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Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the air spaces around the nose and eyes. It often follows a cold and causes a blocked nose and facial pain.
Causes & risk factors
- Viral infection after a cold
- Bacterial infection following a cold
- Allergies such as allergic rhinitis
- Nasal polyps or a deviated septum
- Air pollution, dust or smoke
- Fungal infection in some cases
Common symptoms
- Blocked or runny nose
- Facial pain or pressure
- Headache
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Reduced sense of smell
- Fever
- Cough
Tests & diagnosis
- Nasal examination (nasal endoscopy)
- CT scan of the sinuses if long-lasting
- Nasal swab in selected cases
- Allergy testing if allergy suspected
Treatment & management
- Steam inhalation and saline nasal rinses
- Decongestants for short-term relief
- Pain relief for facial pain
- Antibiotics only if a doctor confirms a bacterial infection
- Treating allergies that trigger it
- Surgery for persistent cases with polyps or blockages
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe headache, swelling around the eyes or vision changes
- High fever or symptoms lasting more than 10 days
- Symptoms that worsen after starting to improve
- Confusion or a stiff neck
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about sinusitis (sinus infection). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Most sinus infections are viral and clear without antibiotics. They are only needed when a doctor confirms a bacterial cause.
Why does my sinusitis keep coming back?
Recurrent sinusitis can be linked to allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum. An ENT doctor can find and treat the underlying cause.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.