Sinusitis: Is Sinus Infection Contagious?

Sinus infection is medically known as sinusitis. The infection occurs in the form of inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. According to a certain study conducted in the year 1999, in America, the number of people affected by sinus infection was about 37 million. According to health experts, people suffering from sinus infections, undergo acute symptoms which may last for 4 weeks or less. They may also experience cases which are sub-acute (last for 4-12 weeks), cases of chronic sinus infection (may extend for months or years) and recurrent cases which keep happening continuously over the period an year. The answer to the question, 'Is sinus infection contagious?' is a resounding 'No'! However, the cold that precedes the infection is quite contagious. So instead of getting anxious if sinusitis is contagious or not, it is better to know the various methods for its treatment.

What is a Sinus Infection?
Before going any deeper into sinus infection or sinusitis, let us first understand the term 'sinus'. These are hollow cavities or air-filled sacks within the facial bones and they fully develop only by the age of twelve. They connect the space between the nostrils and the nasal passages. Sinuses consist of four parts; frontal sinuses (in the forehead), maxillary sinuses (behind the cheek bones) and ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes). The anatomy of the sinuses is known as paranasal sinuses. These sinuses are joined to the nasal passages by a mucous membrane lining. Each of them also has an opening into the nose so as to ensure the free exchange of air and mucous. Usually, the nasal passages are homed by foreign bacteria (germs). Now, these germs cannot make their way into any of the sinuses until the normal host defenses inside the sinuses are up. Any disruption in theses defenses allow the bacteria to enter the sinuses and stick to the lining cells and cause what is known as a sinus infection.

Symptoms and Signs of Sinus Infection
Sinus infection signs and symptoms depend upon the type of sinuses affected. Common symptoms are mucus dripping down the throat behind the nose and causing a sore throat. The person may experience constant pain around the inner corner of one or both the eyes or below one side of the nose. Due to the infection the mucus lining gets irritated and turns out excess mucus; it is known as sinus drainage. Headaches may be present in the temple or area surrounding the eyes and the pain worsens when coughing, straining the eyes, bending or when lying on your back. These were the symptoms of ethmoid sinusitis.

When the maxillary sinuses are affected, the person may experience pain across his cheekbone, around the eye or the upper teeth. The cheekbone may appear swollen, tender or red and there may be an onset of fever. Frontal sinusitis and sphenoid sinusitis exhibit symptoms similar to the aforementioned ones. In some cases, a common cold can also become a sinus infection and this is when a sinus cough occurs as one of the several symptoms. For more information on the various signs and symptoms, read more on sinus infection signs and symptoms.

Sinus Infection Treatment
Keeping the body well hydrated by taking plenty of hot liquids provides great relief from a sinus headache (headache resulting from congestion or infection in the paranasal sinuses) and promotes proper drainage. Breathing in hot steam or applying a towel (soaked in hot water) against your face also reduces the pain. The presence of cold may further worsen the symptoms of sinus infection, so it is necessary to keep the affected person warm and preferably indoors. Antibiotics for sinus infection can also be administered, but only when prescribed by a medical professional. One of the most effective home remedies for a sinus infection is sinus wash. It is a natural and practical method that is used in removing allergens, bacteria and dirt. Read more on sinus wash treatment and further on sinusitis: sinus infection symptoms and treatment.

As we can see that the question, 'Is sinus infection contagious?' has 'No' as its answer. Although it may not be contagious, there are possible chances of contracting the infection even without coming in contact with the affected person. So it is important to be aware of its symptoms and treatment methods. Another aspect that follows the question, 'Is sinusitis contagious', is its prevention. However, there are no solid preventive measures that can be taken for keeping the infection at bay. Consulting a healthcare provider or a doctor should help in an effective treatment.