Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)

Your stuffy nose, facial pressure and lingering headache might be a sinus infection, also called sinusitis. Most cases get better with home care. But if your symptoms last, Banner Health is here to help. Our care team can find out what’s really going on and guide you to the right treatments. 

What is a sinus infection?

Your sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces inside your head around your eyes, forehead and nose. A thin lining called the mucosa can become inflamed and swollen when you’re sick or have allergies. This swelling is called sinusitis.

When your sinuses swell, they can’t drain properly. Mucus builds up, giving germs a place to grow. Sinus infections are usually caused by viruses. Sometimes, bacteria, fungi (mold) or allergens can also cause it.

Other factors can increase your risk:

• Frequent colds
• The flu (influenza)
• Nasal or seasonal allergies
• Asthma
• A weakened immune system (like cystic fibrosis)
• Nasal polyps (growths)
• A deviated septum
• Smoking or secondhand smoke

Types of sinus infections

The types of sinusitis are based on how long it’s been going on and what’s causing it. This helps guide the right treatment plan for you.

How long it lasts:

• Acute sinusitis (short-term): Usually lasts up to 10 days, but can last up to four weeks
• Subacute sinusitis: Lasts four to 12 weeks
• Chronic sinusitis: Lasts 12 weeks or longer, even with treatment
• Recurrent sinusitis: Four or more sinus infections within a year

Most people start to feel better within seven to 10 days. If your symptoms last longer or become worse after getting better, see your health care provider.

What’s causing it:

• Bacterial and viral sinusitis: Most sinus infections are caused by viruses, such as the common cold.  Bacterial sinusitis is much less common, causing fewer than 2% of sinus infections. If your symptoms last more than 10 days, get worse after improving or mainly affect one side of your face, you might have bacterial sinusitis.
• Fungal sinusitis: Fungal sinus infections are rare and caused by fungi (such as mildew or yeast). They most often affect people with weakened immune systems. Some people with allergies can develop allergic fungal sinusitis.

Symptoms of a sinus infection

Sinusitis symptoms can feel like a cold, but they often last longer or feel more intense. Symptoms may include:

• A stuffy or runny nose (nasal congestion)
• Thick yellow or green mucus
• Pressure or pain in your face, especially around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
• A headache that worsens when you bend over
• Post-nasal drip (that drippy feeling in the back of your throat)
• A cough, especially at night
• A loss of smell or taste
• A sore throat
• Bad breath
• Feeling tired or worn down
• A low fever 

Symptoms may worsen in the morning or when you lean forward. Many people also feel more tired than usual, making it hard to get through a normal day.

When should you see a specialist?

You can usually treat sinus infections at home. But see your health care provider, go to an urgent care clinic or visit an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist or ENT) if you have:

• Symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement
• A cold that started to get better, then suddenly got worse
• A fever over 102°F (38.9°C) that lasts more than a day or two
• Facial pain or a headache that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter (OTC) medicine
• Repeated sinus infections (four or more times in a year)
• Symptoms that interfere with your work, sleep or daily life

When to go to the ER

Some sinus infections are medical emergencies. In rare cases, the infection can spread to nearby areas like your eyes or brain. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you notice:

• Swelling, redness or pain around your eyes
• Changes in your vision, such as double or blurry vision
• A stiff neck that hurts when you move it
• Confusion, trouble thinking clearly or staying awake
• A severe headache that doesn’t go away, especially with a high fever (over 103°F or 39.4°C)
• Trouble breathing

How is a sinus infection diagnosed?

Sinusitis is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. Your health care provider will check your ears, nose and throat for swelling, draining or blockage. They might use an endoscope (a small, lighted instrument) to look inside your nose.

In some cases, your provider may also recommend:

• Imaging tests: A CT scan can find more serious inflammation deep in your sinuses.
• Sinus or nasal culture: Your provider might take a sample from inside your sinuses to check for a fungal or bacterial infection.
• Allergy tests: If allergies might be causing your sinus problems, your provider could recommend a skin prick test or a blood test.
• Blood tests: If your symptoms get better but keep coming back, your provider may check your immune system to see what’s going on.

Sinus infection treatment options

There are many treatment options for sinusitis, depending on your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. 

At-home care

You can often treat sinusitis at home. Follow these steps to help reduce swelling and open your sinuses:

• Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus
• Use a saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation (like a Neti pot or saline rinse) 
• Breathe in steam from a shower or a bowl of warm water
• Place a warm compress on your face
• Rest and give your body time to heal
• Sleep with your head raised to help mucus drain
• Take OTC pain relievers as directed
• Try acupressure, acupuncture or facial massage to help with pressure and drainage

Decongestants may help for a short time but do not use nasal sprays for more than a few days. Using them too long can make your symptoms worse, causing rebound congestion.

Medications

If home care isn't enough, your provider might suggest:

• Prescription nasal sprays or nasal corticosteroids to reduce swelling
• Antibiotics
• Allergy treatment, if allergies are causing your sinusitis

Surgery

For long-term or recurring sinus issues, less invasive treatments can help without major surgery. These procedures are done by an ENT:

• Balloon sinuplasty: Gently opens blocked sinuses with a small balloon. It’s done in the doctor’s office, takes about an hour and most people can go back to their normal activities the next day.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: Uses a thin, lighted tool inserted through the nose to remove blockages. There are no cuts on the outside, and recovery time is shorter than with traditional surgery.

How to prevent sinus infections

You can lower your risk by taking these steps:

• Wash your hands often
• Manage allergies
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Use a humidifier if your air is dry
• Stay hydrated
• Treat colds early
• Stay up to date with vaccinations

Why choose Banner Health for sinus care

You don’t have to live with the pressure, pain and stuffiness of sinus infections. When you visit Banner Health, you’ll get easy access to care, an accurate diagnosis, personalized care plans and treatment options and follow-up support.

Whether this is your first sinus infection or your fourth, our care team is ready to listen, guide you and help you feel like yourself again. Make an appointment today with a Banner Health specialist.

Frequently asked questions

How long do sinus infections last?

Most sinus infections go away in seven to 10 days. Bacterial infections might last longer. If your symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse, see your provider.

Can a sinus infection go away on its own?

Yes. Most viral sinus infections improve in seven to 10 days without antibiotics. Rest, drink fluids, use saline rinses and breathe in steam to help.

Are sinus infections contagious?

The virus that causes a sinus infection can spread to others. But sinusitis itself doesn’t always spread. Wash your hands and cover your mouth when you cough to prevent germs from spreading.

What’s the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection? 

Drink plenty of water, use saline rinses, rest, put warm compresses on your face and breathe in steam. These steps can help most viral sinus infections go away in about a week.

When should I take antibiotics for a sinus infection?

Only take antibiotics if your provider confirms a bacterial infection. Signs include symptoms lasting more than 10 days, a high fever or symptoms that get better and then worse.

How do you know if a sinus infection is bacterial or viral?

Viral infections usually get better within a week to 10 days. If symptoms last longer or get worse, it might be a bacterial infection.

Can sinus infections be fungal?

Yes. Sometimes a fungus can cause a sinus infection but this is rare and usually occurs in people with certain risk factors. Most sinus infections are viral or bacterial.

Is a sinus infection worse than a cold?

A sinus infection feels deeper and heavier than a cold. You might have more pressure and pain in your face. Colds usually go away in about a week but sinusitis can last a little longer.

Are sinusitis and sinus infection the same thing?

Yes. Sinusitis is the medical term and sinus infection is the everyday name for the same thing.