Understanding your sinuses

The nasal cavity is the large air-filled space behind your nose. The sinuses are a group of spaces formed by the bones of your face. They connect with your nasal cavity. A bacterial infection can cause the tissue lining these spaces to become inflamed. Mucus may not drain normally. This leads to face pain and other symptoms.

What causes a bacterial infection of the nose and sinuses?

This type of infection most often occurs after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. Bacteria then infect the lining of your nasal cavity and sinuses. But you can also get it if you have:

• Nasal allergies

• Long-term nasal swelling and congestion not caused by allergies

• Blockage in the nose

Symptoms of a bacterial infection of the nose and sinuses

The symptoms may be different for each person. They may include:

• Nasal congestion or blockage

• Pain or pressure in the face

• Thick, colored drainage from the nose

Other symptoms you may have are:

• Runny nose

• Fluid draining from the nose down the throat (postnasal drip)

• Headache

• Cough

• Pain

• Fever

Diagnosing a bacterial infection of the nose and sinuses

Your healthcare provider may diagnose you with this type of infection if you’ve had an upper respiratory infection like a cold for 10 or more days with symptoms that don't get better or get worse. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and your past health. They will check your vital signs, such as your temperature. You’ll also have an exam. The healthcare provider will check your ears, nose, and throat. You likely won’t need any tests. If the infection comes back, you may have other tests.

Treatment for a bacterial infection of the nose and sinuses

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics. This medicine treats the bacterial infection.

• Nasal corticosteroid medicine. Drops or spray used in the nose can lessen swelling and congestion.

• Over-the-counter pain medicine. This is to ease sinus pain and pressure. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines.

• Nasal decongestant medicine. Spray or drops may help to ease congestion. Don't use them for more than a few days.

• Salt wash (saline irrigation). This can help to loosen mucus.

Possible complications of a bacterial infection of the nose and sinuses

This bacterial infection may come back or become long-term (chronic). In rare cases, it may cause problems, such as: 

• Inflamed tissue around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)

• Inflamed tissue around the eyes (orbital cellulitis)

• Inflamed bones around the sinuses (osteitis)

These problems may need to be treated in a hospital. You may need intravenous (IV) antibiotic medicine or surgery.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Headache

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Stiff neck

• Trouble seeing

• Swelling around your eyes

• Confusion or trouble staying awake

• Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse

• Symptoms that don’t get better after 3 to 5 days on antibiotics