That annoying pressure behind your face, coupled with a stuffy nose and other cold-like symptoms, might actually be sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection. This condition occurs when the mucus lining of your sinuses—the air pockets behind your facial bones—becomes inflamed due to viruses, bacteria, fungi, or allergens.
Sinusitis is quite common, with nearly 30 million cases diagnosed in U.S. adults each year. While many sinus infections clear up on their own within a month, a healthcare provider can help identify the root cause and suggest treatment options for persistent cases.
To figure out the best treatment, doctors usually categorize sinusitis into specific types. Having a sinus infection often feels like having a cold, but worse. Common symptoms include:
A range of factors can lead to sinusitis, making it hard to pinpoint the exact cause. Some common causes can be grouped as follows:
Certain risk factors can increase your chances of getting a sinus infection. These include situations like:
A healthcare provider will likely conduct a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history to diagnose sinusitis. They will check your ears, nose, and throat for signs of inflammation, blockage, or infection, which might include redness, swollen nasal tissues, facial tenderness, discolored nasal mucus, and bad breath. If necessary, additional tests may be ordered.
The treatment plan offered by healthcare providers will largely depend on the type of sinusitis you have. Many cases of acute sinusitis resolve within about 10 days. Providers might suggest “watchful waiting,” observing symptoms for a few days to see if the infection clears without medical intervention.
Some sinus infections do need treatment. The aim is not only to address the infection but also to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms in the meantime. People with acute sinusitis might find relief through over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies, such as:
For more severe or chronic sinusitis, treatment might involve prescription medications, such as:
If treatment isn’t effective, a healthcare provider might refer you to an ENT specialist or consider surgery to remove blockages in more extreme cases.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent sinusitis, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. Experts suggest tips like:
Sinusitis might occur without any other condition. However, it can sometimes coincide with issues like allergies, asthma, and nasal polyps. Sinusitis can also impact sleep, particularly in chronic cases. Symptoms may make it difficult to sleep, leading to daytime fatigue. Poor sleep quality can also contribute to depression, a poor quality of life, and reduced cognitive function.
There’s some evidence linking chronic sinusitis with obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to a narrowed airway, though research on this is mixed.
Sinusitis is common, and while the symptoms can be bothersome, it usually resolves within a month. If it persists or frequently returns, a healthcare provider can help determine the cause and suggest a suitable treatment plan.
Even for acute sinusitis, there are signs to watch for that indicate a healthcare provider visit might be necessary. These signs include:
Even if medication isn’t prescribed, ask your healthcare provider about OTC options that can help you feel better as the sinusitis resolves. A decongestant or soothing measures like a warm compress or hot shower might relieve pain and pressure.
