It is possible to transmit a virus that causes a sinus infection to someone else. This could lead to a sinus infection.
It’s not always a virus that causes sinus infections. Sometimes bacteria and fungi are also responsible for diseases. It’s not contagious if bacteria cause a sinus infection.
Did you know?
Rhinosinusitis and Sinusitis are other names for Sinusitis.
Transmission
Germs can grow when fluid or mucus gets trapped in the nasal passages. This can cause a sinus infection. Some of the most common causes of sinus infection include:
- Viruses such as flu, cold and cold
- The following bacteria are an excellent example of this:
- fungi
- Nasal polyps are growths on the nose.
- nasal tumors
- allergens
- Deviated Septum is the term used to describe when the wall that separates the nasal passages from the nose is bent or off-center.
Viruses cause most sinus infections. It is possible that a virus can cause your sinus infection. It is unnecessary to spread the virus for that person to get Sinusitis. Most often, the person will only get a cold. Their cold may turn into a nasal infection. However, this only sometimes happens.
When you cough or sneeze, the virus that causes Sinusitis can be spread to other people. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose to reduce the chance of spreading an infection.
If you sneeze into your hands, the virus can be spread by touching someone or an object. It’s best to cough and sneeze in the crooks of your elbows and wash your hands frequently when sick.
These infections are not contagious. They can’t be spread to others. It is less common to get bacterial sinus infections. Bacteria cause less than 2 % of sinus infections.
Symptoms
These are the symptoms that you may experience if you have a sinus infection:
- Pain or pressure on the face, forehead, between the eye, the side of the nose, or the upper jaw
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Inability to smell
- Thick, yellow, green, or cloudy nasal discharge
- postnasal dripping is the term used to describe when fluid or mucus from the nose drips down the throat.
- Sore throat or irritation
- Cough
- Bad Breath
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Your symptoms may last for a short time or linger. Acute Sinusitis usually occurs after a cold. The symptoms typically last seven to ten days. A bacterial infection may prolong acute Sinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis can be a long-term condition. The symptoms of chronic Sinusitis can last up to 12 weeks.
Treatment
Sinus infections can be treated in a variety of ways. Treatment plans usually begin with the following:
- saline nasal irrigation and saline nasal sprays
- over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants
- OTC pain relievers
- OTC fever reducers
- antihistamines
- Mucus Thinners
- Restless restlessness
If you’re not getting relief from home remedies and OTC treatments, your doctor might recommend:
- Antibiotics
- Nasal corticosteroids sprays
- nasal antihistamine sprays
- oral or injected corticosteroids
- Immunotherapy
- sinus surgery
Only sinus infections caused bacterially can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics won’t work for viruses.
Should you consult a doctor when?
If you experience:
- A fever of more than 102degF (30.8degC).
- Double vision or problems with double vision
- Swelling and redness around the eyes
- a swollen forehead
- A stiff neck
- Confusing words and phrases
- Intense pain and headaches that won’t go away
- Sinus symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks
If you experience multiple sinus infections within a year or your symptoms do not improve with OTC medication, it is time to see your doctor.
Sinus infections can sometimes lead to complications. If you experience:
- Other conditions include osteomyelitis (bone infection) or skin infection.
- permanent or temporary loss of smell
- meningitis
Outlook
It is possible to spread a virus that causes a sinus infection to others. It’s possible that they will not get a sinus infection but can still develop a cold. Take precautions if you have a cold or sinus infection to avoid spreading the virus. Regularly wash your hands and sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands. Avoid crowded places if possible to limit the number of people who could be infected.
Rest, home remedies, and OTC remedies can often be used to treat a sinus infection. However, any condition that is serious or persists for a long time should be evaluated by a physician.
