A sinus infection, or sinusitis, can cause burning eyes. This often occurs due to the close anatomical relationship between the sinuses and the eyes within the skull. Many individuals experience various eye-related symptoms with a sinus infection.
Understanding the Link Between Sinus Infections and Burning Eyes
The sinuses are air-filled cavities located around and behind the eyes. When inflamed or infected, they swell and exert pressure on surrounding structures, including delicate tissues and nerves around the eyes. This increased pressure can manifest as pain or a feeling of fullness around the eye area, often described as a burning sensation. Pressure on nerves can also contribute to pain felt behind or above the eye.
Beyond direct pressure, the inflammatory response can extend to the eyes. This inflammation may cause swelling of the eyelids and surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort and a burning feeling. Sinus congestion can also encourage bacterial growth, increasing the risk of secondary eye infections. These infections can worsen dry eye symptoms or cause new irritation, resulting in a burning sensation. The body’s immune reaction may also trigger increased tear production or discharge.
Other Symptoms of Sinus Infection
Recognizing other common sinus infection symptoms helps determine if burning eyes are related. Key symptoms include facial pain or pressure, especially around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead, which may worsen when bending over. Nasal congestion, a blocked or runny nose with thick, discolored mucus (yellow or green), and a reduced sense of smell and taste are also common.
Individuals might also experience a headache, often a dull pain around the affected sinuses. Other symptoms include a cough from post-nasal drip, fatigue, fever, bad breath, and pressure or aching in the ears or teeth.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many sinus infections resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist for more than 7 to 10 days without improvement. If symptoms initially improve but then worsen, it could indicate a bacterial infection requiring different treatment. Severe facial pain or headache, especially if intense or rapidly worsening, requires medical care.
A high fever, particularly if over 103 degrees Fahrenheit or lasting longer than three to four days, warrants a doctor’s visit. Any vision changes, such as blurry or double vision, significant swelling, redness, or pain around the eyes, require immediate medical evaluation. Other concerning signs include a stiff neck, confusion, or a facial rash. These symptoms could indicate a serious complication, such as the infection spreading to the eye socket (orbital cellulitis) or cavernous sinus thrombosis.
Relief and Management Strategies
Several strategies can help manage burning eyes and the underlying sinus infection. Resting and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus, making it easier to drain. Applying warm compresses to the face and eyes can relieve sinus pressure and promote drainage, offering comfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can alleviate headaches and facial pain.
Saline nasal rinses, using a Neti pot or squeeze bottle with distilled or previously boiled and cooled water mixed with non-iodized salt, can effectively flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants. A clean humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping thin mucus and soothe irritated nasal and eye passages.
For medical intervention, steroid nasal sprays or drops can reduce sinus inflammation. Antihistamines may be beneficial if allergies contribute to symptoms. Decongestants offer temporary relief by shrinking swollen nasal tissues, but use them for only a few days to avoid rebound congestion. Antibiotics are reserved for bacterial infections, determined by a healthcare provider.