sinus infection: do you know the signs?

if you have blocked nose, or pressure around your face and eyes, bad breath or pain with chewing, you may have a sinus infection.

by dave yasvinski

published jul 14, 2022

last updated feb 20, 2023

3 minute read

join the conversation

3 minute read

join the conversation

how do i know if have a sinus infection?

sinusitis can be difficult to discern from the common cold because it presents many of the same symptoms and progresses in a similar manner. getty

sinus infections, otherwise known as sinusitis, occur when the lining of the nose and sinus cavities become inflamed, usually due to an infection. the sinuses consist of four pairs of air-filled cavities located behind the forehead, cheeks and eyes that are connected by narrow channels. the sinuses, according to the canadian society of otolaryngology, produce a thin mucus that drips through these channels and out the nose, ensuring the area stays clear of bacteria. if the small openings to the sinuses become blocked, however, fluid can back up and fill the sinuses, allowing bacteria to grow and infect the area.

there are different types of sinusitis, according to the cleveland clinic, including acute sinusitis (occurs suddenly, includes cold-like symptoms and facial pain lasting 10 days or longer), chronic sinusitis (nasal congestion, drainage, facial pressure/pain lasting at least 12 weeks), subacute sinusitis (symptoms lasting four to 12 weeks) and recurrent acute sinusitis (symptoms return four or more times a year, lasting for less than two weeks each time).

although sinus infections can be viral or bacterial most cases are caused by the same virus responsible for the common cold. most infections only last for a few days to a few weeks and are not serious.

what are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

sinusitis can be difficult to discern from the common cold because it presents many of the same symptoms and progresses in a similar manner. these symptoms generally include congestion; a blocked nose; swelling, pressure or tenderness around the face and eyes; a decreased sense of smell; and clear or coloured fluid that drains from the nose or to the back of the throat. other symptoms can include fatigue, bad breath, pain while chewing and fever.

how is a sinus infection diagnosed?

doctors typically determine the presence of a sinus infection by enquiring about symptoms before examining the eyes, nose and ears for signs of drainage, blockage or infection. sometimes the passage of a few days is all that is necessary to conclude that symptoms are not caused by a cold but a sinus infection.

how are sinus infections treated?

because most cases of sinusitis are caused by a viral infection, antibiotics are generally not used as the first line of defence. doctors will typically prescribe decongestants, allergy medications and analgesics (such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen) to alleviate symptoms and decongest sinus openings. if this fails to address the issue, antibiotics may be prescribed. doctors tend to avoid using antibiotics as they are more expensive and overuse may lead to future infections that are resistant to treatment. narrow spectrum antibiotics are often preferred as bacterial sinusitis is generally caused by a small number of known bacteria. in the case of chronic sinusitis, which is often caused by allergies, steroid or antihistamine sprays may be prescribed.

most people recover from an infection within a week but choosing wisely canada recommends a few measures that may shorten this period, including getting plenty of rest, drinking warm fluids, boosting humidity, gargling or rinsing the nose with saltwater sprays or nasal kits.

how can i prevent a sinus infection?

there are several ways to lower the risk of a sinus infection, according to healthlink bc, including:

steering clear of people with a cold or respiratory infection
washing hands after encountering someone with a cold or infection
promptly treating stuffiness caused by a cold or allergy before it has a chance to become an infection
avoiding any form of smoke at home or work
avoiding any sources of allergies
avoiding dry air by using a humidifier

prevalence of sinus infections

sinusitis statistics are commonly combined with rhinosinusitis, a similar condition that involves infection of the nose and nasal cavities instead of the sinuses. the term rhinosinusitis is often used in place of sinusitis because most cases of sinusitis also involve inflammation of the nasal cavities. the two are extremely common conditions, with one study estimating that they affect around one out of every eight adults — or roughly 3.5 million canadians — every year.

support for sinus infections

there are many resources available if you are looking for more information on sinus infections, including healthlink bc, the canadian society of otolaryngology and canadian family physician.

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.

don’t miss a thing: sign-up for healthing’s newsletter

thank you for your support. if you liked this story, please send it to a friend. every share counts.

dave yasvinski

sinus infection: do you know the signs?

if you have blocked nose, or pressure around your face and eyes, bad breath or pain with chewing, you may have a sinus infection.

asking for a friend: why do i get so congested when i sleep?

the cough: the body function we all now dread thanks to covid