cough.

However, it’s important to note that the color of nasal mucus (whether green or yellow) does not reliably indicate a bacterial or viral infection, cautioned Donald Ford, MD, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic. The green-yellow hue results from the activity of white blood cells, which the body deploys to combat any infection, viral or bacterial. Consequently, mucus color cannot definitively reveal the infection’s cause. Thick and dark mucus may indicate mild dehydration, in which case increasing fluid intake and using saline spray can help maintain mucus thinness.

Duration of a Sinus Infection

The National Library of Medicine categorizes sinusitis into three types: acute, chronic, and subacute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than four weeks, according to Dr. Ford. In contrast, chronic sinusitis extends beyond 12 weeks, while subacute sinusitis persists for one to three months. However, these are general estimates, and the duration of illness varies among individuals.

“Acute sinusitis typically resolves in 10 days, but if not, bacterial infection should be considered,” noted Dr. Chen. Experiencing one or two sinus infections annually is regarded as normal. However, more than four infections should prompt a visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Chronic sinusitis can persist for up to three months, and environmental factors may influence symptom severity. Allergies are a common cause of chronic sinusitis. Smoking impairs cilia function, a component of nasal membranes responsible for mucus removal, contributing to chronic sinusitis.

Treatment and Prevention of Acute Sinus Infections

If you suspect a sinus infection, attempt at-home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments before consulting a healthcare provider, advised Dr. Duyka. Nasal irrigation, nasal steroid sprays (e.g., Flonase), oral decongestants like Sudafed, and intranasal decongestants such as Afrin (for a maximum of three days) can alleviate symptoms.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that Sudafed may not be safe for individuals with specific medical conditions, as outlined by the National Library of Medicine. Preexisting conditions like glaucoma, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, or breastfeeding may contraindicate Sudafed use, making it prudent to consult a healthcare provider before taking the medication.

When resorting to nasal irrigation, always use sterile water or solutions to avoid potential harm from bacteria or amoebas present in tap water, as cautioned by the Food and Drug Administration.

If symptoms persist or worsen, antibiotics may become necessary. Dr. Chen advised waiting at least 10 days before considering antibiotics, as sinusitis lasting less than 10 days typically results from a viral infection, which antibiotics cannot treat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists specific symptoms that may indicate a severe sinus infection, such as severe headache, recurring symptoms, duration of 10 days or more, or a fever persisting for over three to four days.

For prevention, proper sanitation is crucial, as viruses are the primary cause of sinus infections. Thorough hand washing is an effective preventative measure. Additionally, individuals with allergies may benefit from using nasal steroids and sinus irrigation during symptomatic seasons to reduce the risk of sinus infections.

Chronic Sinus Infections and Treatment Options

Chronic sinusitis may necessitate sinus surgery if conservative treatments prove ineffective. Chronic sinusitis involves inflammation of the sinuses or nasal passages for more than 12 weeks. Surgery may enable the topical delivery of medications, such as topical steroids, directly to the nasal and sinus lining, explained Dr. Chen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while sinus infections can be uncomfortable and painful, experiencing one or two per year is typically considered normal. Numerous at-home and OTC remedies are available for sinus infections. Nevertheless, if symptoms persist beyond 10 days, recurrent infections occur, or other concerns arise, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. Proper sanitation, including rigorous hand washing, is an effective preventive measure. For individuals with allergies, managing and treating allergy symptoms may help prevent sinus infections. In cases of chronic sinusitis, sinus surgery may be a viable option if conservative measures fail to provide relief.