Most fungal sinus infections require surgery. Surgical repair of a deviated septum or nasal polyps may prevent the condition from returning.

Sinus infections are usually curable with self-care measures and medical treatment. If you are having recurrent attacks, you should be checked for underlying causes such as nasal polyps or other problems, such as allergies.

Although very rare, complications may include:

• Abscess
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Meningitis
• Skin infection around the eye (orbital cellulitis)

Call your doctor if:

• Your symptoms last longer than 10 - 14 days or you have a cold that gets worse after 7 days
• You have a severe headache, unrelieved by over-the-counter pain medicine
• You have a fever
• You still have symptoms after taking all of your antibiotics properly
• You have any changes in your vision during a sinus infection

A green or yellow discharge does not necessarily indicate a sinus infection or the need for antibiotics.

Images

Sinuses

Sinusitis

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Review Date: 04/18/2010
Reviewed By: Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)