Merck Manuals: What Patients Need to Know About Sinusitis and Sinus Infections

RAHWAY, N.J., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A sinus infection, known as sinusitis, is one of the most common medical conditions. But in some cases, it can come with dangerous complications.

In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com, Marvin P. Fried, MD, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, breaks down what patients need to know about sinusitis and how to distinguish it from other respiratory conditions.

1. Sinusitis can have many causes

Sinusitis is the blanket term for inflammation of any of the body's four groups of sinuses. Often, sinusitis is caused by a viral upper respiratory infection, such as a cold, creating a buildup of fluid, says Fried. Other causes include bacteria and seasonal allergies, which can cause swelling that leads to sinusitis, as can irritants like dust particles or smoke. Certain fungi can also cause sinus infections. Nasal polyps may also be associated with sinusitis.

2. There are telltale symptoms of sinusitis

There is often symptom overlap among various respiratory conditions, but sinusitis has a few specific symptoms to watch for, says Fried. Often, sinusitis is more painful than other respiratory illnesses. The pressure in the sinuses can causes swelling and aching cheeks, pain behind the eye, or headaches. Fatigue is another known symptom. Patients with sinusitis may feel run down and more exhausted than what is typical with allergies or the common cold.

3. Treatment options may vary

Duration of symptoms is another important indicator of sinusitis. A cold tends to last between a week and 10 days. If you aren't feeling better after two weeks, it may be time to see your primary care provider, says Fried.

For cases of sinusitis causing a fever or severe pain and lasting more than 10 days, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic. Fried says providers will also typically recommend at-home remedies to help the sinus drain, including:

• breathing steam from a hot shower;
• hot, wet towels covering the sinuses;
• drinking hot fluids;
• saline rinses;
• over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays.

4. Sinusitis can become chronic

Individual sinus infections are known as acute sinusitis. Sinusitis is defined as chronic if it has been ongoing for more than 90 days. Patients with suspected chronic sinusitis are often referred to as an otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Treatment tends to be more involved and can include stronger courses of antibiotics, oral steroids, and other medications. Ultimately, surgery may be recommended, depending on the cause of the sinusitis, says Fried.

5. Getting diagnosed is crucial

The spread of bacterial infection to the eyes or brain can pose serious medical risks. If you or a loved one is suffering from sinusitis symptoms for more than 14 days, seeking proper care is essential. Children, older individuals, and immunocompromised individuals should be especially careful.

Fried says the best way to prevent bacterial sinusitis and its complications is to prevent the infection from occurring in the first place. Wash your hands and keep a safe distance from others who are sick.

To read more of Fried's editorial on sinusitis, visit MerckManuals.com.

About The Merck Manuals and MSD Manuals

First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, The Merck Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the world's most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. As The Manual evolved, it continually expanded the reach and depth of its offerings to reflect the mission of providing the best medical information to a wide cross-section of users, including medical professionals and students, veterinarians and veterinary students, and consumers. In 2015, The Manuals kicked off Global Medical Knowledge 2020, a global initiative with the goal to make the best current medical information accessible by up to three billion professionals and patients around the world by 2020. The Manuals achieved that goal, and today its medical information is available in nearly 250 countries and in 14 languages. It's continuing its ambitious mission through outreach, education and creating new reliable medical resources. For access to thousands of medical topics with images, videos and a constantly expanding set of resources, visit MerckManuals.com or MSDManuals.com and connect with us on social media: For Consumers in the U.S. and its territories: X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. For Professionals in the U.S. and its territories: X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook

About Merck

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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