A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the tissues lining your sinuses become inflamed and swollen. These air-filled pockets are located in your forehead, cheeks, and near your eyes. While commonly associated with nasal congestion and facial pain, a sinus infection can lead to puffy eyes due to the close proximity of the sinuses to the eye sockets.
How Sinus Infections Cause Puffy Eyes
The puffiness around the eyes during a sinus infection stems from inflammation and fluid buildup within the sinuses. When the sinuses, which are typically filled with air, become blocked due to infection, they fill with mucus and fluid. This blockage prevents proper drainage, leading to increased pressure within these cavities.
The maxillary sinuses below the eyes and the ethmoid sinuses between the eyes are located very close to the eye sockets. As inflammation and fluid accumulate, they exert pressure on the thin-skinned area around the eyes, causing swelling. This inflammation can also affect surrounding blood vessels and lymphatic drainage, contributing to fluid retention. The swelling often resolves as the underlying sinus condition improves with treatment.
Common Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
Beyond puffy eyes, a sinus infection presents with common symptoms. Facial pain or pressure is frequent, often felt around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks, and may worsen when bending over. Nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe, is also typical.
Discolored nasal discharge, often thick and yellow or green, along with postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat), are strong indicators. Other symptoms can include a reduced sense of smell and taste, headache, toothache, cough, sore throat, and general fatigue. These symptoms arise as the inflamed sinus lining produces excess mucus, which then gets trapped, causing pressure and discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Help
While many sinus infections resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Seek medical help if your symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement, or if they worsen after initial improvement. A high fever, especially one lasting longer than three to four days or exceeding 102°F (39°C), is another sign to consult a healthcare provider.
Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience severe pain, particularly a headache that does not improve with over-the-counter medication, or if you notice any changes in vision such as double vision or decreased sight. Swelling or redness around one eye that rapidly worsens, confusion, or a stiff neck also require urgent attention, as these could indicate a more serious spread of the infection. Treating the underlying sinus infection, often with antibiotics for bacterial cases, decongestants, or pain relievers, helps resolve the associated puffy eyes.