In this Article

• What is sinus infection?
• What are the paranasal sinuses?
• What causes sinus infection?
• What are the types of sinus infections?
• What are the symptoms of sinus infection?
• How is sinus infection diagnosed?
• How is sinus infection treated?
• What are complications of sinus infection?
• Conclusions
• Sinus Infection At A Glance
• Pictures of Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Sinus Infection - Effective Treatments
• Sinusitis Glossary
• Sinusitis Index

What are complications of sinus infection?

While serious complications do not occur frequently, it is possible for sinus infection to cause a direct extension of infection into the brain, creating a life threatening emergency.

Conclusions

Sinus infection, when treated in an appropriate manner early in the course of the illness, can usually be treated effectively. It is important to seek the advice and evaluation of your physician if you suspect that you have sinus infection. If you are prone to recurrent bouts of sinus infection it may be important for you to consider allergy testing to see if this is the underlying cause of your recurring problem.

Sinus Infection At A Glance

• Sinus infection is a form of inflammation of air cavities (sinusitis) caused by infection.
• Sinusitis can be caused from allergies, irritants, or infection within the sinuses.
• Sinus infection can cause pain in the face, teeth, or head.
• Infected sinusitis is usually caused by uncomplicated virus infection.
• Bacterial infection of the sinuses is suspected when facial pain, pus nasal discharge and symptoms persist for longer than a week and are not responding to over-the-counter nasal medications.
• Bacterial sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotic therapy.

Sinus Infection - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your sinus infection?

Comment submissions for this question have ended.
See 20 Viewer Comments

View Comments

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• amoxicillin, Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox - Learn more about amoxicillin, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip - Information on post nasal drip and chronic rhinitis includes symptoms such as itchy runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, ears, and throat, and nasal congestion.

Read more Sinusitis related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Sinus Rinses May Do More Harm Than Good
• Health Tip: Signs You May Have Sinusitis
• Sinus Infections Push Millions to U.S. Doctors Each Year
• Swine Flu or Allergies: How Do You Tell the Difference?