How Contagious is Sinus Infection?

Sinus infection refers to the inflammation of tissues outlining the sinuses often triggered by allergens in the environment or cold. In case your sinus infection is the result of a virus, chances are high that the virus would spread to another person. This could lead them to catch a cold which could further invite sinus infection. Not every time a sinus infection is caused by a virus. Rather at times, it could even result from bacteria or fungi. Infections resulting from the same are not contagious. The infection is also known as rhinosinusitis or sinusitis.

Through this article, I will discuss more about sinus infections, the possible ways of transmission, how they could be treated, and when it’s the best time to consult a doctor.

How is Sinus Infection Transmitted?

If fluid or mucus is stuck in the sinuses, germs can begin to grow. This can further result in a sinus infection. Some common causes of sinus infection include:

•    Viruses like those that cause flu and cold
•    Fungi
•    Bacteria
•    Nasal Polyps (growths in the nose)
•    Allergies
•    Nasal Tumors
•    Deviated Spectrum, is the phenomenon when the walls between the nasal passages are crooked.

The major cause of sinus infection is virus. In case the infection comes from a virus, it's contagious. Spreading the virus to any other person doesn’t always ensure that they will fall victim to the same. They could catch a cold and that might further turn into a sinus infection. However, this couldn't always be the scenario. You are likely to spread the virus through the air by sneezing or coughing. Covering your face with a handkerchief during these phases could help reduce the spread of germs.

The virus could be passed by touch also. Suppose you have coughed directly in your hands and you touch another person or object with it. It has a high chance that the virus would be transmitted to that person’s body. Hence, it is recommended to use napkins during sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly with soap when you are sick.

Another potential cause of sinus could be Bacteria, however, they are non-contagious. Sinus via bacterial infection is less likely to spread.  

Sinus Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of sinus infection includes:

•    Pain in different regions of face i. e. the sinuses, on the forehead or between the eyes, on the nose side, or even at the upper jaw. Facial pain is among the common symptoms of sinus infection. Inflammation and swelling can lead your sinuses to cope with a dull pressure. You might get a pain in the forehead, between your eyes, on either of the nose sides or upper jaws and teeth.

•    Runny Nose and Cloudy Discharge: When you get a sinus infection, the need to blow the nose now and then is evident due to the nasal discharge. The discharge results from the infected sinus areas and pours into the nasal passage. You could also feel a sore throat due to this discharge. This is termed a postnasal drip that might cause you to cough when you lie down to sleep at night.

•    Sinus Headaches: Constant pressure and swelling in your sinuses could impart the symptom of headache. Moreover, it can also lead to ear pains, toothache, jaws, and cheek. All night long, the fluids are gathered, and hence sinus headaches could get worse in the mornings.

•     Cough: A discharge from your sinus drops down the back of your throat, leading to irritation for a longer span. This could result in a continuous cough that could go bitter during sleep as you lie down or get up from sleep in the morning. It can even hamper your sleep quality. Consider sleeping with your heads elevated to avoid these symptoms as much as you could.

•    Fever: Fever might also step in with sinus infection, like most other infections.

Sinus Infection Treatment

There is a range of treatment options for sinus infections. Most of the plans kick off with:

•    Saline nasal sprays
•    OTC Pain relievers
•    OTC Fever reducers
•    OTC Decongestants
•    Mucus Thinners
•    Antihistamines

In case the home formula or OTC remedies don’t work, the doctor might consider recommending other treatment options like,

•    Sinus surgery
•    Antibiotics
•  Nasal sprays
•    Oral or injected corticosteroids
•    Immunotherapy

The point to note here is, that antibiotics only work in case the sinus infection is bacteria-caused and not due to a virus.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Seeing a doctor is mandatory in case you have,

•    High fever
•    Problems with eyesight or double vision
•    A swollen forehead
•    Severe headaches don’t go away
•    Redness around the eyes
•    A stiff neck
•    Symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks

Seeing a doctor is also required in case you get multiple sinus infections in 12 months or OTC remedies fail to work.

In some scenarios, Sinus infection could also give birth to other complications like,
•    Meningitis
•    Temporary or permanent loss of smell
•    Bone or skin infection

Wrapping Up

By now, you might be well versed with the basic ideas of sinus infection, what are the symptoms of it, the possible remedies, and when it's the right time to see a doctor. In case the infection is coming from a virus, chances are high that you could spread it among other people. Sinus infections from viruses are contagious while the ones from bacteria are not. To avoid these complications, it's recommended to wash hands regularly and use a napkin during sneezing or coughing to maintain hygienic standards. Also, calling up the doctor when the situation demands or the above mentioned set of complications arises, is a must to avoid further adversaries or any indecent experience.

This was all about the basics of sinus infection and I hope by now you have developed a clear conception if the sinus infection is contagious.  People going through the same must be extra cautious with the symptoms and don’t delay seeing the doctor if symptoms worsen. Also, regardless of the fact, that you are carrying a virus or not, keeping up with clean practices should be strictly observed for better and healthy living.

Note: The article is meant for readers general awareness. In case you experience the similar symptoms in you or your loved ones, kindly consult a registered physician or medical consultant.

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