How long sinus infection

These include:. Antibiotics may be a part of some sinus infection treatment regimes, but only if it is a bacterial sinus infection and not one caused by a virus or fungus. Oral antihistamines may not improve symptoms and can cause side effects. They are not recommended for sinus infections.

Some alternative and complementary therapies may help with sinus infection symptoms, such as:. Quercetin, a natural antioxidant found in many foods, including onions, apples, green tea, and red wine. Chronic sinus infections typically have a more mysterious cause than acute infections — people with chronic sinus infections often require life-long treatment to keep symptoms at bay.

Recent research suggests other treatment options may also exist for chronic sinus infections, including:. A sinus infection is not exactly contagious. But depending on what caused a person's inflammation, other people may also develop the illness. For example, the common cold and flu are both contagious conditions that can lead to a sinus infection. Taking steps to reduce your risk of contracting viral infections can help prevent sinus infections.

Sinus inflammation can spread to the bones and soft tissues of the face and eyes. This can cause:. Left intreated, sinus infections can also lead to serious intracranial complications, including blood clots within the cavernous sinus, pus between the skulls and dura mater cranial membrane , and meningitis.

Epidemiologic studies suggest 5 to 12 percent of people have chronic sinus infections. However, research published in December in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests this may be an overestimation due to misdiagnosis. According to the study, which relied on imaging tests for diagnosis rather than symptomatology , about 3. Colds, allergies, and sinus infections can cause similar symptoms, including stuffiness and headache. What's more, both colds and allergies can cause sinus inflammation.

So how can you tell the difference between these illnesses? The truth is, even doctors can sometimes have difficulty differentiating among colds, allergies, and sinus infections. But the illnesses do present differently. A hallmark sign that you have a sinus infection is that the illness is, as you'd expect, severely affecting your sinuses. Both colds and allergies can cause congestion and runny nose, but sinus infections typically cause an aching sensation and pressure feeling of fullness in the face, including in the ears and teeth.

Additionally, postnasal drop, reduced sense of smell, and halitosis are typically associated with sinus infections. The mucus associated with a sinus infection is usually green or yellow, though color alone isn't enough to determine the cause of your nasal distress, as there are many reasons your nasal discharge may not be clear.

Both allergies and colds can cause sneezing, a symptom not typically seen in sinus infections. Allergies never cause fever , which is seen in both colds and sinus infections. And if your symptoms last more than 10 days, you most likely don't have a cold. American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. This academy's website provides valuable information to help readers determine the difference between colds, allergies, and sinusitis.

A primer guide on sinusitis also provides more specific information about the chronic version of the illness. Additional resources include a " virtual allergist " that helps you to review your symptoms, as well as a database on pollen counts. In addition to providing a comprehensive guide on sinus infections, the ACAAI website also contains a wealth of information on allergies , asthma, and immunology.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. For allergy sufferers, the AAFA website contains an easy-to-understand primer on sinusitis. It also provides comprehensive information on various types of allergies , including those with risk factors for sinusitis.

The CDC website provides basic information on sinus infections and other respiratory illnesses, such as common colds, bronchitis , ear infections , flu, and sore throat. It offers guidance on how to get symptom relief for those illnesses, as well as preventative tips on practicing good hand hygiene , and a recommended immunization schedule. How long does a sinus infection last? All three are based on length of symptoms: Acute Sinusitis - symptoms last for less than four weeks Subacute Sinusitis - symptoms last for four to 12 weeks Chronic Sinusitis - symptoms last for more than 12 weeks Share this page:.

Other questions related to Sinus Infection Is there a best antibiotic for a sinus infection? Are there any home remedies for sinus infections? Given the rise in antibiotic resistance, when do you recommend a patient uses antibiotics for sinus infections? How can one get rid of a sinus infection? How does an online doctor tell if it is a sinus infection or a cold? What is the difference between a sinus infection and a cold?

Sinus infection is a major health problem. It afflicts 31 million people in the United States. Sinus infection known as sinusitis is a major health problem. People who have allergies, asthma , structural blockages in the nose or sinuses, or people with weak immune systems are at greater risk. A bad cold is often mistaken for a sinus infection. Many symptoms are the same, including headache or facial pain, runny nose and nasal congestion.

Unlike a cold, a sinus infection symptoms may be caused by bacterial infections. It often requires treatment with antibiotics drugs that kill the germs causing the infection. If you think you have a sinus infection, see your allergist for proper diagnosis. In most cases, sinus infection treatment is easy. By stopping a sinus infection early, you avoid later symptoms and complications.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. It is often caused by bacterial germ infection. Sometimes, viruses and fungi molds cause it. People with weak immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial or fungal sinus infection. A sinus infection lasting longer than eight weeks is considered chronic. An infection of the sinus cavity close to the brain can be life threatening, if not treated. In rare cases, it can spread to the brain. Normal sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs and other particles in the air.

Tiny hair-like projections in the sinuses sweep the mucus and whatever is trapped in it towards openings that lead to the back of the throat. From there, it slides down to the stomach. This continual process is a normal body function.

A sinus infection stops the normal flow of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat. The swelling traps mucus in the sinuses. Some people have bodily defects that contribute to sinus infection.

The most common of these defects are:. Sinus infection sinusitis is often confused with rhinitis , a medical term used to describe the symptoms that accompany nasal inflammation and irritation. Rhinitis only involves the nasal passages. It could be caused by a cold or allergies. Allergies can play an important role in chronic long-lasting or seasonal rhinitis episodes. Nasal and sinus passages become swollen, congested, and inflamed in an attempt to flush out offending inhaled particles that trigger allergies.

Pollen are seasonal allergens. Molds, dust mites and pet dander can cause symptoms year-round. Asthma also has been linked to chronic sinus infections.

Appropriate treatment of sinus infection often improves asthma symptoms. Before, I was always thinking about my breathing.

The majority of sinus infection sufferers will see their symptoms start to resolve after about 10 days. While one to two infections a year is considering normal, more than four requires medical attention. If you are experiencing chronic sinusitis with a single infection lasting three months at a time, there may be other factors to consider.

Environmental factors such as smoking or allergies are common causes of developing chronic sinusitis. The best course of action for a sinus infection is the wait-and-see approach with the addition of over-the-counter nasal sprays and oral decongestants.