A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, can develop when your sinus cavities become inflamed. The sinuses are air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. When healthy, they produce mucus that drains into your nose. An untreated sinus infection can lead to a variety of complications.
What are the symptoms of an untreated sinus infection?
Some common symptoms of an untreated sinus infection include:
- Facial pain and pressure
- Nasal congestion and discharge
- Loss of smell
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Bad breath
- Toothache
These symptoms may persist for weeks if left untreated. The pain and pressure can become quite severe. You may also develop a fever in some cases.
What causes a sinus infection?
Sinus infections are usually caused by a virus, though bacteria can be responsible in some cases. Factors that can increase your risk of developing sinusitis include:
- Allergies – inflammation from allergies can block sinus drainage.
- Smoking – the smoke irritates the sinuses.
- Asthma – this chronic condition is associated with inflamed airways.
- Nasal polyps – these noncancerous growths can block mucus drainage.
- Respiratory infections – colds and flu viruses often spread to the sinuses.
- Weakened immune system – makes you more prone to infections.
- Changes in air pressure – from flying or scuba diving.
- Abnormal anatomy – things like a deviated septum can block sinuses.
What problems can a sinus infection cause?
Leaving a sinus infection untreated increases your risk of complications such as:
- Bacterial infection – viruses can pave the way for bacteria to take hold.
- Chronic sinusitis – if sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks, it’s considered chronic.
- Nasal congestion – blocked drainage pathways can fill sinuses with fluid.
- Facial pain and pressure – sinus pressure can worsen and become constant.
- Mucocele – a mucus-filled sac that causes sinus blockage.
- Loss of sense of smell – congestion prevents air from reaching smell receptors.
- Vision problems – congestion behind the eyes can cause vision changes.
- Headaches – pain often gets more severe when untreated.
- Fatigue – your body is stuck fighting a lingering infection.
When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor right away if you have severe symptoms like high fever, facial swelling, or sudden vision changes. In general, it’s a good idea to make an appointment if:
- Symptoms last more than 10 days with no improvement
- Symptoms are severe or unusual
- You have frequent sinus infections
- Symptoms return after you’ve had treatment
- You have a weakened immune system
- You develop complications like bronchitis or ear infections
How is a sinus infection diagnosed?
To diagnose a sinus infection, the doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Perform a physical exam of your nose, throat, and sinuses
- Use a lighted instrument to examine your nasal passages
- Tap over your sinuses to check for tenderness
- Order imaging tests like CT or MRI scans
- Take a culture of nasal discharge to test for bacteria
What’s the treatment for sinusitis?
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and curing the infection. Options may include:
- Nasal corticosteroids – spray to reduce inflammation
- Nasal decongestant sprays – shrink swollen tissues
- Oral decongestants – tablets to reduce congestion
- Pain relievers – ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain
- Saline spray – moisturize and soothe sinuses
- Antihistamines – block allergic response
- Antibiotics – for bacterial sinusitis
- Surgery – to remove polyps or correct anatomical issues
Make sure to take all prescribed antibiotics as directed. You may need to take them for 7-14 days. Using nasal irrigation devices can also help flush out your sinuses.
How can you prevent sinus infections?
Some tips for prevention include:
- Using a humidifier – keeps nasal passages moist
- Taking allergy medications – reduces allergic inflammation
- Avoiding irritants like smoke – prevents sinus irritation
- Using nasal saline spray – flushes out viruses and bacteria
- Taking zinc supplements – may boost your immune system
- Staying hydrated – thin secretions so they can drain better
- Using a neti pot – rinses debris from your nasal cavity
When are antibiotics needed?
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics in these situations:
- Symptoms are severe or last longer than 10 days
- You have a high fever, facial swelling, or vision changes
- Your symptoms initially improve but then worsen again
- You have a weakened immune system or other risk factors
- Imaging reveals a potential bacterial infection
- Cultures identify a bacterial infection
Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria but aren’t effective against viruses. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, so they should only be used when needed.
When to see an ENT doctor?
You may need to visit an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you have:
- Four or more sinus infections per year
- Chronic or recurrent sinusitis
- Symptoms lasting over 12 weeks
- Frequent nosebleeds or sinus headaches
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Facial pain or pressure that doesn’t respond to treatment
- Nasal blockages or stuffiness
- Loss of sense of smell
- Postnasal drip
An ENT can diagnose the underlying cause and provide specialized treatments like endoscopic sinus surgery to improve drainage.
Conclusion
Letting a sinus infection go untreated can lead to chronic sinusitis, severe headaches, vision problems, and other complications. See a doctor right away if your symptoms are severe or last more than 10 days. To alleviate symptoms, your doctor may prescribe nasal sprays, decongestants, pain relievers, antibiotics if needed, and nasal irrigation. With proper treatment, you can find relief and avoid complications.