Sinusitis can cause facial pressure, sinus headache, and other symptoms. Treatment may depend on the cause.
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can allow germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection.
Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria — or, rarely, fungi — may cause a sinus infection.
The type of sinus infection you have depends on how long it lasts and how often you get it.
- Acute sinusitis: This type of sinus infection lasts less than 4 weeks. It’s usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection (acute bacterial sinusitis).
- Subacute sinusitis: A subacute sinus infection lasts between
4 and 12 weeks . - Recurrent acute sinusitis: An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting 7 days or more.
- Chronic sinusitis: Chronic sinus infections last for more than 12 weeks or continue to come back.
Other conditions, such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections, can also cause sinus pain.
Some symptoms of sinusitis can overlap with a cold. Symptoms of sinusitis can include:
- facial pain or pressure, particularly under your eyes or on your forehead or cheeks
- infected nasal discharge
- nasal congestion may cause a “blocked” feeling, and your voice may sound “stuffy”
- sinus headache, which can be worse when lying down
- runny nose
- sore throat and cough due to mucus irritating your throat, known as postnasal drip
- a low grade fever, meaning 100.4°F to 103°F (38°C to 39.4°C), may also occur with sinusitis, though it is uncommon
- bad breath (halitosis) due to mucus that can drip down the throat into the mouth
Symptoms of acute infections last at least 10 days without improving or worsen within 10 days after seeming to improve.
A general practitioner or an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) can tell you for certain and provide a treatment plan.
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There isn’t a fast cure for a sinus infection. Treatment may vary depending on how severe the infection is and how long it lasts.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Nasal decongestant spray can help relieve sinus infection symptoms in the short term. But you should limit your use to no more than 3 days to avoid a rebound effect, which can lead to worsening symptoms.
A steroid nasal spray such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone can help with nasal congestion symptoms without the risk of rebound symptoms.
OTC antihistamines and decongestants can help with sinus infections, particularly if you also experience allergies.
However, decongestants are typically not recommended for people with certain conditions, including high blood pressure, prostate issues, and glaucoma.
Consider talking with a doctor before taking any of these medications to make sure they’re appropriate for you.
Home remedies
You may be able to find relief with home remedies that include:
- staying hydrated
- drinking hot liquids like tea and broth
- breathing in moist air in the shower or with a humidifier
- resting your voice
- sleeping upright with your head elevated
- using sinus rinses
- using a warm compress
Flushing out the nostrils
Because using unfiltered tap water
- boiling tap water and allowing it to cool (if you use tap water)
- using a water filtration system
- buying distilled water
- using OTC premixed solutions
Learn how to do nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics like amoxicillin treat acute sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection that has not resolved with other treatments.
Before prescribing antibiotics, a doctor may practice “watchful waiting,” which involves monitoring a sinus infection to determine its cause before prescribing antibiotics. Antibiotics only treat bacterial sinus infections.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection that has lasted 10 days or more without improving or if symptoms seem to improve but then get worse within 10 days.
You may be able to prevent sinus infections or reduce their frequency. Steps can include:
- quitting smoking, if you smoke, which can make you especially prone to sinus infections
- avoiding pollutants, including second-hand smoke and chemicals
- washing your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons
- diagnosing and treating allergies
- diagnosing and treating other health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or enlarged adenoids, which tends to affect children and teens
If you’re allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you’ll likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.
A sinus infection may improve on its own. But in some cases, it may get worse.
Rarely if a sinus infection affects a sinus cavity close to the brain, it can spread to the space around the brain. An infection can also pass into the eye socket and cause vision changes or blindness.
These types of infections are more common in people with compromised immune systems.
Make an appointment with a doctor if you have severe symptoms or if your symptoms last longer than 10 days or keep coming back.
Because the cause of your sinus infection can affect your treatment options, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you’re looking for a doctor.
If you have chronic or recurring sinusitis, an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, may use imaging and other tests to determine the cause.
When it’s an emergency
Rarely, symptoms like those of a sinus infection may occur with serious health conditions. You may need urgent medical care if you experience any symptoms of a more serious infection, such as:
- a fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
- confusion
- stiff neck
- changes in vision
- other related symptoms that are concerning or severe
- lethargy
It’s common for children to have allergies and to be prone to infections in the nose and ears.
Your child may have a sinus infection if they have the following symptoms:
A pediatrician can determine the best course of treatment for your child. Treatment can include:
- nasal sprays
- saline sprays
- pain relief medication
Do not give OTC cough or cold medicines or decongestants to your child if they’re under 2 years old.
Most children will fully recover from a sinus infection without antibiotics. Antibiotics are used for severe cases of sinusitis or in children who have other complications because of sinusitis.
If your child doesn’t respond to treatment or develops chronic sinusitis, a doctor may recommend that they see an ENT doctor. Enlarged adenoids may also cause sinusitis and similar symptoms.
Sinus infections often start to improve on their own after about 10 days. If your symptoms last longer without improving or are worsening, a doctor may need to treat the underlying cause of the infection. Acute sinusitis usually goes away within 1 to 2 weeks with proper treatment.
Chronic sinusitis may require seeing a specialist or having long-term treatment to address the cause. An episode of chronic sinusitis can last longer than
Sinus infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms like facial pressure and congestion. They may go away with home care but sometimes require medical treatment.
Frequent sinus infections may be due to an underlying condition.