Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

Sinus infections or sinusitis, is a condition wherein the sinuses and nasal passages get inflamed leading to discomfort in breathing and frequent headaches. Sinuses are hollow cavities connected to nasal passages by mucous membrane linings. Sinus infections depend on the location of the sinuses; forehead, behind the cheek bones and between the eyes resulting in pain in the subsequent regions. Although, the severity of a sinus infection largely depends on the type of the infection, an acute sinus infection and a sub acute sinus infection can be well cured within a month's span, but if the symptoms prevail after around 8 weeks, the condition is chronic sinus infection requiring doctor's consultation. The treatment measures for sinus infections depend upon the cause and type of infection. Read further to know, "are sinus infections contagious?".

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?
Recurring sinus infections are normally caused due to bacteria, and virus and very rarely due to fungus. Is sinus infection contagious? Let's find out.

Are Sinus Infections Bacterial or Viral?
Very often sinus infections result due to virus owing to their high rate of multiplication and infection. Frequently, a common cold could end up in a sinus infection in this case. Sinus infections by viruses are not contagious yet the viruses can easily pass from person to person making him/her susceptible to common cold and related conditions. Viral sinus infections can be easily dealt using over-the-counter medications like corticosteroids, decongestants and antihistamines. The best possible way to prevent yourself is to avoid close contact with people having viral sinus infections.

Are Bacterial Sinus Infections Contagious?
No. For a bacterial sinus infection, the risk involved reduces as far as it being contagious. A fungal or a bacterial sinus infection occurs as a result of a swelling in the sinuses wherein the mucus gets entrapped leading to the growth of these micro organisms. The sinus infections signs and symptoms like post nasal drip, high fever, facial pain, tooth pain, dark thick yellow green nasal discharge, bad breath, general headache, fatigue, cough and ear pressure are very evident in a bacterial sinus infection. However, these infections cannot be cured by the above viral sinus infection medications and require a doctor's consultation along with an antibiotic or anti fungal dosage in case of a fungal sinus infection.

How Long are Sinus Infections Contagious?
The answer is as long as the virus remains in the active state. Apart from this, close contact with an infected individual will surely increase the risk of spreading infection.

Are Sinus Infections Dangerous?
Not really, unless and until the symptoms fail to go resulting in persistent and severe sinus headaches. Although not a fatal condition, sinus infections cannot be ignored. You need to seek doctor's help to know the cause of the infection so as to take the appropriate treatment measures and home remedies for sinus infection to get relief from sinus pain. Sometimes, abnormal growth like tumor or polyps on the sinuses, requires surgical removal. Sinus attacks could last from a few minutes to many hours and often lead to severe irritation and inconvenience.

How to Treat a Sinus Infection
Apart from the antibiotics for sinus infection and other medications, below are some useful and easier methods to help get rid of a sinus infection.

• Ibuprofen and Paracetamol help give relief against pain.
• Sinus wash on frequent basis, to get rid of mucus and other irritants in the nose.
• Steam treatment to help loosen the mucus and open the blockages.
• Use of a humidifier to help moisturize the air around.
• Healthy lifestyle and proper diet with high intake of Vitamin C fruits.

Are sinus infections contagious - well you have got the answer. If you happen to suffer from this, take the appropriate treatment for sinus infection and don't forget to seek your doctor's help. Take care.