It varies depending on the type of infection you have. Viruses, bacteria, and allergies cause sinusitis. A virus like a cold or influenza is the most common infection. You are contagious when you have a sinus infection caused by one of these illnesses.
The only illness you can transmit directly is the cold or influenza virus that caused your sinus infection, not the sinus infection itself. Not everyone who gets the virus from you will get a sinus infection; they may get a cold or flu. Sinus infections caused by bacteria or allergies are not contagious.
A bacterial sinus infection occurs when the nasal passages are blocked for a prolonged period, which allows bacteria to grow. Allergies can cause chronic sinusitis in some cases. Both of these cannot be passed on to others. Most sinus infections are viral; if you have symptoms for less than two weeks, they will disappear.
In most cases, bacterial sinusitis develops as a complication of viral sinusitis. By exploring what sinus infections are, what causes them, and how they spread, we will learn how to distinguish between their three leading causes. Afterwards, I will discuss common sinus infections and when to see a doctor.
The sinuses surround a person's nasal and facial passages and humidify outside air before reaching the lungs. They can be found on the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the nose.
Inflammation of the sinus passages can occur from viral respiratory infections, such as colds, or external irritations, such as allergens, pollution, or cigarette smoke.
Inflamed sinuses drain mucus more slowly. Due to this, sinus infections cause pain, pressure, and other symptoms. The pooled mucous can grow bacteria over time, resulting in bacterial sinusitis.
The following symptoms characterise sinus infections:
Sinusitis is most commonly caused by the cold, which causes swelling and irritation in the sinuses.
Infections of the sinuses can also be contracted through:
Even though sinus infections are common, and most adults will experience one at some point, external factors can make sinus infections more prevalent.
You are more likely to develop a sinus infection if you have the following risk factors:
Sinusitis usually spreads in the same way a cold or flu does. Particles and droplets carrying viruses become airborne after a person coughs or sneezes, and those viruses then transfer to others.
These viruses can also be transmitted by body touch. Surfaces like doorknobs can become a reservoir for a virus if a sick person touches them before a healthy person does. That's why cleaning your hands with soap and water, protecting your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and staying away from close encounters with infected people are essential in preventing getting sick.
But even with the utmost stringent measures, sinusitis is standard enough that illnesses still spread quickly. How long are sinus infections contagious? Generally, when caused by a viral infection, a person will usually experience symptoms for 7-10 days.
In these cases, they will be infected with the main virus for two weeks, from a few days before they have symptoms until after the illnesses are gone.
Allergic sinusitis and bacterial sinus infections that arise after a virus are not infectious to others.
It is fortunate most sinus infections disappear without needing any prescription medication.
The majority will react well to over-the-counter treatments with time. Nearly 50% of cases without antibiotics get better within a week, and 70% resolve in two weeks.
There are various ways to ease and speed up this process with home remedies while easing pressure and pain from the sinuses:
Most sinus infections will resolve independently without antibiotics, but some patients will require antibiotics or other solutions prescribed by their healthcare provider.
Whenever you are experiencing one or more of the below symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
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