What Causes Sinus Infections?

By Ilia Jbankov, FNP-BC, Medcor Provider | Comments are Closed | 17 February, 2021 0

About 31 million Americans are affected by a sinus infection each year. Microorganisms, like viruses, bacteria, or fungus, can take over one or more sinuses and trigger a sinus infection, also known as “sinusitis.”

Sinuses are four pairs of moist and hollow air-filled cavities located behind the forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes. Each sinus has an opening that connects it to the inner nose. Sinuses produce specialized mucus that helps form a protective layer that moisturizes the nose and protects the airways from pollutants, dust, and microorganisms. Sinuses also help our voices resonate and sound healthy.

Sinusitis Symptoms

Symptoms of sinusitis include the following:

Nasal congestion
Facial pressure, pain or tenderness
Puffiness around eyes
Ear congestion or fullness
Headache or toothache
Thick purulent nasal or postnasal drainage
Reduced sense of smell or taste
Bad breath (halitosis)
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Sore throat
Cough

Viral Sinusitis

Sinus infections caused by viruses are the most common type of sinus infections, accounting for 90% to 98% of all cases.

Symptoms of viral sinusitis can almost always be treated at home and symptoms usually resolve within 7–10 days. Treatment for viral sinusitis often includes nasal saline rinses, intranasal steroids, decongestants, and over-the-counter medications for fever and pain. It is important to know that healthcare providers do not prescribe antibiotics for viral sinusitis. Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment options that are the most appropriate for you.

Bacterial Sinusitis

Bacterial sinusitis is much less common than viral sinusitis and accounts for 0.5% to 2% of all sinusitis cases. Bacterial sinus infections commonly occur when viral sinus infections do not resolve on their own.

At first glance, bacterial sinusitis can be hard to distinguish from viral sinusitis. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lists three specific criteria for the diagnosis of acute bacterial sinusitis:

Symptoms last 10 days or longer and do not show clear signs of improvement;
Symptoms initially improve but then get worse within a short time frame;
Symptoms are severe, are accompanied by a fever of 102° Fahrenheit or higher, and last 3–4 days or longer.

Potential complications of untreated bacterial sinusitis include eye infection, sinus cavity blood clot, meningitis, brain abscess, and bone infection of the face or skull. If you suspect you have a bacterial sinus infection, it is important to see your healthcare provider right away. Symptoms may be treated the same way as viral sinusitis, but your healthcare will often prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to prevent complications from bacterial sinus infections.

Fungal Sinusitis

Fungal sinus infections occur less frequently than either viral or bacterial sinusitis. Fungal sinusitis occurs when inhaled fungal spores colonize sinus tissues and cause an infection.

Symptoms of fungal sinusitis are usually identical to those of viral and bacterial sinus infections, but they are trickier to diagnose. People with healthy immune systems are rarely affected; they may develop “non-invasive” fungal sinusitis, which is typically a long-lasting sinus infection (more than three months).

Individuals with a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV, cancer, chemotherapy, or advanced diabetes are at higher risk for “invasive” fungal sinus infections, which can lead to changes in mental status, neurologic deficits, and decreased vision. An invasive fungal sinusitis that develops rapidly, within four weeks, is a true medical emergency; it could lead to death if not treated immediately.

Prevention

Strategies for preventing sinus infections include nasal saline irrigation and nasal saline sprays, which help keep your nose moist and your sinuses clear of blockages that can lead to infection. Staying well-hydrated and avoiding dry environments by using a humidifier also help keep mucus in your nose thin and prevent backup into your sinuses. Keeping allergies under good control helps minimize sinus irritation and inflammation and reduces the risks of a sinus infection. Avoiding areas with high levels of pollution and avoiding exposure to smoke and other irritants as much as possible help keep sinuses clear.

Your chances of warding off many kinds of infections, including sinus infections, increases with good hand hygiene. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle based on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, mental fitness, and healthy sleep patterns helps to ensure proper functioning of various body organs and structures (including the sinuses) and maintain a strong immune system capable of defending the body against pathogens.

This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or to give medical advice. Always consult your primary care provider for healthcare instructions. External links are provided as references and do not indicate an endorsement by Medcor. External links are subject to other sites’ terms of use and privacy policies.