Home / Conditions & Treatments / Sinus Infection

Sinus Infection

A person holding their forehead and nose bridge with a tissue in hand, sitting on a couch under a blanket, showing discomfort. Natural lighting with soft focus on the sinuses area.

A sinus infection—also known as sinusitis—occurs when the sinus cavities become inflamed or swollen, often due to a viral, bacterial, or allergic cause. It can result in facial pressure, congestion, and nasal discharge. Acute sinus infections typically resolve in under four weeks, while chronic cases may last much longer or recur frequently.

  • Facial pressure or pain (especially around eyes, nose, and cheeks)
  • Stuffy or blocked nose
  • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
  • Headache or pain that worsens when bending forward
  • Postnasal drip and sore throat
  • Reduced sense of smell or taste
  • Cough, fatigue, or mild fever
  • Saline nasal sprays or rinses: To clear nasal passages
  • Decongestants: To relieve swelling and improve drainage
  • Antibiotics: For bacterial sinus infections lasting over 10 days
  • Steroid nasal sprays: To reduce inflammation
  • Surgery: For chronic sinusitis caused by structural blockages (e.g., balloon sinuplasty)
  • Viral upper respiratory infections (common colds)
  • Bacterial infections
  • Seasonal allergies or hay fever
  • Nasal polyps or deviated septum
  • Fungal infections (rare, but possible in chronic cases)

Healthcare Providers

Symptoms

  • Facial pressure or pain (especially around eyes, nose, and cheeks)
  • Stuffy or blocked nose
  • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
  • Headache or pain that worsens when bending forward
  • Postnasal drip and sore throat
  • Reduced sense of smell or taste
  • Cough, fatigue, or mild fever

Causes

  • Viral upper respiratory infections (common colds)
  • Bacterial infections
  • Seasonal allergies or hay fever
  • Nasal polyps or deviated septum
  • Fungal infections (rare, but possible in chronic cases)

Treatments

  • Saline nasal sprays or rinses: To clear nasal passages
  • Decongestants: To relieve swelling and improve drainage
  • Antibiotics: For bacterial sinus infections lasting over 10 days
  • Steroid nasal sprays: To reduce inflammation
  • Surgery: For chronic sinusitis caused by structural blockages (e.g., balloon sinuplasty)

Specialties That Treat This Condition

Related Conditions

No items found.
The BASS Doctors

Not sure where to start?

Request an appointment today and get a personalized treatment plan from our trusted BASS specialists.
Contact Us Today!