Pain. Pressure. Congestion. Anyone who’s endured a sinus infection knows it can be a miserable experience. Also called acute sinusitis, a sinus infection often will clear up on its own.
“There’s no denying the discomfort a sinus infection can bring,” says Shanna Dierker, a Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner with ThedaCare Urgent Care Telehealth. “With comfort measures at home, people often get through a sinus infection within 10 days or so. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s a good idea to seek medical care.”
Here, we discuss common sinus infection symptoms and share tips for getting relief.
Sinus Infections, Explained
Sinuses are hollow structures in the skull located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes. They’re filled with air and normally secrete small amounts of mucus that drains through the nose.
A sinus infection can occur when mucus builds up due to colds, allergies or blockages. These triggers can get in the way of the natural drainage of mucus and lead to sinus inflammation or infection.
Sinus infections can occur through:
- Colds causing the lining of the nose and sinuses to swell and make extra mucus.
- Allergies irritating turbinates and other tissues. Turbinates are tiny structures inside the nose that filter and humidify air that passes through the nostrils into the lungs.
- Blockages, called polyps, may form in both the sinuses and the nose. Polyps can grow large enough to clog nasal passages or the openings of sinuses in the nose and block drainage.
Prevention
It’s often difficult to avoid getting ill altogether. At the same time, people can take steps to avoid developing a sinus infection.
- Stay well. Avoid people who have colds or other infections. Wash hands often and well with soap and water. Hand sanitizer can work in a pinch.
- Manage allergies. Work with a health care provider to keep symptoms under control.
- Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and other pollutants can irritate lungs and nasal passages.
- Use a humidifier. If air in the home is dry, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure the humidifier stays clean and free of mold with regular, complete cleaning. A humidifier also can provide relief during a sinus infection.
Symptoms
Common sinus infection symptoms include:
- Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose. People may experience a runny nose or drainage down the back of their throat, known as postnasal drip.
- Stuffy nose, leading to congestion that makes it hard to breathe through the nose.
- Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead. This often worsens when bending over.
People also may experience:
- Ear pressure
- Headache
- Aching in the teeth
- Changed sense of smell
- Cough
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Fever
Home Care
“Most sinus infections are viral, meaning that antibiotics won’t treat them or shorten their duration,” Dierker says. “That doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to make yourself more comfortable.”
Home care measures include:
- Saline nasal spray. This is non-medicated salt water that people can spray into their nose many times a day. A sinus rinse device or neti pot also can work well.
- Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat swelling. Examples include fluticasone (Flonase), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), mometasone and beclomethasone.
- Decongestants. These medicines are available with and without a prescription. They come in liquids, tablets and nasal sprays. Use nasal decongestants for only a few days. Longer use may cause a worsening of stuffiness, known as rebound congestion.
- Allergy medicines. For sinusitis caused by allergies, using allergy medicines might lessen allergy symptoms.
- Pain relievers. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil).
“In addition, you’ll also want to get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated,” Dierker says. “Warm liquids such as tea or soup can be especially helpful.”
When & How to Seek Care
Some signs can indicate that a sinus infection is bacterial, meaning an antibiotic may be appropriate. Signs people should seek medical care for a sinus infection include:
- Severe headache or facial pain
- Symptoms that worsen after improving
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improving
- Fever lasting longer than 3-4 days
- Multiple sinus infections in the past year
“If you need sinus infection care, you have several options, including virtual care,” Dierker says. “ThedaCare’s virtual care providers can evaluate symptoms through a video visit. They also can prescribe medication if needed.”
Other care options include ThedaCare primary care clinics and urgent and walk-in care locations.
“Through the virtual care we provide, we’re proud to offer a convenient option that lets people access the medical care they need from the comfort of their own home.”
