Sinusitis is a very common condition where sinuses are infected by a virus, bacteria, or allergy. But can a sinus infection cause pink eye? Interestingly, there is a connection between sinusitis and conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection of the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid.
More and more people have been asking if pink eye is caused by sinus infection. And the answer is: Yes. Pink eye is caused by sinus infection due to etiologic pathogens from sinuses to eyes.
There has to be an acknowledgment of the connection between the two conditions and how much exercise one should have to do to qualify to administer the drug in question without acquiring this condition. Discussion herein within this paper is on etiology of pink eye due to sinus infection, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
What is a Sinus Infection?
Sinus infection (sinusitis) if sinuses (head cavities) become infected and blocked and filled with mucus.
Causes of Sinus Infection
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Viral infections:
Most frequently, typically with cold or flu.
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Bacterial infections:
From bacterial infection of plugged sinuses.
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Fungal infections:
Potentially fatal but infrequent, typically in the immunocompromised patient.
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Allergic reaction:
Congested sinuses due to dust, pollen, mold, or pet dander.
Normal Sinus Infection Symptoms
- Face pressure or pain (usually around eyes, nose, forehead)
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Postnasal drip (mucus drips down the throat)
- Headache
- Cough
- Fever (only with viral infection)
What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is conjunctival redness, or inflammation of a thin membrane on the white of the eye.
Types of Pink Eye
- Viral conjunctivitis : Viral; highly contagious
- Bacterial conjunctivitis : Bacterial; discharge in eye thick
- Allergic conjunctivitis : Allergenic substance such as pollen, dust, or pet dander
- Irritant-induced conjunctivitis :By smoke, chlorine, or chemicals
Features Common to Pink Eye
- Redness or reddening of eyes
- Burn or irritate
- Gluey or watery discharge
- Sweaty lid
- Photophobia
Is Pink Eye a Complication of Sinus Infection?
Yes, pink eye is complication of sinus infection. Nasolacrimal duct comes in between sinuses and eyes and hence the infection overflows from nasal cavity to the conjunctiva.
How It Occurs?
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Bacterial spread:
Bacteria-infected sinus infects with bacteria, which is spread to eyes.
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Viral spread :
Sinusitis that spreads viral gets transferred to infested eyes in order to infect and become viral conjunctivitis.
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Inflamation:
Development of swellings also tints eyes red through inflammation of sinuses.
Scientific Explanation
Doctors have validated that sinusitis and conjunctivitis are connected conditions, especially in case of bacterial sinusitis. When infection of the body attacks infection of sinuses, then nearby tissues like eyes become infected and get swollen and therefore pink eye is formed.
Signs of Pink Eye Due to Sinus Infection
Symptoms, when caused due to sinus infection, are:
- Eye redness: Due to inflammation and irritation
- Watery or yellow-green discharge : More typical of bacterial infection
- Puffy eyelids: Bloating can bring on puffy eyes
- Pain and stuffiness in the face: The initial sign of a coming-on sinus infection
In case eye pain, vision changes, or fever occurs, contact doctor immediately.
Chances of Developing Pink Eye caused by Sinus Infection
Risk factors contributing to greater likelihood of pink eye caused by sinusitis include the following:
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Worse immunity:
Just recovered, autoimmune illness, or diabetic is more at risk.
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Chronic sinus infection:
Bacterias infecting the eyes most are generally brought about by bacterias for sinusitis.
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Personal habits dirt :
Bacteria due to dirty hands with and employed for patting face or the eyes.
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Allergic rhinitis seasonal:
Prior to allergy, then infection.
Diagnosis: When to See a Doctor?
Diagnosis of pink eye caused sinusitis is:
Physical examination : Nasal passage, sinuses, and Infection of Eye
Swab tests : Infection due to viral or bacterial infection
Allergy tests : In allergic conjunctivitis
When to See a Doctor:
- Blurred vision or pain
- Thick yellow-green discharge from the eyes
- Symptoms lasting over 10 days
- Symptoms after home remedies.
Home Remedies for Sinus Infection caused Pink Eye
Home Remedies
- Warm compresses : Shrinks puffy and inflamed eyes
- Saline eye drops : Removes mucus and moisten dry eyes
- Nasal irrigation (Neti pot): Removes bacteria and mucus from sinuses
- Hydration : Liquid intake loosens mucus and heals
Medical Treatment
- Antibiotics : During bacterial infection treatment
- Antihistamines : During allergic attack
- Decongestants : To drain and reduce swelling
- Prescription eye drops : If very bad pink eye symptoms
Prevention of Sinus Infection and Pink Eye
Prevention of both:
- Sanitizing in a healthy way : Don’t touch face, wash hands many times and again
- Humidifier: Hydrates air and does not dry nasal passage
- Avoid allergens: Avoid or minimize exposure to pollen, dust, and pet dander
- Drink water in excess: Thins mucus and keeps sinuses open
Conclusion
Pink eye may be related to sinusitis in the case of viral or sinuse bacterial infection of the eye. It is treated in the initial phase of the disease to prevent complications. Water, immunity booster, and prompt treatment of sinusitis is the cure so that one would not contract pink eye.
Though if the symptom appears again after gaps of time, go and take a doctor in such a manner that appropriate medicine is given to you.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will sinusitis pink eye involve both eyes?
Yes, but also as a natural course as well, it will strike one eye and then the second eye gets it if there is a stinky infection.
How long does pink eye caused by sinusitis last?
- Viral pink eye – 1 to 2 weeks
- Bacterial pink eye – 5 to 7 days of antibiotics to get better
Do I attend work or school with pink eye?
Just not go to work or school, especially if it’s viral or bacterial because it will infect other individuals.
What would I feel that I know that I have an allergy or pink eye?
- Allergic pink eye: It’s both eyes, sneezing and itching
- Pink eye infection: It is in one eye first, where there is pus