Why does sinusitis cause fever?

Fever is a common presentation of Sinusitis. It may occur with nasal blockage, facial discomfort, tiredness, chills, or nasal discharge, especially when the body is dealing with an infection. Fever itself does not identify the cause; viral illnesses, other infections, inflammatory conditions, and some medicines can also raise temperature.

How you feel overall matters as much as the temperature reading. A person who is becoming more unwell, cannot keep fluids down, has increasing pain, or develops new concerning symptoms should not rely on home care alone.

Rest and drink fluids regularly. Wear light, comfortable clothing and use a cool room if you feel hot. A pharmacist can advise on fever and pain medicines that are appropriate for you, including if you have liver, kidney, stomach, or heart problems, are pregnant, or take other medicines. Saline nasal spray or rinses may also ease congestion when suitable.

Avoid taking more than one product containing the same pain or fever medicine. Read labels carefully and follow the recommended dose.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a stiff neck, severe headache, a seizure, a new widespread rash, swelling around an eye, visual changes, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a clinical review if fever is persistent, returns after improving, or comes with worsening sinus pain or a marked decline in how you feel.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest sinusitis or another source of fever, and whether an examination of the nose, throat, ears, chest, or teeth is needed. Mention recent travel, sick contacts, medicines, immune conditions, and how the symptoms have changed.