Often people ask whether sinus infections are contagious. This is because sinus infections can affect both the upper and lower respiratory systems. Usually the symptoms of sinus infections are mild. They can be brought on by many factors, including allergic reactions, recurring sinus infections, or irregularities in the nasal cavities. Some viruses can cause sinus infections as well. These viruses can be spread easily, which is why it’s important to treat the infections as soon as possible.
Viruses
Viruses can make sinus infections contagious. The infection can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and touching infected surfaces. It can last from a few days to a couple weeks.
Most sinus infections are caused by a virus. The most common types are rhinoviruses and parainfluenza viruses. Symptoms of a sinus infection are similar to a cold, but they can be serious. They may include a headache, facial pain, and swelling around the eyes. If your symptoms are severe, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Bacteria are less common. Bacteria are not contagious. They are found in mucus in the sinuses and can cause inflammation. The main bacteria involved in chronic sinusitis are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A bacterial sinus infection is not contagious. It is typically treated with antibiotics. However, antibiotics can have side effects, and they can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Allergies
Despite the similarities, allergies and sinus infections are not the same. They both involve inflammation in the nasal passages and cause a variety of symptoms, such as runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes. However, they can be treated differently.
Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to a substance that is harmless. Your body produces chemicals called histamine. These chemicals are responsible for the inflammation and swelling that occur in the nasal passages. Histamine can also cause hives, swelling, and itchiness.
Unlike allergies, which are temporary, sinus infections last longer and are more chronic. They can persist for weeks or months. If you are experiencing a sinus infection, you can take medications to help control the symptoms.
A sinus infection usually starts as a viral infection, but can be a bacterial infection as well. In the latter case, you will need to take antibiotics to treat the infection.
Irregularities in the nasal cavities
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Chronic sinusitis
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are more serious than the typical cold or flu. The condition may lead to inflammation of the membranes around the brain and other bones, and can cause a skin infection. The condition can be life threatening if it is not treated.
Getting a cold or sinus infection can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. These conditions usually go away without medical treatment, but they can last up to a week.
There are many symptoms of chronic sinusitis, including fatigue, fever, and headaches. If your symptoms do not get better after a few weeks, it is important to see a doctor. Depending on the cause, you may need prescription antibiotics.
There are also things you can do at home to help you ease the symptoms of sinusitis. You can use warm compresses to reduce the swelling, and you can try nasal irrigation to remove mucus. You should also wash your hands frequently.
Recurring sinus infections
During the winter and allergy season, sinus infections are a common ailment. These infections may be caused by a virus, allergies or a structural problem in the sinus cavities.
The most common types of sinus infections are caused by viruses. These viruses can spread from person to person. They can live for days on surfaces, so they are easily passed from person to person.
The cold or flu virus is the most common cause of recurring sinus infections. It causes inflammation, and the buildup of mucus in the sinuses can make it hard for the sinuses to drain. If you sneeze directly into your hand, you can transmit the virus to another person.
Other viral causes of recurring sinus infections include rhinoviruses, which are the same pathogens that cause the common cold. If you have a deviated septum, the wall separating your nostrils isn’t centered in your nose. This can block the air flow and increase your chances of developing a sinus infection.
