A child came home from school with green nasal discharge, and a couple of days later you notice heaviness in the cheek area. And immediately the question arises: is he now contagious to everyone around him? Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus, and its causes can vary, including non-infectious ones.
Is Sinusitis Contagious or Not
Sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinus) is an inflammation of the sinus mucosa. Sinusitis often begins after a cold or flu, as well as against the background of allergies, nasal problems, and certain diseases. If a person has a high fever or feels unwell and cannot go about usual activities, it is better to stay home and avoid contact with other people until they feel better.
How Sinusitis Develops and What Infection Has to Do With It
The sinuses are small empty spaces behind the cheekbones and forehead that are connected to the nasal cavity. They produce mucus, and it drains into the nose. If the nose is swollen, drainage is impaired, the sinuses become blocked and painful. The cause may be viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies.
When Sinusitis Is Not Transmitted
If sinus inflammation is caused by allergy, deviated septum, polyps, or facial trauma, then it is not an infection. In such cases, the cause is not related to a pathogen, and the question of transmitting the inflammation to another person does not arise in such cases.
Viral and Bacterial Sinusitis
Sinusitis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria; viral forms develop after acute respiratory viral infections. Acute sinusitis often begins as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. According to the nature of the course, acute (up to 4 weeks), subacute (4–12 weeks), and chronic (more than 12 weeks) forms are distinguished.
How to Recognize Sinusitis
Main signs: pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, a blocked or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, yellow or green mucus, high fever. There may be headache and toothache, bad breath, cough, pressure in the ears. In children — irritability, difficulty feeding, mouth breathing. The pain is usually milder in the morning and increases toward evening; in the chronic course, fever rarely rises, and the voice acquires a nasal tone.
- pain and pressure in the sinus area, worsening when bending forward;
- thick yellow or green nasal discharge;
- nasal congestion and a nasal voice;
- increase in body temperature;
- in children — a repeated rise in temperature after the runny nose subsides.
When to See a Doctor
The doctor makes the diagnosis based on symptoms and examination of the nose and face; imaging tests are sometimes needed. You should see a doctor if after 7 days of treatment at the pharmacy or with a doctor there is no improvement, if self-treatment of symptoms does not help within 3 weeks, if sinusitis recurs, and also if the child is 11 years old or younger. With weakened immunity or worsening condition, an urgent consultation is needed.
By itself, it is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if eyelid swelling and displacement or bulging of the eyeball appear, as well as if intracranial complications are suspected.
The material is for reference: it does not replace consultation with a doctor who will examine specifically your child or you.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer