Acute sinusitis—also known as acute rhinosinusitis—is a short-term sinus inflammation or sinus infection. It usually happens when a cold, allergies, or another upper respiratory issue causes the sinuses to swell, trapping mucus and creating the perfect environment for germs to grow.

In most cases, it’s caused by a viral infection and clears up on its own within 7 to 10 days. Sometimes, bacteria can cause it, especially if symptoms linger or worsen after a few days.

Acute Sinusitis Symptoms Include:

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• • Constant nasal congestion or a stuffy nose
  • Thick nasal discharge, often yellow or green
  • Facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
• congestion headache

• Reduced or lost sense of smell
• Fever (more common in bacterial cases)
• Teeth hurt and sinus pressure (especially in the upper jaw)
• Sinus pressure sore throat, often worse at night

Bacterial sinus infection Causes and Risk Factors

Acute sinusitis often starts with a cold or allergies that cause the sinuses to become swollen and blocked. This blockage traps mucus inside, creating an environment where bacteria or fungi can grow and cause infection.

• Colds and respiratory viruses are the most common triggers
• Allergies that lead to nasal inflammation
• Nasal polyps or a deviated septum that blocks sinus drainage
• Air pollution or smoking
• Frequent flying or swimming (due to pressure and bacteria exposure)

Bacterial sinus infection Treatment

Do you know what the best antibiotic for sinus infection might be?

Most cases improve without antibiotics. Home remedies like saline nasal sprays, steam inhalation, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms.

However, if symptoms last more than 10 days, get worse after initially improving, or come with a high fever, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection.

Most people with acute sinusitis recover without needing to see a doctor. But if your symptoms last longer than a week, keep coming back, or start to get better and then suddenly worsen—especially if you have a history of chronic sinus issues or a lingering fever—it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

You should seek immediate medical care if you develop any signs that could point to a more serious infection, such as:

• Confusion
• A stiff neck
• Vision problems, like seeing double
• Pain, redness, or swelling around the eyes
• High fever

These symptoms could signal complications that need urgent treatment.

Risk Factors

Certain conditions can make you more likely to develop sinusitis, including:

• Having a recent cold that affects your sinuses
• Exposure to cigarette smoke, either from smoking yourself or being around smokers
• Allergies such as hay fever that cause inflammation in the nasal passages
• Weakened immune system due to illnesses like HIV/AIDS or genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis
• Structural issues in the nose, like nasal polyps, tumors, or a crooked septum that can block normal sinus drainage