10 Causes of Sinus Infection

By iliriana

Reviewed: Dr. Mera

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A sinus infection, or rhinosinusitis, is an infection affecting the sinuses. Viruses are usually the ones to be blamed, even though a sinus infection can be caused by bacteria, and occasionally by fungi.

Sinus infections can be either acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis lasts no longer than 4 weeks and follows a common cold or an infection of the upper respiratory tract. On the other hand, chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks and often tends to reoccur.

Common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection are sinus pain, headache, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, postnasal drip, cough, a hoarse voice, sore throat, and fever. Below are 10 causes of a sinus infection.

Cause #1: Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections are mostly infections of the upper part of the respiratory system, which are caused by an acute infection involving the nose, the sinuses, the pharynx, or the larynx and can lead to sinus infections or sinusitis. These infections usually occur from September until March, even though you can end up with a common cold at any time of the year.

Common signs and symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, sneezing, coughing, and fever. If the signs and symptoms don’t resolve within 1 week, and if they continue or get worse, then there is a great possibility that a sinus infection has developed.