In such cases, the sinus infection usually resolves on its own after about a week. But some people develop a secondary bacterial sinus infection that may require antibiotic treatment. Sinus infections may also become chronic, requiring prolonged treatment. Both acute and chronic sinus infections can have serious complications, potentially requiring more aggressive treatments. (1) Taking some basic steps to prevent a sinus infection can increase your chances of avoiding the related complications and treatment needs.
Sinus Infection: Root Causes and Triggers
Sinus infections develop after a nasal blockage (such as sinus inflammation, or sinusitis) causes mucus to get backed up in the nasal cavity and sinuses. This mucus becomes a breeding ground for infection-causing microbes. While viral infections usually cause sinus infections, various other triggers can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection or worsen the infection. These triggers or risk factors include:
AllergiesAbnormal growths inside the nose, called nasal polypsPhysical abnormalities, such as a deviated nasal septum (a bending of the wall between the two nostrils), trauma-related facial fractures that restrict the nasal passages, or scar tissue from surgery in the nasal areaWeakened immune system from diseases (such as uncontrolled diabetes or medications from HIV/AIDS) or treatments (chemotherapy)Congenital diseases like cystic fibrosis, which causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs and results in persistent lung infectionsAsthma and other reactive diseases
Children who attend day care, suck on pacifiers, drink from bottles while lying down, or are exposed to secondhand smoke are also at an increased risk of developing sinus infections. (2,3) Getting control of these triggers, such as by treating your illnesses and reducing exposure to allergens like dust mites, animal dander, molds, and cockroaches, can help prevent sinus infections.
Preventing Viral Respiratory Infections That May Lead to Sinus Infections
Taking steps to avoid the common cold and flu can also help prevent sinus infections. Aside from avoiding contact with someone who has an upper respiratory infection, you can also:
Wash your hands frequently, particularly before handling food (preparing or eating) and after using the bathroom, wiping your nose, or having physical contact with someone who has a cold or the fluAvoid touching your face, which may spread viruses on your handsDisinfect frequently used surfaces, such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, cell phones, and kitchen countertopsKeep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stressGet the flu shot yearly
If you do have a viral infection, you can help prevent spreading it to others by covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and staying home from work or school until you feel well. (5,6,7)
Preventing Sinus Infections
In addition to controlling triggers and reducing respiratory infections, you can further prevent sinus infections by promoting nasal drainage and keeping nasal passages clear. Some suggestions include:
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke and other airborne pollutants, which can irritate the sinuses (smoking also damages hair-like cells called cilia, which help move mucus)Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin and looseAvoid dry environments, and use a clean humidifier to moisten the air and help prevent your nasal passages from drying out (you can also inhale steam from a hot shower)Use a neti pot, saline solution, or other nasal irrigation techniques frequently to clear mucus buildup and moisten the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and sinusesBlow your nose gently, one nostril at a time, to avoid irritating the nasal passages and launching viruses and bacteria into the sinusesUse antihistamines only when necessary and as directed (antihistamines thicken mucus, making it more difficult to drain)Take decongestants if you have an upper respiratory infection, but only short-term (long-term use of nasal decongestants can worsen nasal stuffiness) (2,8,9)
Sinus Infection Symptom Soothers
If you do come down with a sinus infection, you will likely experience multiple symptoms, such as:
Nasal congestion and green-to-yellow nasal dischargeSinus pain, pressure, or fullness in the face, including the ears and teethHeadache and feverPostnasal dripCough and sore throatFatigueBad breath
Some of the aforementioned preventive measures can also help ease some sinus infection symptoms, including using a humidifier (or steam), irrigating the nasal passages, and staying hydrated. If you have a sore throat, you can also drink warm beverages, gargle with salt water, or suck on ice chips or ice pops. If you’re coughing, you can use nonmedicated lozenges or drink warm beverages with honey. Additionally, a warm compress can help relieve sinus pain or pressure, including in the ear, as can over-the-counter pain relievers — ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve). You should also avoid temperature extremes and sudden changes in temperature, as well as bending forward with your head down — these things can worsen sinus pain and pressure. (9,10) Bromelain, a protein found in pineapple stems that’s sold as a supplement, may help reduce inflammation of the sinuses, though there’s not a lot of research about its use with sinusitis. If it is used, it’s important to tell your doctor, since it can also interact with amoxicillin, an antibiotic frequently used to treat bacterial sinusitis. (11) Additionally, spicy foods (mustard, hot peppers, curry, horseradish, and wasabi) may help clear the sinuses. No matter what the symptom, it’s important to get plenty of rest. (9)
Complications of Sinus Infections
Viral sinus infections typically resolve in 7 to 10 days. One possible complication of this infection is a secondary bacterial sinus infection. Signs of a bacterial sinus infection include “double worsening” (symptoms that improve and then get worse again) and sinus infection symptoms that linger for more than 10 days. (1) Decreased sense of smell is another common symptom of a sinus infection, but this symptom may also be a complication. Chronic inflammation of the olfactory nerve can damage the nerve, affecting the sense of smell in the long term. Sinus blockage can also lead to sinus mucoceles, or small cystic masses. These masses can become infected. In very rare cases, sinus infections can spread to other structures. The eye tissues can become infected, resulting in orbital cellulitis, or pus could build up behind the eye sockets (subperiosteal or orbital abscess). In some cases, sinus infection can lead to an infection and clotting of nearby blood vessels, a condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis. If the infection spreads through the skull, it can affect the brain, causing meningitis or brain abscesses. An infection of the underlying bone (osteomyelitis) also sometimes occurs. The underlying skin may also become infected, leading to cellulitis or skin abscesses. Some of these complications can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, including hospitalization, intravenous medications, or surgery. Such complications are rare, but they can be more common in those who have underlying conditions, such as diabetes or weakened immune systems. (9,12)
