Sinus Infection
Treatment in Austin, TX
Facial pressure, thick nasal discharge, and congestion that won't quit? Sinus infections affect millions of Americans every year. Capital ENT's board-certified specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment, from same-day medical therapy to advanced surgical options for recurrent infections.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection (sinusitis) is inflammation and swelling of the sinus lining, usually triggered by a viral cold, that traps mucus and causes facial pressure, congestion, and thick discharge. Most sinus infections are viral and clear on their own within about 10 days; the less-common bacterial infections are the ones that may need antibiotics. (AAO-HNS Adult Sinusitis guideline, 2025)
A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the sinus cavities (air-filled spaces behind the forehead, cheeks, nose, and eyes) become inflamed and swollen. This swelling blocks normal mucus drainage, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Most sinus infections begin as a viral upper respiratory infection (common cold) that triggers sinus inflammation. When mucus becomes trapped and bacteria multiply, the infection becomes bacterial. Sinus infections are classified by duration: acute (less than 4 weeks), subacute (4 to 12 weeks), and chronic (12 weeks or longer). Recurrent sinusitis (4 or more acute episodes per year) often points to an underlying structural or allergy-related issue. If infections keep coming back, see our guide to chronic sinus infections in Austin for why they recur locally and when to see an ENT. You can also read more about what causes sinus infections and the best way to get rid of a sinus infection.
- About 29 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with sinusitis (CDC)
- Leads to more outpatient antibiotic prescriptions than any other single diagnosis (Fleming-Dutra et al., JAMA, 2016)
- Often triggered by colds, allergies, or structural issues
- Can become chronic if underlying causes aren't addressed
- Highly treatable with the right approach
Sinus Infections
- 29M
- U.S. adults diagnosed with sinusitis
- 2.7M
- Office visits for chronic sinusitis in 2018 (CDC)
Most sinus infections resolve with proper treatment.
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
Sinus infection symptoms often overlap with a common cold. These signs suggest your congestion may be more than just a cold.
Facial Pain or Pressure
Dull, aching pain or pressure in the forehead, between the eyes, or across the cheeks. Pain often worsens when bending forward or lying down.
Thick, Discolored Nasal Discharge
Yellow, green, or cloudy mucus draining from the nose or down the back of the throat. This is one of the key differentiators from a simple cold.
Nasal Congestion
Stuffiness that blocks airflow through one or both sides of the nose, making it difficult to breathe and often dulling the sense of smell.
Postnasal Drip
Mucus draining down the back of the throat, causing throat irritation, cough (especially at night), and sometimes nausea.
Headache
Sinus headaches typically involve deep, constant pain in the forehead or cheekbones, often worsening in the morning after mucus has collected overnight.
Fatigue and Malaise
The body's immune response to infection often causes overall tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Acute vs. Chronic Sinusitis
Understanding whether your sinus infection is a one-time event or part of a recurring pattern helps determine the right treatment approach.
| Acute Sinusitis | Recurrent Sinusitis | Chronic Sinusitis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | < 4 weeks | 4+ episodes/year | 12+ weeks |
| Typical Cause | Viral cold → bacterial | Structural/allergy factor | Persistent inflammation |
| Treatment | Supportive care; watchful waiting first, antibiotics only if needed | Address underlying cause | Medical therapy ± surgery |
| ENT Referral | If not improving in 10 days | Recommended | Recommended |
| Imaging | Usually not needed | CT scan advised | Endoscopy and/or CT |
If you experience 4 or more sinus infections per year, or symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks, an ENT evaluation can identify the underlying cause and break the cycle.
How We Treat Sinus Infections
Treatment depends on the type and severity of your sinus infection. Our goal is to resolve the current infection and prevent future episodes.
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Diagnosis & Evaluation
Your ENT reviews your symptom history, examines your nasal passages with a nasal endoscope, and may order an in-office CT scan to evaluate sinus anatomy and identify structural issues.
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Medical Therapy
Targeted antibiotics when bacterial infection is confirmed, along with nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline irrigation, and decongestants to reduce inflammation and promote drainage.
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Allergy Management
If allergies are contributing to recurrent infections, in-house allergy testing and customized immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) can address the root trigger. In Central Texas, cedar fever is a common seasonal driver; see the full range of allergy symptoms we evaluate in Austin.
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Surgical Options
For recurrent or chronic infections that don't respond to medical therapy, minimally invasive procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can open blocked sinus passages and provide lasting relief.
Sinus Infection Care at Capital ENT
Our Expertise
What sets Capital ENT apart:
- 4 board-certified otolaryngologists specializing in sinus care
- Over 10,000 nasal and sinus procedures performed
- First practice in Austin to offer Balloon Sinuplasty
- In-office CT scanner for same-day imaging
- In-house allergy testing and immunotherapy
- 4 convenient Central Texas locations
Your First Visit
What to expect at your consultation:
- Same-day and next-day appointments for acute symptoms
- Nasal endoscopy to visualize your sinus passages
- In-office CT scan if needed (results in minutes)
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options
- Allergy testing if recurrent infections are suspected
- Insurance verification before any procedures are scheduled
Recurrent Sinus Infections? It May Be Time for a Specialist
If you're experiencing 4 or more sinus infections per year, the problem is likely more than just bad luck. Structural issues like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or narrow sinus drainage pathways can trap mucus and create a cycle of recurring infection. An ENT evaluation can identify these underlying causes and break the pattern.
Capital ENT offers the full spectrum of sinus care, from allergy management to minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery.
Schedule a Sinus EvaluationSinus Infection FAQ
Sinus infections occur when the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen, trapping mucus. Most sinus infections start as a viral cold that causes the sinus lining to swell. Bacterial infection can follow when mucus becomes trapped. Other triggers include allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, and environmental irritants. In Austin, seasonal allergies (especially cedar fever) are a common trigger.
A cold typically improves within 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms get worse after starting to improve, or last longer than 10 days without improvement, a bacterial sinus infection is more likely and may benefit from treatment. Thick, discolored mucus and facial pressure happen with colds too, so they do not by themselves mean the infection is bacterial.
See a doctor if symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, if you develop a fever above 102°F, if you experience severe facial pain or swelling, if symptoms improve and then suddenly worsen (double sickening), or if you have 4 or more sinus infections per year. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for swelling or redness around the eye, double or reduced vision, a severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion, or a high fever that will not come down, because these can signal an infection spreading beyond the sinuses.
Not always. Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days with supportive care. Antibiotics are appropriate when symptoms last beyond 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or are severe from the start. Even for a likely bacterial infection, if it is uncomplicated, your doctor will usually offer watchful waiting first. When antibiotics are used, a 5 to 7 day course is typical for most adults (AAO-HNS adult sinusitis guideline, 2025). Your ENT can determine the right approach.
Acute sinusitis lasts less than 4 weeks and typically resolves with appropriate treatment. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer. Recurrent sinusitis (4 or more acute episodes per year) may also indicate an underlying structural or allergy-related problem.
While not all sinus infections can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by managing underlying allergies, using saline nasal rinses, avoiding known irritants, staying hydrated, and treating colds promptly. If you experience frequent sinus infections, an ENT evaluation can identify and address contributing factors like a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations in Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs. Most patients do not need a referral to see our specialists. Call 512-339-4040 to schedule.
Facial pain or pressure (around the cheeks, forehead, or eyes), nasal congestion, thick yellow or green discharge, post-nasal drip, a reduced sense of smell, and sometimes headache, tooth pain, or fatigue.
Most viral sinus infections improve within about 10 days. Symptoms that last beyond 10 days without improving, or that worsen after an initial improvement, suggest a bacterial infection. Beyond 12 weeks, it is considered chronic sinusitis.
Yes. Most sinus infections are viral and resolve on their own with rest, hydration, saline rinses, and decongestants. See a doctor if symptoms last beyond 10 days, worsen, or you develop a high fever or severe pain.
More About Sinusitis and Sinus Infections
What Is Sinusitis?
Types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for inflamed sinuses, explained in plain English.
Chronic Sinusitis Treatment
When symptoms last 12 weeks or longer: medical therapy, allergy testing, balloon sinuplasty, and endoscopic surgery.
Signs of Chronic Sinusitis
How to tell allergies apart from chronic sinusitis, and when to see an ENT specialist.
What Causes Sinus Infections
Colds, allergies, and structural blockage, plus how sinus infections are diagnosed and treated.
Chronic Sinus Pressure
Why sinus pressure persists and how balloon sinuplasty provides lasting relief when other treatments have not worked.
Avoiding Sinusitis Headaches
Nasal care and medication options that reduce sinusitis headaches, and when chronic pressure should be evaluated.
Getting Rid of a Sinus Infection
From home remedies and over-the-counter options to antibiotics and in-office CT scans.
Chronic Sinus Infections in Austin
Causes of recurring sinus infections and the treatment options available from our Austin specialists.
Balloon Sinuplasty
A minimally invasive, in-office procedure with fast recovery; our practice was the first in Austin to offer it.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
3D image-guided, minimally invasive surgery for chronic sinusitis that needs more than an office procedure.
When Do You Need Sinus Surgery?
How the decision is actually made: confirming the diagnosis, what counts as an adequate medication trial, and what surgery does and does not fix.
Biologics for Nasal Polyps
How Dupixent and other biologic injections shrink polyps, who they help, and how they compare with sinus surgery.
Don't Suffer Through Another Sinus Infection
Our board-certified sinus specialists treat acute and recurring sinus infections at four Central Texas locations.