Sinus Infection Topic Guide

Sinus infections and sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and/or infected. Sinus infection symptoms and signs include bad breath, runny or stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, facial pain and swelling, tooth pain, ringing in the ears, sinus headache, fever, sore throat and cough.

Short-term (acute) sinusitis symptoms and signs include ear pain or earache, dizziness, itchy throat, sneezing, facial swelling, pain on one or both sides of the face, pain or pressure that worsen while coughing or straining, pain across the cheekbone, under or around the eye, or around the upper teeth, mucus that drips down the throat behind the nose, and nasal drainage that may be clear or whitish in color.

Chronic sinusitis (chronic inflammation of the sinuses) signs and symptoms include pain that worsens late morning or while wearing glasses, facial pain and pressure that worsens while leaning forward, chronic bad breath and sore throat, chronic toothache or an increase in tooth sensitivity.

Sinus infections caused by bacteria or fungi can be cured with antibiotics while viral infections cannot. Home remedies for sinus infections and sinusitis help relieve sinus pain, pressure, and other symptoms. Bacterial and fungal causes of sinus infections can be cured with antibiotics. Viral sinus infections need to resolve on their own and cannot be cured with antibiotics. Some people with chronic sinus infections or sinusitis may need sinus surgery.