Can You Pass A Sinus Infection To Others

What Causes Fungal Sinusitis

Several types of fungi can cause a sinus infection. Most fungal sinus infections result from mold or yeast. Tiny fungi can enter the sinuses when someone breaths them in.

Many types of fungus live on or inside the body all the time. Theyre usually only dangerous to people who have a weakened immune system.

If You Have A Cold Do You Need To See A Doctor

The general medical wisdom around treating colds says that, in most cases, you dont need to see a doctor for a cold. However, some over the counter medications can help. These include NSAID painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. And decongestant nasal sprays or cough syrups can also help take the edge off of symptoms.

However, if you have a very high or persistent fever, seeing a doctor may be a good idea. Influenza, a more severe illness, may sound like a cold, but its symptoms start much sooner. Instead of a multi-stage onset like you would get with a cold, influenza starts right away with a high fever and severe symptoms.

Symptoms That Sinusitis Has Spread To The Brain

A patient experiences severe symptoms when the sinusitis spreads and reaches to the brain. Some of the symptoms including-

• Changes in vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Severe headache inside the skull

However, our Pristyn Care ENT specialist explains that headaches can be a symptom of migraine or pressure build up inside the skull that irritates the brain lining. Another cause of headaches could be brain infection. However, if there is an infection in the brain there can be other symptoms.

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How To Prevent The Risk Of Sinusitis In Babies

For sinusitis, prevention is not easy, yet a few steps could help keep your baby safe .

• Keep your baby away from known allergens.
• Minimize their exposure to pollutants, such as tobacco smoke.
• Reduce the babys daycare time.
• Treat the stomach acid reflux disease if found in your baby.
• Keep the atmosphere in your babys room moist. It stops cold from worsening.
• Get the best treatment for allergies, if any.
• Keep your home clean and clear of dust and smoke.
• Use a humidifier to maintain the humidity of the room at 45% to 50%.
• Allow fresh air to enter the house.
• Maintain hygiene to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Next, we address a few commonly asked questions about sinusitis in babies.

How The Sinus Infection Spreads To The Brain

Although there are various barriers that protect the brain from various pathogens, sometimes bacteria can pass through. The reason is that the space between the sinuses and the brain is very less making it easy for the pathogens to spread. If the infection spreads and infects the brain, it can lead to swelling, seizures, vomiting and abnormal mental health.

Hence, for people looking for the answer to the question can sinusitis lead to brain infection- YES, it can. But remember, only in rare instances this occurs. The likelihood of a patient dying from this condition is very low.

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Do I Have A Sinus Infection

You may have a sinus infection if you experience:

• a headache
• a blocked or runny nose
• pain, pressure or aching in your face
• a diminished sense of smell
• mucus running down your throat
• sore throat
• smelly breath
• tiredness

Sinus infections usually develop from upper respiratory infections. You may therefore suffer from symptoms of illnesses like the cold or flu at the same time as your sinus infection.

Please see your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms.

Various Causes Various Answers

Many of us often think whether sinus infection is contagious. Well, some of them can be transmitted and a number of different causes of sinus infection take place. Some of the principal causes of sinus infections are:

Viruses are transmitted from one person to the next, so you can pass the bug to you if someone is suffering from a viral sinus infection. But the same symptoms may not be present. Viruses cause the common cold and these viruses may lead to the development of sinus infection. Viruses can be contagious only for a couple of days, or a week or more. Even before you have any symptoms of sickness, you may have a virus.

If there is a blocked sinus with mucus, bacterial infections can grow. Such infections usually last longer. Infections of the bacterial sinus cannot spread from one person to the other. The Infectious Diseases Society of America notes that sinus infection is likely to come from bacteria while a simple test can instantly find outwhether the infection is bacterial or viral.

Come to OKOA for pediatric ENT. Book your schedule with us in OKC and get your child checked thoroughly.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor’s advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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When Should You See A Doctor About Your Sinus Infection

Most sinus infections stay viral and resolve on their own. But if home remedies arent helping, if your drainage turns yellow or green, or if your sinus infection sticks around for more than a week or 10 days, it might be time to give your ENT doctor a call.

Still have more questions about whether your sinus infection is contagious? Not sure if youre dealing with a viral or bacterial infection? Contact ENT Associates of Lubbock today, and we can help you figure out your next steps!

Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip

When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.

The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.

This is called postnasal drip, and it may cause you to cough at night when youre lying down to sleep, and in the morning after getting up. It may also cause your voice to sound hoarse.

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Favorite Resources For Finding A Specialist

Through research, education, and advocacy, the American Rhinologic Society is devoted to serving patients with nose, sinus, and skull base disorders. Their website provides a valuable search tool to find a doctor, as well as links to other medical societies and resources that are useful for patients.

How Common Is Fungal Sinusitis

Some types of fungal sinusitis are more common than others. Women are much more likely to develop fungal balls than men. Allergic fungal sinusitis is more common in warm, humid climates. GIFS is very rare in the United States. Its much more common in India, Sudan and Pakistan.

Fungal sinus infections have increased over the last few decades. This may be because healthcare providers are prescribing more antibiotics and immunosuppressant drugs. This increase could also be due to a rise in the number of diseases that weaken the immune system.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop fungal sinus infections. Severe infections are more common among people who:

• Have cancer, including leukemia or lymphoma, or are getting chemotherapy treatments.
• Have severe or uncontrolled diabetes.
• Take drugs to suppress the immune system .

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What Is Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses, most often including a sinus infection. The sinuses are four paired cavities in the head. They are connected by narrow channels. The sinuses make thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose, cleaning the nose. Typically filled with air, the sinuses can become blocked by fluid and swell from irritation. When this happens, they can become infected.

Sinus Infection In Babies: Symptoms Causes Treatment And Prevention

• How To Prevent The Risk Of Sinusitis In Babies?

Stuffy nose is a common symptom of the common cold, flu, and sinusitis . In both, the common cold and sinusitis, the tissue lining of the nasal cavity and sinus get swollen due to inflammation of the blood vessels, post-infection .

The difference between the two, however, can be determined based on the duration of the symptoms. For the common cold, the congestion leading to stuffy nose resolves within a week or ten days. In the case of sinusitis, the symptoms may last for up to 12 weeks or longer .

In this post, MomJunction tells you about the probable causes, symptoms, treatment, and methods of prevention for sinusitis in babies.

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How Do You Get A Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can develop when there is swelling in the sinus cavities. If the sinuses become too swollen, they can narrow and become obstructedmaking it difficult for mucus to drain. When mucus builds and backs up within sinus passages, it can become infected and voilayou get a sinus infection. The most common cause of a sinus infection is a viral cold.

Like any virus, the virus that causes the common cold is highly contagious. However, thankfully, every cold does not develop into a sinus infection. So while viral sinus infections are caused by cold viruses which are indeed very contagious, the sinus infections that result, are not contagious. If you get a viral sinus infection, it should resolve on its own within two weeks.

You may be thinking, wait I thought the only way to clear up a sinus infection was by taking antibiotics. Nope, not true. Viral sinus infections wont respond to antibiotics. And taking antibiotics when you dont need to can be dangerous and contribute to antibiotic resistance. However, in the case where your sinus infection was spurred by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are exactly what you need to fight the infection.

How Do You Diagnose Chronic Sinusitis

The presence of two or more of the listed symptoms for at least three months raises the suspicion of a chronic sinus infection.

In such cases, we will evaluate you to confirm the diagnosis. This involves applying pressure on your sinuses to elicit tenderness. If the tenderness is positive, your sinuses are likely to be inflamed. We will then take a peek into your nose using a small flexible scope, and check for nasal polyps, pus-filled discharge, and deviated septum.

We may also recommend nasal endoscopy. This is an office procedure that enables us to view the interior of your nose and sinus passages. Its done with an instrument called an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light. We will pass this scope into your nose and sinuses to look inside. Nasal endoscopy allows us to detect any swelling and polyps, as well as collect discharge from the infected area. This can help spot the cause of your infection and whats the best way to treat it.

If need be, we may also perform imaging in the form of a computed tomography to look for further problems.

Allergy skin tests look for allergic causes and to check for problems within your immune system may also be done.

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What Is The Common Cold

The common cold refers to at least 200 different viruses that cause a cold. Colds often go away on their own. Colds can:

• Occur at any age.
• Have a wide range of symptoms.
• Spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva, mucus or phlegm.
• Last about seven to 10 days, though a cough can last up to three weeks.
• Lead to complications such as ear infections, eye infections, sinus infections and pneumonia.

Treating a cold can help you feel better:

• Use acetaminophen if you have body aches and fever.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink a lot, especially fluids such as water, tea and broth.
• Get plenty of rest.

Throat Irritation And Cough

As discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent and annoying cough, which can be worse when lying down to sleep or first thing in the morning after getting up from bed.

It can also make sleeping difficult. Sleeping upright or with your head elevated can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your coughing.

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Should I Go To Work With A Sinus Infection

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A sinus infection occurs when your sinuses become inflamed due to infection. Most sinus infections are caused by a virus, but they can be caused by bacteria.

Similar symptoms to a sinus infection can also be caused by allergies, pollutants, an infected tooth, or fungal infections.

Usually, you can only spread your illness to others if it is caused by a contagious infection.

In this article, you will learn about the symptoms and treatment of sinus infections, how contagious they are, and if you should go to work when you have one.

The following information applies to adults.

What Causes Sinus Infections And Are They Contagious

The most common cause I see for a sinus infection is from a viral infection. Other common causes include bacterial infections and allergies Dr. Varghese explains.

A virus, bacteria, or fungus can cause a sinus infection. Generally, acute sinus infections stem from viral colds, while chronic sinusitis typically results from a bacterial infection, nasal growths, or allergies. Sinus infections can develop from many different causes. The cause of a sinus infection can be contagious, depending on what it is.

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What Is A Fungus

A fungus is a living organism. It cant make its own food, so it takes its nutrients from decomposing matter in the soil, water or plants where it lives. Fungi live in the air, on surfaces, and on humans and other animals.

Scientists classify fungi in groups. They include mold, yeasts and mildew. Some fungi are big enough to see , and some are so small you can only see them with a microscope.

There are more than 100,000 species of fungi. They live all around us, and most arent dangerous. But some fungi can invade the body and multiply, leading to serious health problems. Different types of fungi cause infections in many parts of the body. Some examples are yeast infections, thrush and toenail fungal infections.

Are Sinus Infections Contagious No But An Underlying Virus Can Be

• Sinus infections are not contagious.
• However, if your sinus infection is caused by a virus, that virus can be contagious and if it spreads to someone else, they will be at a higher risk of getting a sinus infection, too.
• Here’s how you can recognize and treat a sinus infection in order to reduce risk and prevent the spread of any contagious illness.
• Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.

Sinus infections affect about 31 million Americans a year, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology .

If your sinus infection is caused by a virus, that virus may be contagious, but not the sinus infection itself. If your sinus infection is caused by bacteria or allergies, you likely won’t be contagious at all.

Here’s what you need to know about the common causes of sinus infections, how to treat them, and how to reduce your risk of getting one.

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How To Treat A Sinus Infection At Home

You can effectively treat sinus infections at home with over-the-counter medicines or one or more home remedies.

Dethlefs recommends, Drink plenty of water, use Vicks vapor rub on chest and bottoms of feet, rest and sleep and humidifier. One thing I like to do when my family is sick is boil water on the stove and melt Vicks vapor rub in it. Then pour solution in ice cube trays and freeze. Add 1-2 ice cubs to bottom of shower.

OTC medicines that may improve symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Nasal decongestant sprays help reduce swelling in the nasal passages to promote drainage flow from the sinuses. This sinus infection treatment should only be used for three to four days to reduce the risk of rebound congestion.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays help reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages without causing rebound congestion.
• Antihistamines remain particularly helpful for those whose nasal passages become inflamed and swollen due to seasonal allergies.
• Nasal saline washes and rinses help clear mucus from the nasal passages to promote easier breathing.

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if OTC medicines fail to relieve your symptoms within seven to 10 days. Antibiotics are usually only prescribed as a last-resort treatment for sinus infections due to the risk of overuse, which may lead to other difficult-to-treat infections.

Home remedies for sinus infection include:

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