Sinus Infections: What You Need to Know

We’ve all been there — a stuffy head, clogged ears and a nose that won’t stop running. It’s miserable. But how can you tell if it’s a sinus infection or something else?

“It can be tricky to tell what you have, especially at the beginning of an illness, because many symptoms can overlap,” said Margarita Marlin, MD, family physician with Franciscan Physician Network South 31 Family Care in Indianapolis. “I recommend giving it a few days of rest to see if you feel better — and watch for hallmark symptoms.” 

Key Takeaways: Sinus Infections, COVID-19 & The Flu

• Symptoms of sinus infections, COVID-19 and the flu overlap, but it’s good to be aware of the hallmark signs.
• If your face and teeth hurt, and you have nasal congestion and a runny nose, you may have a sinus infection.
• Terrible cough, shortness of breath and a recent loss of taste and smell? Better get tested for COVID.
• Body aches and fever are telltale signs of the flu.

Symptoms At-a-glance: Sinus Infection, COVID vs. Flu

Symptoms for these common illnesses can vary from person to person. But you can learn to tell the difference.

Sinus pressure, sinus headaches and thick mucus are indicators of a sinus infection. “If your face and teeth hurt and you have nasal congestion and a runny nose, you might have a sinus infection,” Dr. Marlin added.

Dr. Marlin suggests testing for COVID if you have a terrible cough, difficulty catching your breath or you’ve lost your sense of taste or smell.

And if you have body aches and a fever, you might have the flu.

When To See A Doctor For Your Symptoms

Most sinus infections clear up on their own with rest and at-home care. But sometimes, it’s best to reach out for medical help.

See a healthcare provider if you have:

• Severe symptoms, such as a bad headache or facial pain
• Symptoms that get worse after starting to improve
• Symptoms that last more than 10 days and don’t get better
• A fever that lasts longer than three or four days
• Multiple sinus infections in the past year

This list isn’t all-inclusive. If you have any symptom that feels severe or concerning, don’t wait — contact your healthcare provider.

If your symptoms don’t improve or you need care, you can visit your Franciscan Health primary care provider or stop by a Franciscan ExpressCare location for evaluation. Your provider may:

• Review your symptoms
• Perform a physical exam
• Recommend diagnostic testing, if needed
• Provide treatment options, including medication or at-home care guidance

Common vs. Uncommon Sinus Infection Symptoms

Not everyone with a sinus infection experiences every symptom. The most common symptoms are:

• Congestion
• Eye pain
• Facial pain, pressure or swelling
• Fatigue
• Fever/chills/sweats
• Headache
• Loss of taste and/or smell (from congestion)
• Runny nose
• Sinus pressure/headache
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose with thick mucus

Less common sinus infection symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Ear pain/fullness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea/vomiting

What Causes Sinus Infections?  

A sinus infection happens when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses). A virus or bacteria can cause sinus infections.

If your sinus infection is viral, it will eventually clear your system, just like a cold. However, if your sinus infection lingers and you still feel miserable days later, you could have a bacterial sinus infection. Your healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics to help you fight off the infection.

How To Care For A Sinus Infection At Home

While you wait to feel better, our experts suggest a few at-home treatments to help alleviate your symptoms. At-home treatment options include:

• Breathe in steam from a hot shower or bath
• Take over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms such as body aches and congestion
• Drink fluids to stay hydrated
• Get plenty of rest
• Put warm compresses on your nose and forehead to reduce sinus pressure
• Use saline irrigation to clear your nasal passages
• Use nasal sprays to ease congestion

Sinus Infection Prevention Tips

You can lower your chances of getting a sinus infection — and help keep others healthy — with a few simple steps.

Here’s how to help prevent sinus infections:

• Wash your hands often. Clean hands help stop germs from spreading.
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including your annual flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine.
• Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
• Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoke can irritate your sinuses and make it harder to fight off infection.
• Use a clean humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. This can help keep your sinuses from drying out.

“It’s also important to plan ahead and get vaccinated,” said Dr. Marlin. “The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.”

If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms or want to prevent illness this season, schedule a visit with your Franciscan Health provider or stop by a Franciscan ExpressCare location near you.