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 2099, in America, the number of people diagnosed with sinus infection was about 29.3 million adults. According to health experts, people suffering from sinus infection, 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 a year. The answer to the question, 'Is sinus infection contagious?' is a resounding 'No'! However, the infection that has caused the infection could be. So instead of getting anxious if sinusitis is contagious or not, it is better to know about 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 to ensure the free exchange of air and mucous. Acute cases of sinus infections are most commonly caused by viral infections such as common cold. If the symptoms persist for more than 10 days, then it is more likely that the infection is bacterial in nature. Fungal infections could also cause sinusitis but mostly in people with sinus abnormalities or compromised immune system. When infection is ruled out, other causes could include allergies, nasal tumors, deviated nasal septum, tooth infection, or autoimmune disorders.

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 while 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.

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.

Although sinus infection 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.