Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)

What is a sinus infection (sinusitis)?

A sinus infection is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the sinuses. It occurs when the sinuses become blocked. They can be filled with fluid, bacteria, viruses, and/or fungus can grow and cause an infection.

Sinusitis is most often caused by a cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose), nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

Symptoms of sinus infection include headache, nasal congestion/discharge, postnasal drip, sore throat, fever, fatigue, facial pain/pressure, bad breath, and loss of smell. Any or all of these may be experienced.

What is the treatment for a sinus infection?

Visit Take Care Clinic^SM if any of the following apply:

• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
• Temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Multiple episodes of sinusitis in the past year
• Symptoms that are not relieved with over the counter medicines.

Your Take Care Health Provider can determine if you have sinusitis and if treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required.

Antibiotics will only help if the sinus infection has progressed to a bacterial infection, as most cases of sinusitis are initially caused by a virus. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can be harmful, because each time you take an antibiotic the bacteria that normally live in your body are more likely to become resistant to antibiotics. This means that the antibiotic won’t work for you any longer.