Sinus infections, sometimes referred to as sinusitis or acute sinusitis, are when the sinus spaces inside your nose, cheeks, and forehead become infected. Sinus infections are extremely common in people of all ages and walks of life, and they typically happen as a side effect of the flu, common cold, and other upper respiratory infections.  

Most times, sinus infections resolve in one week to a month, but some infections can last for several months. These instances, known as chronic sinusitis, are fairly rare, but they could be a sign that you need more intensive treatment. Chronic sinusitis is also more likely to cause serious side effects than short-term sinus infections.

Different Sinus Infections  

While most people are aware of what a sinus infection is, they rarely know that there is more than one kind. Acute sinusitis is the most common type of sinus infection and refers to a temporary, short-term infection that goes away in one to two weeks.  

Besides acute sinus infections, there are subacute infections, lasting from four to twelve weeks; chronic infections, which last upwards of twelve weeks; and recurrent infections. Recurrent infections are when you have repeated sinus infections multiple times a year. Regardless of what type of sinus infection you have, they will all cause the same uncomfortable, painful symptoms.  

Signs and Symptoms of Sinus Infections 

If you have a sinus infection, the first thing you will notice is that your nose is extremely stuffy, and your voice sounds nasally. However, that’s just the start of your symptoms, and they will also typically include the following.  

• Pressure in your ears bordering on an earache  
• A throbbing headache  
• Occasional or frequent coughing or sneezing  
• Chronic fatigue  
• Fever  
• Bad breath and achy teeth due to the sinus buildup  
• Lost sense of smell  
• Drippy or runny nose  
• Pressure on your cheeks and forehead  

In addition to these symptoms, you’ll also be experiencing symptoms from whatever the underlying cause of the sinus infection is. Most times, this will include other flu-like symptoms such as nausea, body aches, and all-around discomfort.  

Causes of Sinus Infections  

While sinus infections can sometimes happen as a standalone condition, they are almost always caused by something else. Common causes include the flu, a common cold, and other viral and bacterial infections. Sinus infections are also common in people who have seasonal allergies because their sinuses are more likely to get blocked or inflamed.  

You can also develop a fungal sinus infection, the rarest but most serious form of sinusitis. Sinus infections caused by a fungus can spread to the eyes, other facial tissues, and even the brain if you aren’t careful. If the infection spreads to the brain, it can have life-threatening ramifications, which is why it’s important to, at the very least, get your condition diagnosed to confirm it isn’t fungal.  

Potential Complications  

The biggest risk of a sinus infection is if it’s fungal and spreads to the brain or other parts of the body. In rare cases, sinusitis can also have terrible effects on the eyes and cause temporary or permanent vision problems. Acute sinus infections, if left untreated, can turn into chronic ones. While recurrent sinus infections don’t necessarily increase your risk of complications, they increase the time you’re miserable.  

How Doctors Diagnose Sinus Infections

Doctors diagnose sinus infections by taking a nasal swab, just as they do with Covid and the flu. Technicians then test the swab for certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses to determine whether you have a sinus infection and what type it is.

Treatment and Management

In most cases, sinus infections go away on their own after several weeks or months. Because most sinus infections are viral, the infection has to run its course and go away on its own. However, while there aren’t cures for viral sinus infections, there are plenty of treatments that can ease your symptoms until you recover.

• Over-the-counter pain medications  
• Nasal sprays and salines  
• Oral decongestants  
• Anti-histamines and other allergy medications  
• Getting lots of rest  
• Staying hydrated with fluids  

If your sinus infection is bacterial or fungal, you will need antibacterial or antifungal medications to recover fully.  

How Can an Urgent Care Facility Help?

Whether this is your first bout with a sinus infection or you have recurrent and chronic infections, Anderson Walk-In Medical Clinic is here to help. Our medical professionals can perform testing to determine whether you have a sinus infection and if there’s an underlying cause.  

Once we establish that, we can start you on the treatment immediately. Sinus infections are no laughing matter, and while they rarely lead to serious complications, they can still happen, and it’s important to resolve your infection as quickly as possible.  

References

Acute sinusitis – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic 
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org) 
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) | Antibiotic Use | CDC 
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): Symptoms, Causes, Duration, & Treatment (webmd.com)