Key facts about sinusitis: Symptoms, causes and prevention
Have you ever had a stuffy nose that just won’t go away? Maybe it starts with a cold, but the sinus pressure and congestion persist even after other cold symptoms are long gone. Maybe your symptoms came with seasonal allergies and won’t let up.
A chronically stuffy nose can be frustrating to live with, not to mention the cost of tissues! The most likely culprit for this annoying pressure and congestion is sinusitis, or sinus infection, which causes the lining of the sinuses to become inflamed or infected.
If you are struggling with this common condition, here are a few facts about sinusitis, what causes it and how to prevent sinus infections.
Where are the sinuses?
The sinuses are hollow spaces in the facial bones that connect to your nose through small, narrow passages. Sinuses give your voice resonance and also lighten the weight of your head.
You have four pairs of sinuses on either side of your nose moving into your cheeks and forehead, including:
- Ethmoid sinuses – located between your eyes
- Frontal sinuses – located in your forehead just above your eyes
- Maxillary sinuses – located in your cheekbones
- Sphenoid sinuses – located deep behind your eyes
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses that affects more than 28.9 million Americans each year. The duration and severity of the symptoms can vary quite a bit, depending on the cause and possible complications.
Some people struggle with chronic sinusitis, which can last for months and is often related to allergies. The two types of sinusitis require different treatments.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis happens when the mucosal lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed or infected. The symptoms are usually caused by a virus. It will typically go away in seven to ten days with at-home care, rest and fluids.
Sometimes, sinusitis can be caused by a bacterial infection. If this is the case, it can last many weeks or even months if not treated with prescribed antibiotics. Often, it will follow a cold or the flu and can be accompanied by a nasal discharge.
Your healthcare provider can examine you to diagnose your illness and determine the correct treatment option.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
When the sinuses become inflamed or infected, they produce more mucus, which accumulates and causes the symptoms of a sinus infection. Common symptoms include:
- Congestion
- Facial tenderness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headaches
- Post nasal drip
- Sinus pressure
- Thick, yellow nasal discharge
How is sinusitis treated?
Sinusitis, when caused by a virus, often goes away on its own. You can use at-home treatments to alleviate symptoms. These may include oral decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, over-the-counter pain medicine and nasal saline irrigation. This type of sinusitis will not respond to antibiotics.
If your sinus issues do not go away and symptoms persist without improvement for more than ten days, it’s a good idea to seek professional medical attention. A healthcare provider can determine if the sinus pressure is more than a simple virus. If your sinus infection is accompanied by a fever, extreme sinus pain or a thick, yellow discharge, you should seek treatment right away.
Treatment can include corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunotherapy (allergy shots) or surgery. Allergy sufferers may also benefit from regular use of antihistamines to prevent sinusitis. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best allergy medication for your specific allergies and symptoms.
How can sinusitis be prevented?
Since sinusitis is often caused by a virus, it can be prevented by practicing good hygiene. For starters, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands frequently to avoid contracting the viruses that cause the flu and the common cold – and often lead to sinus infections.
In addition, ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists recommend that patients use nasal saline sprays frequently since the nasal cilia (the fine hairs that help fend off infection) function better in a moist environment.
Also, taking an oral decongestant at the beginning of cold symptoms can help clear out the mucus before it becomes infected. As we mentioned above, allergy sufferers can often avoid sinusitis by taking an antihistamine.
If you are struggling with a lasting sinus infection or other symptoms, we’re here seven days a week to help you feel better faster. To get started, find the center nearest you and walk in or save your spot online.
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Written By Sarah Thebarge, Physician Assistant on February 12th, 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD
