Viruses & Sinus Infections

Sinus infections (sinusitis) are commonly caused by virus and bacteria and provide symptoms similar to those involved in a cold or flu. Because of these similarities, sinusitis is often not identified and goes untreated.

The Sinuses

• There are four pairs of sinuses in the skull, and each has a mucosal lining to protect the body from pollen, dust and potentially harmful foreign bodies.

Infection

• Infections can be both viral and bacterial, occurring when the mucosal lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed. As a natural defensive reaction to a virus, the sinuses form extra mucus.

Sinus Infection

• When the extra mucus cannot drain from the sinuses, the natural ventilation of the area is blocked. This creates a friendly environment for the virus to take hold and become a sinus infection.

Symptoms

• Symptoms associated with sinus infection can be painful and include sore, red eyes, post-nasal drip, headaches and tenderness below the eyes. Sinus infection associated with a virus usually lasts about four weeks and can occur three times a year.

Virus

• A virus can remain in the body for a significant amount of time and cause no ill effects. But when the body is affected by an upper respiratory condition, a virus such as streptococcus can become active.

Treatment

• Sinus infection caused by a virus is not usually treated with antibiotics, but bacterial infections sometimes respond to antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends treating a viral sinus infection with over-the-counter remedies and rest.