Is A Sinus Infection Contagious?

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

Are Sinus Infections Contagious? - Is A Sinus Infection Contagious? - How is sinusitis transmitted?

In the photo above, the patient has complaints of fullness and headache after the upper respiratory tract infection. Purulent, dark viscous discharge is seen flowing down the right middle meatus.

There is debate about the infectiousness of sinus infections (also called sinusitis and rhinosinusitis). Because bacteria and viruses (and sometimes fungi) are the cause of most sinus infections, some studies emphasize that bacteria, viruses or fungi can be transferred from person to person and sometimes cause sinus infections; other studies, sinus infections, caused by bacteria and viruses, although the conditions in the sinus of the individual is suitable for infection, he says. Moreover, the infection can also cause bacteria, viruses or fungi that are already present in the human, so it is not necessary for the development of transfer from person to person. However, it is generally considered that most people do not transmit sinus infections except in rare cases, and sinus infections are not contagious. However, there is widespread opinion that bacteria, fungi, and / or viruses are transmitted from person to person, even if the disease is not sinusitis. In other words, sinusitis does not have to occur even if the same germ is transmitted. Individuals with sinus infections are advised to avoid direct contact (eg kissing) with infants who are more susceptible to infection, such as infants, the elderly, and those who have weakened the immune system to reduce the chance of transferring bacteria, fungi and viruses. Other people may cause problems other than sinus infections. In some patients, the germ caused by sinusitis can be transmitted to the other person and can make a more distant infection.

Are Sinus Infections Contagious? - Is A Sinus Infection Contagious? - How is sinusitis transmitted?
Are Sinus Infections Contagious? - Is A Sinus Infection Contagious? - How is sinusitis transmitted?

Sinus infections do not always cause a virus. Bacteria and fungi can sometimes cause infections. While viruses have a higher chance of transmission and spreading; it is usually much less contagious if bacteria cause sinus infection.

How does sinusitis occur?

When the fluid or mucus is squeezed in the sinuses, the germs may begin to multiply. This can lead to sinus infection. Common causes of sinus infections are:

. viruses like colds or flu
. bacteria
. mushrooms
. nasal polyps growing in the nose
, nasal tumors
. allergies
. nasal septum deviation

Viruses cause most sinus infections. If a virus causes a sinus infection, it can be infectious. The spread of the virus to another person does not guarantee that the person will have a sinus infection. In most cases, only colds can develop. A cold can turn into a sinus infection, but not always.


Sneezing, cough and direct contact to the sinusitis can cause germs that can spread to other people

When sneezing or coughing, you can spread the virus responsible for your sinus infection to another person in the air. Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing can help reduce the risk of infection.

Also, when you sneeze or cough directly, you can spread the virus to another person or by touching objects such as a knocker. It is therefore advisable to cough or sneeze your elbow and wash your hands regularly when you are ill.

Bacteria can also cause sinus infections, but these infections are not usually contagious. It is more difficult for bacteria to spread to others in this way. Bacterial sinus infections are less common. Bacteria cause less than 2 percent of sinus infections.

Bacterial sinus infections may not be accepted as contagious!

Bacterial sinus infection occurs when mucus accumulates in sinus cavities and bacteria begin to grow. Bacterial sinus infections usually occur as a result of the accumulation of other mucus, and bacteria are largely found in the sinus cavities. They are not considered infectious (sources >> Sinus Infections: Are They Contagious? Symptoms, Treatment ... / Sinus Infection: Is it Contagious? - WebMD / Are Sinus Infections Contagious? – Health Essentials from Cleveland ...).

Causes of non-contagious sinusitis

Sinus infections from bacteria, allergies, polyps or immunodeficiencies (conditions that affect how well your immune system works) are not contagious (source >> Acute sinusitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic).

Murat Enoz, MD, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon - ENT Doctor in Istanbul

Private Office:
Address: İncirli Cad. No:41, Kat:4 (Dilek Patisserie Building), Postal code: 34147, Bakırköy - İstanbul
Appointment Phone: +90 212 561 00 52
E-Mail: muratenoz@gmail.com
Mobile phone: +90 533 6550199
Fax: +90 212 542 74 47


  

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