sinus infection ultrasound explained

Overview

A sinus infection (also called sinusitis) is inflammation and swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones of your face and around your nose. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create pictures of the sinuses and can sometimes help a doctor see fluid or swelling inside them. This test is painless and does not use radiation.

Yes, sinus infections are very common. Many people have at least one episode each year.

Sinus infections can affect anyone, but they are more common in people with allergies, asthma, a weakened immune system, or structural issues in the nose.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blocked or stuffy nose
• Pain or pressure in the face, especially around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Reduced sense of smell
• Cough, often worse at night
• Headache
• Bad breath

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or fussiness
• Cough, especially at night
• Nasal discharge that lasts more than 10 days
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Fever

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or change in mental status (sometimes the first sign)
• Low energy or fatigue
• Less specific symptoms, such as cough or mild fever
• Balance problems or falls

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections (like the common cold) that cause the sinuses to swell
• Bacterial infections that develop when sinuses stay blocked for a long time
• Fungal infections (rare, usually in people with weakened immune systems)
• Allergies that cause inflammation in the nose and sinuses

Risk factors

• A previous cold or respiratory infection
• Allergies, such as hay fever
• Asthma
• Structural problems in the nose, like a deviated septum or nasal polyps
• Smoking or exposure to smoke
• A weakened immune system
• Dental infection (can spread to sinuses)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have a high fever along with headache and neck pain
• You have swelling or redness around the eye
• You have vision changes or trouble breathing
• Your symptoms are severe or get much worse suddenly

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement
• You have many sinus infections in a year
• You have thick nasal discharge with facial pain that is not getting better
• You have a condition that weakens your immune system

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually diagnose sinusitis by asking about your symptoms and examining your face and nose. They may look inside your nose with a small light. Imaging tests, including ultrasound, are not usually necessary but may be used when the diagnosis is unclear or to help rule out other conditions.

Tests that may be done

• Clinical examination (checking your face, nose, and throat)
• Nasal endoscopy (a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the sinuses)
• Ultrasound scan (a painless test using sound waves to check for fluid in the sinuses)
• CT scan (a detailed X-ray, usually saved for persistent or complicated cases)

What to expect at your appointment

If you have an ultrasound of your sinuses, you will usually sit upright while a small handheld device is pressed gently against your face. There is no pain, and the scan typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The person performing the scan will put a clear gel on your skin to help the sound waves travel. You can go home or back to work right after.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many sinus infections are viral and clear up on their own. Home care helps relieve symptoms while your body recovers. If a bacterial infection is likely, a doctor may suggest antibiotics — but these are only useful for bacterial, not viral, infections. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Self-care at home

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Use a warm compress on your face to ease pain
• Try saline nasal sprays or rinses to keep your nose moist
• Breathe in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of warm water (carefully, to avoid burns)
• Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air from getting too dry

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend pain relievers or decongestants to help with symptoms – always take these exactly as directed and check with a pharmacist if you are unsure. If a bacterial infection is diagnosed, antibiotics may be prescribed. Some people benefit from prescription nasal sprays that reduce inflammation. Always talk to your doctor about the best option for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for a sinus infection. It may be considered if you have repeated infections, polyps, or a structural problem that blocks your sinuses, and if medical treatment has not helped. A specialist would discuss this with you.

Living with this condition

While recovering, pace yourself and take breaks. It is normal to feel tired. Keep your sinuses moist, avoid irritants like smoke, and try to get enough rest. If you have allergies, managing them may help reduce future infections.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often, especially during cold season
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
• Manage allergies with the help of your doctor
• Use a humidifier when the air is dry

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fluids can support your immune system. Light activity such as walking may help you feel better, but listen to your body and rest if you feel unwell.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a long-lasting sinus infection can feel frustrating, especially if you lose sleep or struggle to breathe comfortably. It is normal to feel low or anxious about your health. Talking to someone you trust, or your doctor, can help. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for crisis support right away.

Prevention

You cannot completely prevent sinus infections, but you can lower your risk by practicing good hygiene, managing allergies, and avoiding smoking. Treat colds early with rest and fluids, and try to avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, may help prevent viral infections that can lead to sinusitis. Ask your doctor about what is right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no specific screening test for sinus infections. You should see a doctor if you have persistent or worrying symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection could spread to nearby areas, such as the eyes or bones of the face.
• You may develop a more serious condition called meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain), though this is rare.
• Symptoms may become chronic, meaning they last for a long time or keep coming back.

Long-term outlook

Most sinus infections improve with time and simple self-care. Even when infections are severe, medical treatment is usually very effective. With proper care and follow-up, the vast majority of people recover completely.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.