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Consequences of Sinus Infections

Sinus infections, commonly referred to as sinusitis, are characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the cavities within your nasal passages (sinuses). Acute sinusitis lasts up to four weeks, subacute sinusitis lasts between four and 12 weeks and chronic sinusitis persists for more than 12 weeks--all of which have both short- and long-term consequences.

  1. Financial Consequences

    • According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, approximately 37 million people in the United States suffer from sinusitis each year, with sinusitis-related medical costs exceeding $5 billion every year.

    Short-Term Consequences

    • Sinus infections can manifest with yellowish/green discharge from the nose, congestion that prevents you from breathing normally through your nose and pain and pressure in your face (specifically around your forehead, eyes, nose or cheeks).

    Additional Consequences

    • Additional sinusitis consequences include reduced ability to smell, diminished sense of taste, aching in your jaw, coughing (usually worse at night), ear pain, fever, nausea, sore throat and fatigue.

    Long-Term Consequences

    • Long-term consequences may include an increased risk of serious infections or other sinusitis-related complications.

    Complications

    • Complications of sinus infections may include meningitis (occurs when the infection spreads to your brain's lining), asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis, ear infections and vision problems (which can occur if the infection spreads to your eye).

    Vein Problems

    • Sinusitis may also lead to problems with the veins that surround your sinuses. This can lead to increased risk of developing an aneurysm (ballooned blood vessel), blood clot or stroke.

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