Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of the face and skull. They are lined with mucous membranes that protect them from germs, dust, and other allergens. Can sinus infection cause fever?
When there is an infection in the sinuses, symptoms can include a severe sinus headache or pain behind one or both eyes, nasal congestion, a postnasal drip, a sore throat, loss of appetite, bad breath, and fatigue.
Sinusitis usually occurs when germs from the nose leak into the sinus cavity or spread from another source, such as bacteria from contaminated clothing or a similar origin.
The exact cause of chronic sinus infections is often unclear because it is not uncommon for many different factors to contribute to its development.
However, some research has indicated that certain things, such as smoking and allergies, may increase your risk of sinus infections.
Can sinus infection cause fever?
Sinusitis can cause fevers. However, these aren’t always caused by the infection and are often related to other conditions.
For instance, a fever can occur if you have an infection in your lungs or are sick with another illness, such as pneumonia.
So, how can sinus infection cause fever? If a sinus infection causes a fever, it is often because the pestle is swollen with pus from the condition, making it more likely for germs to enter your bloodstream and cause a fever.
Your doctor should check out sinusitis that produces high fevers because it could indicate something more severe, like bacterial meningitis or brain abscesses.
Is it normal to catch a fever with a sinus infection?
A fever is a common symptom of sinusitis. It occurs when the immune system responds to the infection by releasing heat-regulating chemicals, such as prostaglandin, into the bloodstream.
These chemicals can cause a person’s body temperature to rise to battle the infection.
The higher a person’s body temperature is, the more likely they will have an underlying bacterial or viral infection.
It is usual for people with sinusitis to feel sick and experience flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, headache, and runny nose.
How long does a fever last with a sinus infection?
The duration of a fever with a sinus infection varies. Generally, it will last four to seven days, but it can last longer if you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or kidney disease that requires medication.
It is normal to have a low-grade fever during the initial stages of the infection, but if you notice your fever spikes while you are sick, it could be a sign that the infection is more severe. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
How do you get rid of sinus fever?
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics if you have a sinus infection. If these medications don’t work, you may be prescribed nasal sprays to help clear the nasal passages or steroids to reduce inflammation. You can also use a neti pot for nasal irrigation to ease chronic sinusitis.
You can treat sinusitis with home remedies such as:
– Resting in a cool, dark room
– Sipping on cool fluids (such as water) often and keeping your head elevated when sleeping to prevent fluid from accumulating at the bottom of your throat and lungs
– Avoiding smoking and using tobacco products (cigarettes and cigars) – Maintaining good oral hygiene with flossing twice a day
– Using humidifiers in your bedroom if you have dry air in your house
Do you need antibiotics for a sinus infection with a fever?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are the most common treatment for sinusitis. The medication is typically prescribed in a drip form and will be given as a single dose.
If your symptoms persist after taking NSAIDs, it could indicate that you have an infection resistant to antibiotics. In this case, antibiotics will be prescribed. On the other hand, suppose your symptoms only last for less than two days, and you do not experience any complications from the fever, such as headaches or dizziness.
In that case, you can treat these infections with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Is it possible to have a sinus infection without a fever?
No, it is impossible to have a sinus infection without a fever. However, as the name suggests, the symptoms of inflammation in the sinuses are usually accompanied by a high temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most common cause of sinus infections is usually the rhinovirus, a common bug that can cause the common cold or the flu.
Sinus infections are more common in children and the elderly. Other possible causes of sinus infection are bacteria and fungi.
For example, a fungus called fungal sinusitis can cause sinus pain and pus drainage from your nose.
You may also have a runny nose and cough if you have a bacterial sinus infection.
Infections from the rhinoviruses in your nose and throat typically cause rhinosinusitis.
This virus usually causes a cold and the flu, but if it gets into your sinuses, it can cause ongoing infections called rhinosinusitis (RS).
RS causes inflammation which thickens tissue inside the nose and sinuses. Other symptoms include pain when you breathe in or out, pressure or discomfort in one or both eyes, ear pain, a stuffy nose, a runny nose or cough with mucus drainage, fatigue, and low energy levels.
You can treat RS with antibiotics, but non-stop symptoms may require surgery to remove the tissue blocking the sinuses or nose (rhino Surgery).
As highlighted earlier, sinusitis can cause a fever as part of its symptoms. While it is not common, a fever from this infection usually falls in the low-grade classification.
No. A sinus infection does not cause a low-grade fever. However, a low-grade fever, also known as a runny nose, can be one of the common sinus infection symptoms.
A low-grade fever is usually between 101 F and 102 F. However, the cause of your low-grade fever can vary depending on the condition.
Sometimes, it can be due to an illness like leukemia or lung disease that causes you to have an increased body temperature.
If your low-grade fever is not due to another illness, it is probably due to a sinus infection.
