A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can cause eyelid swelling. This connection arises from the close anatomical relationship between the paranasal sinuses and the eye sockets.
How Sinus Infections Cause Eyelid Swelling
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bones of the face and skull, directly neighboring the eyes. These include the maxillary sinuses below the eyes, frontal sinuses above, and ethmoid sinuses between them. When these sinuses become infected, typically due to viruses or bacteria, mucus and fluid can accumulate, leading to increased pressure. This inflammation and pressure can then extend to the soft tissues surrounding the eyes.
The thin bone separating the sinuses, especially the ethmoid and maxillary, from the eye sockets allows this inflammatory process to spread. This spread can result in periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, including the eyelids. The swelling might affect only one eye if the infection is localized to sinuses on one side of the face. While often mild, this swelling is a direct consequence of the infection’s proximity and the body’s inflammatory response.
Common Symptoms of Sinus Infections
Sinus infections often present with a range of symptoms beyond just eyelid swelling. Common indicators include facial pain or pressure, particularly around the cheeks, eyes, nose, or forehead. This pressure might worsen when bending forward. Nasal symptoms frequently accompany a sinus infection, such as congestion and discolored nasal discharge, which can be yellow or green.
Other typical symptoms include a reduced sense of smell, postnasal drip, and a cough. Headaches, fatigue, and sometimes a low-grade fever can also be present. Occasionally, individuals might experience toothache in the upper jaw or bad breath.
When Eyelid Swelling Needs Medical Care
While mild eyelid swelling can accompany a sinus infection, certain signs indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Rapidly worsening swelling around the eye, severe pain, or a bulging eye are concerning symptoms. Vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, decreased vision, or pain with eye movement, are significant red flags.
These symptoms could suggest the spread of infection to the tissues behind the orbital septum, a condition known as orbital cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss or even spread to the brain, causing conditions like meningitis or a brain abscess. Other warning signs include a high fever, severe headache, confusion, or a stiff neck. Prompt medical evaluation is needed to prevent these severe complications.