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Are sinus infections contagious?

Author: Radhika Verma
by Radhika Verma
Posted: May 20, 2020

WHAT IS SINUS INFECTION?

A sinus infection is a common condition that causes our sinuses and nasal passages to become inflamed, and this inflammation is called sinusitis.

The sinuses are small air pockets located behind our forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes. The sinuses produce mucus, which is a thin and flowing liquid that protects the body by trapping and moving germs away. Sometimes, bacteria or allergens can cause too much mucus to form, which blocks the openings of our sinuses. Excess mucus is common if we have a cold or allergies. This mucus build-up can become thick and encourage bacteria and other germs to build up in our sinus cavity, leading to a bacterial or viral infection. Most sinus infections are viral and go away in a week or two without treatment.

TYPES OF SINUS INFECTIONS

    • Acute sinusitis
  1. Acute sinusitis has the shortest duration. A viral infection brought on by the common cold can cause symptoms that typically last between 1and 2 weeks. In the case of a bacterial infection, acute sinusitis may last for up to 4 weeks. Seasonal allergies can also cause acute sinusitis.

    • Subacute sinusitis
  1. Subacute sinusitis symptoms can last for up to 3 months. This condition commonly occurs with bacterial infections or seasonal allergies.

    • Chronic sinusitis
  1. Chronic sinusitis symptoms last for more than 3 months. They’re often less severe. Bacterial infection may be to blame in these cases. Additionally, chronic sinusitis commonly occurs alongside persistent allergies or structural nasal problems.

SYMPTOMS OF SINUS INFECTIONS

The symptoms of sinus infection include pain or pressure in the sinuses, on the forehead, between the eyes, on the sides of the nose, or at the upper jaw; headache; runny or stuffy nose; inability to smell; thick, yellow, green, or cloudy nasal discharge; postnasal drip, which is when mucus or fluid from the nose goes down the throat; sore or irritated throat; cough; bad breath; fever or fatigue

The length of one’s symptoms can vary. Acute sinusitis is temporary and usually develops from a cold. Symptoms typically last from 7–10 days. A bacterial infection can make acute sinusitis last longer. Chronic sinusitis is long-term and can reoccur. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis will last for 12 weeks or longer.

IS A SINUS INFECTION CONTAGIOUS?

Experts disagree about the contagiousness of sinus infections. Because bacteria and viruses (and occasionally, fungi) are the cause of most sinus infections, some experts say that the bacteria, viruses, or fungi can be transferred from person-to-person, and occasionally cause sinus infections. Other experts say that sinus infections, although caused by bacteria and viruses, occur because the conditions in the individual's sinuses are optimal for infection. Moreover, the infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that are already present in a person so that person-to-person transfer is not required for them to develop. However, the majority of doctors think that most people do not transmit sinus infections except in rare instances, and conclude that sinus infections are not contagious.

Still, there is widespread agreement that bacteria, fungi, and/or viruses are transmitted from person-to-person (contagious) even if the disease, sinusitis, is not. It's recommended that individuals with sinus infections avoid direct contact with those who are more prone to infection, for example, infants, the elderly, and those who have weakened immune systems to reduce the chance of transferring bacteria, fungi, and viruses to other people as they may cause problems other than sinus infections. Viral or bacterial organisms that reside in the person's body are major causes of sinusitis.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR A SINUS INFECTION

    • Congestion
  1. Nasal congestion is amongst the most common symptoms of a sinus infection. To help reduce the feeling of pain from sinus pressure, one can apply a warm, damp cloth to his face and forehead several times a day. Nasal saline rinses may help to clear the sticky and thick mucus from one’s nose.

  2. Drinking water and juice can help to stay hydrated and help thin the mucus. One can use an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as guaifenesin, that thins mucus. One can use a humidifier in his bedroom to add moisture to the air. Turning on the shower and sitting in the bathroom with the door closed to surround one with steam is a better option. One can consider using OTC nasal corticosteroid spray. There are decongestants available OTC, but one may want to consider asking his doctor about these before trying one.

    • Pain remedies
  1. A sinus infection can trigger a sinus headache or pressure in one’s forehead and cheeks. If one is in pain, OTC medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help.

    • Antibiotics
  1. If one’s symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks, one is likely to have a bacterial infection and should see a doctor. He may need antibiotic therapy if he has symptoms that don’t improve within a couple of weeks, including a runny nose, congestion, cough, continued facial pain or headaches, eye swelling, or a fever.

  2. If he receives an antibiotic, he must take it for 3 to 14 days, depending on the doctor’s instructions. One shouldn’t stop taking his medication earlier than directed, as this can allow the bacterial infection to fester and possibly not fully resolve.

  3. The doctor may have one to schedule another visit to monitor his condition. If the sinus infection doesn’t improve or gets worse by the next visit, the doctor may refer one to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The doctor may also order additional tests to determine whether allergies are triggering your sinusitis.

    • Surgery
  1. Surgery to clear the sinuses, repair a deviated septum, or remove polyps may help if your chronic sinusitis doesn’t improve with time and medication.

PREVENTION FROM SINUS INFECTION

Because sinus infections can develop after a cold, flu, or allergic reaction, a healthy lifestyle and reducing one’s exposure to germs and allergens can help prevent infection. To reduce one’s risk, he can:

    • Get a flu vaccine shot every year.
    • Eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
    • Wash his hands regularly.
    • Limit his exposure to smoke, chemicals, pollen, and other allergens or irritants.
    • Take antihistamine medication to treat allergies and colds.
    • Avoid exposure to those with an active respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu.
Find if are sinus infections contagious and live life in a healthy way.

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Author: Radhika Verma

Radhika Verma

Member since: May 17, 2020
Published articles: 1

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