Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) in Singapore

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What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition characterised by facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, and a reduced sense of smell, typically caused by viral infections or allergic rhinitis. Sinusitis treatment includes rest, fluids, saline rinses, pain relievers, and decongestants. Oral antibiotics may be required for bacterial sinusitis cases. If you have severe symptoms, persistent sinusitis, or your symptoms worsen after a week, consult an ENT specialist.

Your sinuses are four paired, air-filled spaces (cavities) in the skull, like small caves, lined with tissue:

Frontal sinuses: Behind your forehead
Maxillary sinuses: Behind your cheeks
Ethmoid sinuses: Between your eyes
Sphenoid sinuses: Deep behind your nose

These cavities connect to your nose through the nasal passages, which are small, narrow tunnels. Their jobs include warming and moistening the air you breathe, protecting your face, and helping your voice sound the way it does.

If these small tunnels become blocked, the mucus produced cannot drain. This causes a stuffy nose, facial pain, and thick mucus, all signs of a sinus infection. However, not all cases of sinusitis are the same. Some are caused by a common cold (viral sinusitis) or just swelling (sinus inflammation). These changes affect how our ENT specialist decides to treat your sinusitis.

What Are Common Sinusitis Symptoms?

Symptoms of sinusitis due to blocked drainage typically include facial pressure, nasal obstruction, and postnasal drip. These sinusitis symptoms vary and often worsen with bending.

Acute sinusitis cases may also cause general malaise, including tiredness, low-grade fever, and upper-jaw tooth infections.

Sinusitis symptoms often overlap with migraine, dental, reflux, or allergic issues, making the pattern key. In Singapore, distinguishing a true sinus infection from persistent rhinitis (due to air conditioning, weather, haze, etc.) is crucial. They include:

Nasal blockage (unilateral or bilateral)
Thick, sometimes greenish nasal discharge
Postnasal drip causing throat clearing/cough (often nocturnal)
Facial pain, cheek discomfort, or periorbital fullness

Reduced sense of smell/taste
Pressure-like headache rather than a throbbing pain
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
Ear pressure from nasal swelling affecting the Eustachian tube

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

Seek medical attention for the following symptoms: high fever (>40°C/103°F), severe, stiff neck headache, confusion, vision changes (double, blurred, or loss), severe eye swelling with severe pain or difficulty breathing when moving the eye, severe facial swelling, seizures, persistent vomiting or dehydration, or unusual drowsiness and unresponsiveness, especially in a child.

What Causes Sinusitis?

Sinusitis results from bacterial infection combined with swelling or a blockage that prevents proper sinus drainage. Often beginning with a viral infection such as a common cold, the condition persists due to ongoing factors that block and irritate the sinuses, as well as other causes of sinusitis.

Viral Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections

A sinus infection often develops from the swelling, increased mucus, and congestion caused by a common cold or the flu. In most cases, these viral infections resolve with symptomatic treatment alone, making antibiotics unnecessary.

Bacterial Infection

You might have a bacterial sinus infection if your symptoms are severe, last a long time, or suddenly worsen. The main germs that cause these bacterial infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Nasal Inflammation

If you have nasal allergies, swelling, excess mucus, or a blockage, these can prevent your nose from fully recovering after a cold. This often means you end up with sinusitis symptoms that stick around, leading to chronic rhinosinusitis.

Structural Narrowing

Problems with the structure of your nose, such as a deviated nasal septum, swollen bony shelves (enlarged turbinates), or small openings to your sinuses, can impede airflow and fluid drainage. These structural abnormalities don’t always require surgery, but they are often why one side of your nose or sinuses keeps getting worse.

Nasal Polyps and Chronic Inflammatory Disease

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous lumps caused by swelling inside your nose and sinuses. They can obstruct the nose, impair olfaction, and often lead to recurrent sinus infections that are difficult to resolve.

Dental Sources

Tooth infections or procedures involving your top back teeth can sometimes affect the sinus located right above them (the maxillary sinus). If you only have other symptoms on one side, such as pain in an upper tooth, your ENT specialist might check whether a tooth problem is the cause.

Irritants and Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, vaping, polluted air, and workplace exposure to dust or chemicals irritate the nose, impeding mucus drainage and increasing the risk factors of sinusitis.

Less Common Sinus Infection Causes

Sinusitis may stem from less common causes, such as fungal sinusitis (especially invasive fungal sinusitis, which requires specialised treatment), a weakened immune system, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, or ciliary dysfunction.

When to See an ENT Specialist for Sinusitis

See an ENT specialist if your sinusitis is persistent, recurrent, severe, or affects sleep and your daily life despite initial treatment. While acute sinusitis cases often resolve with time and supportive care, these signs warrant a targeted plan of care:

Symptoms lasting more than 10 days or worsening after initial improvement
Recurrent sinus infections
Persistent significant reduction in smell
Facial pain and/or congestion of more than 12 weeks
Suspected nasal polyps, frequent mouth breathing, or troublesome snoring
Complicating conditions (e.g. asthma, immune system problems, prior sinus surgery)

Sinusitis Diagnosis

To diagnose sinusitis, we check your symptoms and conduct a nasal examination. Further tests are used only if they will alter the subsequent treatment.

Step 1: Relevant history
Duration, recurrence, primary symptom, olfactory changes, allergies or asthma, sleep impairment, dental symptoms, and response to prior antibiotics.

Step 2: ENT examination
Checks for nasal swelling, discharge, polyps, septal deviation, and ongoing inflammation, and helps rule out dental or headache causes of similar symptoms.

Step 3: Nasal endoscopy if needed
A closer look at the nasal cavity and sinus drainage areas to identify polyps, pus, narrowing, or bleeding, and to guide cultures when appropriate.

Step 4: Targeted tests when indicated

Culture swab: guides antibiotic selection in suspected bacterial infection or poor treatment response
CT sinuses: for chronic sinusitis or surgical planning, showing the extent of blockage, polyp burden, drainage narrowing, and surrounding bone inflammation
Allergy testing: if recurrent symptoms suggest allergy triggers
MRI or biopsy: rare; only used for atypical or concerning findings

Non-Surgical Management for Sinusitis

If you’re wondering how to cure sinusitis permanently, there are several sinus infection treatments that reduce swelling and improve drainage. Non-surgical methods vary depending on whether the case is acute, recurrent, or chronic, based on symptom duration.

Type	Duration	Characteristics
Acute Sinusitis	Less than 4 weeks	Usually viral, tends to improve with supportive care
Subacute Sinusitis	4-12 weeks	Symptoms persist beyond the acute phase
Chronic Sinusitis	12+ weeks	Ongoing sinus inflammation, sometimes with nasal polyps
Recurrent Acute Sinusitis	4+ episodes/year	Repeated acute flare-ups with symptom-free gaps in between

Saline Irrigation and Technique Matters

Intranasal Steroid Sprays

Nasal steroid sprays are very important for long-term sinus problems, nasal polyps (polyps), and allergies. Using them correctly reduces sinus inflammation, relieves nasal congestion, improves your sense of smell, and helps prevent worsening sinusitis symptoms.

Pain Relief and Supportive Care

For sudden, acute sinusitis, focus on managing pain, staying hydrated, and resting. Simple remedies like warm compresses and steam can relieve additional symptoms. Avoid overusing nasal decongestant sprays, as discontinuing their use can worsen congestion.

Antibiotics When Appropriate

Oral antibiotics are often unnecessary for acute, often viral, self-resolving sinus infections. Treatment should avoid repeated, ineffective short courses that fail to address underlying inflammation and should be used only if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

Short Courses of Oral Steroids in Selected Patients

Oral steroids may quickly reduce severe blockage or inflammation from polyps. Caution is needed, particularly for patients with diabetes, glaucoma or high blood pressure.

Managing Triggers and Associated Conditions

To control the underlying conditions (allergic rhinitis, asthma, reflux), avoid workplace irritants, and quit smoking to prevent sinusitis and reduce recurrent infections.

Complementary Approaches

To relieve additional symptoms, such as pain and pressure, and to improve drainage, both over-the-counter medications and alternative treatments can be used. These treatments include acupressure, acupuncture and facial massages.

Preventing Sinusitis Flare-Ups

Prevent sinusitis by maintaining clear nasal passages, minimising triggers and promoting drainage. Use sterile saline rinses after exposure to dust or haze, and maintain these devices in a clean state. Manage allergies by avoiding nasal steroids and consider allergy testing for persistent symptoms.

During periods of high haze, use an air purifier, keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%, and avoid exposure to smoke and fumes. Maintain adequate hydration, ensure adequate sleep, and manage asthma, rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. For recurring issues, consult an ENT to discuss long-term options, such as immunotherapy or correction of anatomical abnormalities, to prevent recurrence.

Sinusitis Specialist Care

See an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist for sinusitis if symptoms persist for more than 10–12 days without improvement, if infections are recurring (4+ times a year), or if you experience severe symptoms like high fever, vision changes, or severe headaches. Chronic sinusitis lasting over 12 weeks also warrants specialist care.

Surgical Options for Sinusitis

Sinus surgery is recommended when persistent symptoms persist despite other suitable non-invasive methods. It is not a quick fix. The best results require a clear surgical indication and a robust post-operative plan. Sinus operation costs in Singapore vary with procedure complexity.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

FESS uses small endoscopes to open natural sinus drainage pathways and remove obstructive tissue lining the sinuses, such as polyps. It restores ventilation, allowing topical treatments (sprays/rinses) to be effective. For many with chronic sinusitis, this is the most effective procedure when conservative treatment fails.

Septoplasty and Turbinate Surgery

Correcting a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can significantly improve airflow when these anatomical features substantially contribute to the blockage. This correction also facilitates CPAP use in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing and often becomes necessary when persistent nasal obstruction drives sinus symptoms.

Polypectomy and Ongoing Inflammation Control

Taking out polyps helps you smell and breathe better. However, the polyps can grow back if the sinus lining isn’t treated. To maintain the results, you need to use nasal steroid sprays, manage allergies, and see your otolaryngologist regularly.

Risks and Recovery

Most sinus procedures are generally safe when indicated, but all treatments have potential side effects.

Nasal sprays can cause a dry nose or mild nosebleeds if used incorrectly.
Oral steroids are used carefully because they can potentially cause problems like trouble sleeping, mood changes, and effects on blood sugar and blood pressure.
Surgery has risks like bleeding, infection, scarring, tissue sticking together (adhesions), and the problem coming back. Your surgeon will talk to you about very rare but serious risks involving the eyes and surrounding bone if they apply to your case. When performed by an experienced surgeon, severe complications are uncommon due to careful planning and technique.

How Dr Barrie Tan Can Help

If you have persistent sinusitis symptoms, recurrent sinus infections, or an ongoing blockage that affects your daily life, an ENT assessment can help clarify the cause and outline a plan. To discuss sinusitis, arrange a consultation with our ENT specialists.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Sinusitis Specialist

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is sinusitis contagious?

Sinusitis itself is not usually contagious, but the viral cold that triggers it can be.

Does green or yellow mucus always mean a bacterial sinus infection?

No. Mucus colour can change during viral infections too, so colour alone does not determine whether antibiotics are needed.

Can sinusitis cause dizziness or ear pressure?

Nasal inflammation can affect pressure regulation, leading to ear fullness or light-headedness. However, persistent dizziness should be assessed for other causes.

What is the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis?

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal lining, while sinusitis involves the sinus cavities and their drainage pathways. They often occur together, which is why effective treatment commonly targets both.

How long should I wait before seeing a specialist?

If symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, recur frequently, or persist beyond 12 weeks, it is sensible to see an ENT specialist.

Will I need a CT scan for sinusitis?

Not always. CT is most useful for chronic or recurrent disease, suspected complications, or when surgery is being considered.

Can sinus surgery stop sinusitis from coming back?

Surgery can significantly reduce symptoms and flare frequency, but long-term success usually depends on ongoing control of inflammation, especially in allergic or polyp-related disease.

What can I do at home to reduce flare-ups?

Consistent saline rinses, proper use of nasal sprays, allergy management, and avoidance of irritants such as smoke can reduce recurrence.

Can I fly with sinusitis?

Flying during acute sinusitis can be extremely painful due to changes in air pressure. If you must fly, use a decongestant spray before the flight, chew gum during ascent and descent, and consider postponing the flight if symptoms are severe.

How often should I do nasal rinses?

For chronic sinusitis or post-surgical care: 1-2 times daily. During acute flare-ups: Up to 3-4 times daily. After exposure to dust or haze, once daily for prevention. Always use sterile water.

Will my insurance cover sinus surgery?

Most integrated shield plans cover medically necessary sinus surgery. Medisave can be used within approved limits. Check with your insurer for specific coverage and obtain pre-authorisation.

Can sinusitis cause tooth pain?

Yes. Sinus pressure or infection can cause upper tooth pain, often affecting several teeth on one side rather than a single tooth.

Reviewed by Dr Barrie Tan

MBBS, MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Otorhinolaryngology), FAMS

Dr Barrie Tan is an ENT specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore, with more than 20 years of clinical and surgical experience. He previously served as Head of ENT and Director of the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants at Singapore General Hospital. The information provided is not intended as medical advice. More about our medical experts.

Last Reviewed: October 22, 2026