Sinus problems can be frustrating and may impact daily life, making it difficult to breathe comfortably or find relief. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for sinusitis is key to managing the condition effectively. Whether you're dealing with occasional sinus infections or more persistent symptoms, knowing when to seek care can help you feel better and avoid complications.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, occurs when the tissues lining the air-filled spaces in your face, called sinuses, become swollen or inflamed. These sinuses are located around your eyes, forehead and cheeks, connecting to your nasal cavity through small passages. Under normal conditions, the sinuses produce mucus that helps warm, moisten and filter the air you breathe. The mucus flows smoothly into your nose and throat.

When sinus passages become blocked, often due to swelling or infection, mucus builds up instead of draining properly. This blockage can create pressure and discomfort. Sinusitis affects the sinuses and the nasal cavity, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Sinus inflammation may result from various causes, such as viral infections, allergies or structural issues like nasal polyps. Regardless of the trigger, the mechanics remain the same—swelling in the sinus tissues obstructs drainage, contributing to congestion and other symptoms.

What Causes Sinusitis?

Some causes of sinusitis may include:

• Viral sinus infections: ute sinusitis start with the common cold or flu.
• Bacterial infections: In some cases, bacterial infections can develop after a viral illness if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 10 days.
• Allergies: Conditions like allergic sinusitis can lead to swelling in the nasal passages, which may obstruct the sinuses and increase the risk of developing sinusitis.
• Structural Issues: Problems such as a deviated nasal septum, narrow drainage passages or nasal polyps can interfere with normal mucus flow and contribute to sinusitis.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution or dry air can also inflame the nasal tissues, increasing the chance of sinus infections.
• Weakened Immune System: Some individuals, such as those with asthma, cystic fibrosis or immunodeficiencies, may be more prone to sinusitis due to compromised immune function.

Does Sinus Infection Cause Fever?

A sinus infection may sometimes cause a fever, but it isn't always present. Fever is more commonly associated with acute sinusitis than with chronic cases. If a sinus infection is caused by a bacterial infection, a mild fever may develop as part of the body’s immune response.

In acute sinusitis, fever can accompany other symptoms like facial pressure, congestion and nasal discharge. However, note that many sinus infections (especially those caused by viruses) may resolve without antibiotics and not result in a fever at all. If you experience persistent fever along with severe facial pain or swelling, consult a healthcare provider, as these could indicate a more serious infection requiring medical attention.

How To Treat Sinusitis?

Sinusitis treatment depends on the cause, severity and duration of symptoms. Here are some common approaches for different cases of sinusitis:

Acute Sinusitis

• Rest and hydration: Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated may help your body recover.
• Over-the-counter relief: Decongestants, saline nasal sprays or pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may ease symptoms.
• Steam and warm compresses: Breathing in steam or using a warm compress on your face may relieve sinus pressure and congestion.
• Watchful waiting: Many acute sinus infections, especially those caused by viruses, may clear up on their own. A healthcare provider may suggest waiting two to three days before considering antibiotics.
• Antibiotics: If symptoms persist beyond 10 days, worsen after improvement or if bacterial infection is suspected, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics.

Chronic Sinusitis

• Saline rinses and steroid nasal sprays: These may help reduce inflammation and keep sinus passages open.
• Allergy treatment: Managing allergies through sinusitis medication, avoiding triggers or allergy shots can help prevent sinusitis flare-ups.
• Antibiotics for persistent bacterial sinus infection: Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases where chronic sinusitis is caused by bacteria.
• Biologics for nasal polyps: Biologic medications like dupilumab may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

When Surgery Might Be an Option

If you have tried every sinus infection treatment but they have not provided you with relief, a healthcare provider may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery. This procedure aims to widen blocked sinus passages or remove nasal polyps to improve airflow and drainage. Sinusitis surgery is typically reserved for cases where other treatments have not been effective, especially in children.

When To See an ENT for Sinus Problems?

Here are some situations where consulting an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor might be the right step:

• If your symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement or return after initially getting better.
• Frequent episodes of acute sinusitis—three or more in a year—might indicate an underlying issue that needs further evaluation.
• If your sinus symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks despite treatment.
• If you experience severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, a high fever, confusion or a stiff neck.
• If your sinus problems are linked to structural issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps or if allergies are contributing to your symptoms.

Find an ENT Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe sinus problems, consult with an ENT to help you get the care you need. Nacogdoches Medical Partners offers access to experienced ENT doctors who can evaluate your condition, provide appropriate treatment options and guide you through your recovery.