What should you know about maxillary sinus infection?

A maxillary sinus infection affects the air-filled spaces behind the cheeks and can cause facial pressure, blocked nose and thick nasal drainage. It may follow a cold or develop when inflammation prevents normal sinus drainage.

The maxillary sinuses sit below the eyes, beside the nose and above the upper teeth. Swelling at the sinus opening can trap mucus, producing pressure that may feel worse when bending forward. A sinus infection can also cause reduced smell, cough from drainage and a fever. Similar symptoms occur with a Common Cold or Allergic Rhinitis, so symptom pattern and duration matter.

Rest, drink fluids and use warm moisture or a warm compress over the cheeks for comfort. Saline nasal spray or rinse may help clear mucus; use sterile, distilled or previously boiled water for a rinse and clean the device as directed. Avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether a pain reliever or nasal treatment is suitable for you. Antibiotics are not automatically needed, because many sinus infections begin after viral illness.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are severe, keep worsening, return after improving, or do not begin to settle. Seek urgent help for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, repeated vomiting or marked illness. Facial Pain and Pressure with a high fever or significant dental pain also deserves assessment, as another cause may need treatment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Sinusitis, whether an examination of your nose, throat and teeth is needed, and which treatments are safe with your medicines or health conditions. You can also ask how to perform a saline rinse and what change should prompt a review.