sinus infection at night

Overview

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses. Your sinuses are small, air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. When they get infected or blocked, they fill with fluid and cause pressure and pain. Many people find their symptoms feel worse at night, which can make it hard to sleep.

Yes, sinus infections are very common. Many adults have at least one in their lifetime, and they are one of the leading reasons people see a doctor.

Anyone can get a sinus infection, but they are more common in adults than in children. People with allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system may be more likely to get them.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Stuffy or runny nose with thick, yellow or green mucus
• Pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness in the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes
• Headache that may be worse in the morning or when bending over
• Cough, especially at night
• Sore throat, bad breath, or a reduced sense of smell
• Fatigue or feeling generally unwell

Symptoms in children

• A cold that seems to last longer than 10 days
• Nasal congestion or clear mucus that lasts a long time
• Cough during the day and night
• Irritability or fussiness in younger children
• Swelling around the eyes, though this is less common

Symptoms in older adults

• Congestion and a cough that may not be as noticeable
• Sometimes only a low-grade fever, tiredness, or confusion
• Worsening of existing lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, such as the common cold, which can inflame the sinuses
• Bacterial infections that can develop when sinus fluid stays trapped for a long time
• Allergies, like hay fever, which can block the sinuses
• Nasal polyps (non-cancerous growths) or a deviated septum, which narrow the sinus openings

Risk factors

• Having a cold or upper respiratory infection
• Allergies, asthma, or chronic nasal inflammation
• Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
• A weakened immune system from illness or certain medicines
• Recent dental infection, which can spread to the sinuses

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have symptoms that are very severe, such as intense pain, high fever, or vision changes
• You have swelling, redness, or pain around your eye
• You have a stiff neck or confusion, which may be signs of a more serious infection

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your symptoms have lasted more than 10 to 14 days without improving
• You have had several sinus infections in the past year
• You have a known weak immune system and develop sinus symptoms
• You have completed a course of antibiotics for a sinus infection and still feel worse

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your face, ears, nose, and throat. They may press gently on your cheeks and forehead to check for tenderness.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal endoscopy: a thin, flexible tube with a camera is placed into your nose to look closely at your sinuses
• Imaging tests, like a CT scan, are usually only done for chronic or complicated cases
• Sometimes a swab of nasal discharge is sent to a lab if the infection might be bacterial

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose a sinus infection based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They may ask you about how long your symptoms have lasted, whether they are getting worse, and whether you have any other medical conditions. Usually, no special tests are needed for a simple sinus infection.

Treatment

Treatment for a sinus infection depends on the cause. Most cases are viral and can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and symptom relief. If a bacterial infection is suspected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, but they are only used when needed.

Self-care at home

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids, like water or warm tea, to help thin mucus
• Use a warm compress over your forehead or cheeks to ease pressure
• Inhale steam from a warm shower or a bowl of hot water to help open your sinuses
• Use a saline rinse or spray to gently flush mucus from your nasal passages
• Sleep with your head raised on extra pillows to make breathing easier at night

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend or prescribe medicines to ease symptoms, but they will not give you antibiotics unless a bacterial infection is likely. Pain relievers and decongestants can help reduce pain and pressure, but you should always ask your doctor or pharmacist which options are safe for you. Nasal steroid sprays may be recommended to reduce swelling, especially for chronic sinusitis.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for a sinus infection. It may be considered if you have chronic sinusitis that does not improve with medicines, or if you have nasal polyps or a deviated septum that keeps blocking your sinuses.

Living with this condition

To feel better each day, keep up with your fluids, rest, and simple self-care. At night, elevate your head and use a humidifier in your bedroom. Avoid lying flat, as that can make congestion worse.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoke, strong fumes, and allergens that can irritate your sinuses
• Drink water often to keep mucus thin and less sticky
• Wash your hands regularly to prevent spreading germs
• Use a saline rinse daily if you have chronic sinus problems, but ask your doctor first

Diet and exercise

Drinking plenty of fluids and eating light, soothing foods can help you stay hydrated. Gentle exercise, such as walking, is fine if you feel up to it, but avoid strenuous activity until your symptoms improve.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Poor sleep and constant facial pain can make you feel frustrated, tired, or low in mood. It is normal to feel this way when you are uncomfortable. Knowing that most sinus infections improve within a few weeks can give you hope.

Prevention

You can lower your chances of getting a sinus infection by washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, staying away from people who are sick, and managing allergies. If you smoke, quitting can also reduce your risk.

Vaccines

The annual flu vaccine and other routine vaccines can help prevent respiratory infections that sometimes lead to sinusitis. Ask your doctor which vaccinations are right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for sinus infections. Regular treatment of allergies or nasal problems can help prevent repeated infections.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection may spread to the bones or the tissue around the eyes, which is rare but serious
• You may develop chronic sinusitis, where symptoms last for months
• In rare cases, the infection can spread to the brain and cause meningitis, which requires emergency care

Long-term outlook

Most sinus infections, even those that feel very uncomfortable, get better on their own within a few weeks with home care. If antibiotics are needed for a bacterial infection, people usually feel much better within a few days. Serious complications are very rare, and reaching out to a doctor when symptoms worry you is a positive step.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS – Health A-Z ↗ · United Kingdom

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