Sinus Infection Resource Center

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinus cavities, which causes symptoms like facial pain, pressure, a runny nose, congestion, and headaches. Depending on the cause, treatment often includes nasal decongestant sprays, antibiotics, and antihistamines.

Using a humidifier or saline nasal spray or inhaling steam can also relieve symptoms.

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Common Questions & Answers

What causes a sinus infection?
Viral infections, including rhinoviruses, influenza, and parainfluenza, are the most common causes of sinusitis. However, bacteria, fungi, respiratory illnesses, structural issues in the nose, reactive diseases like asthma, and congenital diseases like cystic fibrosis can also contribute.
Most viral sinus infections resolve within 7 to 10 days. However, bacterial sinusitis may develop after this time and often lasts longer, and chronic forms of sinusitis can last for several months.
Sinusitis typically causes facial pain, pressure, and fullness; blocked sinuses; a thick, yellow-green nasal discharge; and a reduced sense of smell. Headaches, fever, tiredness, coughing, sore throat, foul-smelling breath, postnasal drip, and dental pain may also occur.
See a doctor if symptoms last longer than 10 days or you’ve had several sinus infections in the previous year, a fever for more than three or four days, or symptoms like visual changes, severe headaches, mental status changes, and neck stiffness.
A fever can accompany a sinus infection, especially if the cause is bacterial, but it’s not one of the most common symptoms.
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