Ever had that deep, persistent pressure against your. Oh, face, nose that just won’t drain, or headache that seems to. Oh, are you coming from behind your eyes? If so, you’ve most likely had a sinus infection—sinusitis. They’re amazingly prevalent, but having a clue as to what’s going on in your noggin can make you feel better and recognize when it’s time to call in for more assistance.
A sinus infection occurs when the lining of your sinuses—the air spaces surrounding your nose, eyes, and forehead—becomes swollen or inflamed. Your spaces are usually filled with air and lined with mucus that contains germs and keeps your nose open. However, when fluid becomes clogged in the sinuses, it builds up a warm, damp environment in which germs thrive. On most occasions, sinusitis is brought about by viruses such as those responsible for the common cold, but bacteria and even fungi at times cause it.
So, how do you know if it’s a cold and not a sinus infection? Some of the typical signs are a congestion or runny nose, feeling of pressure or pain in your face—in particular around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead—and a headache that refuses to go away. You may also experience post-nasal drip (that is, mucus drips down the back of your throat), sore throat, cough, or even bad breath. It’s easy to confuse a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection, but that additional facial pressure is generally a dead giveaway.
Some factors can increase your chances of developing a sinus infection. If you’ve recently had a cold, have allergies, smoke, or are exposed to secondhand smoke, your risk increases. Nasal structural problems like polyps, or if you have a compromised immune system, can also put you at risk for sinus issues.
To figure out what’s going on, a healthcare provider will usually start by asking about your symptoms and checking your nose and face. In more stubborn or severe cases, they might use a small flexible tube called an endoscope to look inside your sinuses, or they might order a CT scan or an MRI to get a clearer picture. If allergies are suspected, skin testing can help identify specific triggers.
Treatment varies depending on what is behind the infection. In the majority of situations—and particularly if it is a viral one—sinus infections resolve without incident in a few weeks. Rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen often can make the difference in you feeling better. Warm compresses, steam, and saline nasal sprays or rinses (such as with a neti pot) can relieve pressure and dislodge mucus. Just make sure to use distilled or sterile water for rinsing and keep your neti pot or rinse bottle clean.
If your symptoms persist for over 10 days, return after initially improving, or worsen—such as if you have a high fever, severe facial pain, or vision disturbances—it’s time to visit your healthcare provider. Bacterial sinus infections might require antibiotics, but physicians are not quick to prescribe them unless necessary. In certain situations, they might suggest waiting and seeing before resorting to medication.
For more resistant or chronic sinus problems, more potent treatments might be necessary. Prescription nasal sprays (particularly steroids), oral steroids, or even surgery may be employed to assist in clearing clogged sinuses or eliminating nasal polyps. In case your allergies are causing your symptoms, antihistamines or allergy shots can be beneficial. While uncommon, fungal sinus infections occur and need special antifungal therapies, occasionally even surgery.
Keeping sinus infections from happening begins with maintaining your sinuses. Wash your hands often, receive your flu vaccine, avoid close contact with those with colds, and stay away from cigarette smoke. Having a clean humidifier running at home can keep the air moist and the sinuses content. Controlling allergies and good hygiene help as well.
With children, a little extra precaution is necessary. Over-the-counter cold and cough medication is not advised for children under the age of four, and aspirin must never be administered to children due to the potential of Reye’s syndrome. If an infant under the age of three months exhibits symptoms of a sinus infection—or if any child experiences a fever—best to consult with a physician immediately.
Sinus infections can certainly ruin your life for a few days, but the better news is that most resolve with time and a little TLC. Having the symptoms, knowing what is going on in your body, and being proactive about caring for your sinuses can be the difference between recovering easily and uncomfortably.