Sinus causes & treatment: Have you ever had a blocked nose, pressure around your eyes and cheeks, or a headache that wouldn’t go away? If so, you may have gone through a sinus infection. Many people mistake it for a simple cold or an allergy, but it’s a bit different, and often more uncomfortable.
This guide walks you through what a sinus infection is and why it happens.
Also Read | How to relieve sinus pressure and congestion
What is a sinus infection?
Your sinuses are small, air-filled spaces in your skull, located in your forehead, behind your cheeks, and around your nose and eyes. They make mucus, which helps trap dust, germs and other particles so they don’t go deep into your lungs. Under normal conditions, this mucus drains out smoothly through tiny openings. But when these passages get blocked or inflamed, mucus starts to build up. That’s when trouble begins.
A sinus infection (also called sinusitis) occurs when viruses or bacteria infect these blocked sinuses. This leads to:
- Swelling of the sinus lining
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the face
- Pain, congestion and sometimes headache
What causes a sinus infection?
Many sinus infections actually start as a cold. A virus infects your nose and upper airways, causing the tissues inside to swell. When that happens, the tiny openings that let mucus drain from your sinuses can get blocked.
Once the mucus gets trapped and can’t flow out properly, it becomes a perfect place for germs to grow. A viral infection sometimes lingers and then turns into a bacterial sinus infection, which is usually more severe.
Allergies are another common trigger. Seasonal allergies, like hay fever, can inflame the sinus lining, increase mucus production and block drainage. Over time, that blockage can set the stage for infection.
Exposure to cigarette smoke, strong pollutants or irritants can also inflame and weaken the sinus lining, making it easier for infections to develop.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection:
It’s easy to confuse a sinus infection with a cold or allergies because they share many overlapping symptoms. However, certain signs point more strongly to sinusitis. These can include:
- A stuffy or blocked nose that doesn’t clear easily
- Pressure or pain around the cheeks, forehead, eyes or upper teeth
- Thick yellow or green mucus from the nose
- Post-nasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)
- Cough, often worse at night
- Fever in some cases
- Bad breath
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
Depending on the type of sinusitis, these symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks. In many cases, they improve within 4 to 12 weeks, but if they keep coming back or stay for a long time, it’s important to talk to a doctor or ENT specialist.
How are sinus infections treated?
For mild or early sinus infections, simple home measures can provide relief.
- Steam inhalation: Breathing in warm steam helps open up blocked nasal passages and loosens thick mucus.
- Warm compresses: Placing a warm cloth on your cheeks and forehead can ease pressure and reduce pain.
- Many people also get symptom relief from over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, saline nasal sprays or decongestants.
- If bacteria cause your sinus infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
For chronic or frequently recurring sinusitis, your doctor might suggest:
- Nasal steroid sprays to reduce long-term inflammation
- Allergy testing and treatment if allergies are playing a role
- In some resistant cases, referral to an ENT specialist for further evaluation
Also Read | Sinus infection vs cold: How to tell the difference
Sinus infections are common, but they can be exhausting and painful to live with. Understanding what’s behind your symptoms, whether it’s a lingering cold, allergies, irritants or something more, is the first step toward feeling better.
