Understanding Sinus Infections: Symptoms and Treatments

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities, commonly caused by viruses or bacteria.
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Sinus Health | Nasal Congestion | Rhinosinusitis | Treatment For Sinusitis | Sinus Infection Remedies | Sinus Inflammation Relief
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Sinus Infections FAQ


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What causes a sinus infection?

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone.

What causes acute sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis is caused by an infection of the lining of your sinuses. Most people with acute sinusitis have an underlying viral infection such as a cold or flu. Only around two in every 100 people with acute sinusitis have a bacterial infection. Chronic sinusitis often starts off as acute sinusitis.

Can a virus cause sinusitis?

Viruses, like the ones that cause the common cold, cause most cases of sinusitis. Bacteria can cause sinusitis, or they can infect you after a case of viral sinusitis. If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose and facial pain that don’t go away after ten days, you might have bacterial sinusitis.

Can a cold cause sinusitis?

It’s usually caused by the common cold, but other viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergies can also cause sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of your sinuses. It can cause facial pain and a stuffy or runny nose with thick mucus. What is sinusitis (sinus infection)? Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining your sinuses.

Sinus Infections References

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