How long does a sinus infection last?
Lingering symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pressure and thick nasal mucus could mean you have a sinus infection. We take a look at how long sinus infections can last, why they develop and what you can do to treat them.
What causes a sinus infection
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, starts when an allergy, virus or bacteria causes inflammation in your paranasal sinuses, the air-filled spaces behind your nose, cheeks, eyes and forehead. Glands within the sinuses naturally produce mucus that drains through small openings in your nasal cavity. But inflammation can cause sinus cavities and openings to swell and become blocked, causing mucus to back up and create an environment for infection.
Do you always need an antibiotic?
“No. Most sinus infections are viral, which means antibiotics won’t help. In most cases, it’s best to manage symptoms and let your immune system do its thing.”
How long can sinus infection symptoms last?
Sinus infection symptoms may quickly clear up on their own or linger for weeks or months. If you want to know how long your sinus infection will last, it helps to know what kind of infection you have and to know what’s causing it.
Viral sinusitis
A cold or other respiratory virus can spur a sinus infection. You don’t need antibiotics as a virus (not bacteria) is behind your infection. Over-the-counter pain medications, Mucinex and saline nasal sprays can all help ease symptoms while your body’s immune system goes to work. With viral sinus infections, you typically start feeling better about 7 to 10 days after symptoms kick in.
Bacterial sinusitis
If sinus pain and pressure persist or gets worse 10 days after an infection sets in, you could have a bacterial sinus infection. Prescription antibiotic medications can be taken to kill the bacteria and clear up the infection.
Allergic sinusitis
When sinus infection symptoms don’t go away or are recurrent, allergies are likely the cause. It’s important to address and get allergies under control. Allergy treatments typically include the use of an antihistamine and nasal steroid.
Tips to prevent future sinus infections
Do you often get a sinus infection after a cold? If so, here are some pro tips on ways to keep sinus infections at bay.
- Prioritize hydration – Drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day
- Irrigate sinuses – Use a nasal saline rinse daily to wash away allergens
- Use a humidifier – Keep sinus passages moist by running a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom at night
- Treat allergies – Manage allergy symptoms with a nasal steroid and oral antihistamine
Online treatment for sinus infections
To treat a sinus infection, you need to know its cause. At Virtuwell, we ask questions related to your symptoms and health history to determine what’s behind your sinus infection. Then one of our clinicians creates an individualized treatment plan so you can start feeling better, faster.
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