Sinus Infection Treatment Options and What to Expect

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection is inflammation of the sinus linings that can be triggered by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or allergies. Acute sinusitis typically follows a cold and lasts up to four weeks; subacute and chronic forms persist longer and may relate to structural issues or ongoing inflammation. Common signs include nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes fever or tooth pain. Identifying whether the cause is infectious, allergic, or structural helps determine whether medical therapy, a procedural intervention, or a combination will be most appropriate.

When is medical treatment appropriate?

Medical management is often the first-line approach. For viral sinus infections, supportive care—saline nasal irrigation, steam, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers—helps symptoms while the body clears the virus. Bacterial sinusitis may warrant a course of antibiotics when symptoms are severe, prolonged, or worsening after initial improvement. Intranasal corticosteroids, oral steroids (short courses), antihistamines for allergic triggers, and mucolytics can be used depending on symptoms and underlying causes. Patients with recurrent or persistent symptoms despite optimized medical therapy should be evaluated for procedural options or further diagnostic imaging.

How does balloon sinuplasty work?

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that dilates blocked sinus drainage pathways using a small balloon catheter. Under local or general anesthesia, a physician advances the catheter into the sinus opening and inflates the balloon to widen the natural ostium without removing bone or large amounts of tissue. The goal is to restore drainage and ventilation while preserving normal anatomy. Advantages often cited include shorter recovery times, less bleeding, and suitability for patients with certain types of obstruction; however, balloon sinuplasty is not appropriate for all anatomic problems or severe polyposis and should be considered after careful evaluation.

When is surgery considered for sinus disease?

Surgery for chronic or complicated sinusitis is considered when symptoms persist despite maximal medical therapy, when there is significant anatomic blockage, recurrent infections, or complications such as orbital or intracranial extension. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the most common approach: a surgeon uses endoscopes to remove obstructing tissue, enlarge drainage pathways, and restore normal function. Compared with balloon techniques, FESS can address more extensive disease, nasal polyps, and anatomical variations. As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, and rare complications; expected benefits and risks should be discussed with an ENT specialist.

What does the procedure and recovery usually involve?

Pre-procedure evaluation often includes nasal endoscopy, CT imaging, and discussion of medical history and goals. Outpatient procedures may be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on complexity. Recovery varies: balloon sinuplasty patients often return to normal activity within a few days, while traditional sinus surgery recovery may take one to three weeks for most activities, with full healing over months. Postoperative care commonly includes saline irrigations, short courses of steroids or antibiotics when indicated, and follow-up endoscopic cleaning. Potential complications include bleeding, adhesions, persistent symptoms, and rarely injury to surrounding structures; careful postoperative follow-up reduces these risks.

Conclusion

Treatment for sinus infection ranges from conservative medical care to minimally invasive balloon procedures and more extensive surgery. The right option depends on the underlying cause, symptom severity, prior treatments, and individual anatomy. Open communication with an ENT specialist or primary care clinician, appropriate imaging or endoscopy when indicated, and realistic expectations about recovery and symptom control are key to selecting an effective plan.