Sinus Infection Treatment in Singapore

Sinus infections are a common health concern, particularly in urban environments where air quality, allergens, and frequent respiratory infections can contribute to ongoing nasal and sinus problems. Many people experience repeated episodes of sinus symptoms each year, ranging from mild congestion to more persistent discomfort that affects daily activities, sleep and overall well-being.

While most sinus infections improve with appropriate medical treatment, some cases can become recurrent or prolonged. Understanding when symptoms are part of a short-term illness and when further assessment is needed is an important step in managing sinus health effectively.

What Is a Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)?

Sinusitis, often referred to as a sinus infection, occurs when the lining of the paranasal sinuses becomes inflamed, leading to blockage of normal mucus drainage. This inflammation can result in symptoms such as persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure and recurrent sinus infections.

The sinuses are air-filled spaces located beneath the cheeks (maxillary), above the eyes (frontal), between the eyes (ethmoid), and deep behind the nose (sphenoid). Each sinus drains through a small natural opening that can become blocked during a common cold or viral upper respiratory infection.

When drainage remains impaired and inflammation persists, symptoms may not improve with standard treatment. In such cases, further medical assessment may be required to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management.

What Are the Types of Sinus Infections?

Sinusitis is commonly classified based on how long symptoms last and how often they recur. The main types include:

Acute Sinusitis
– This form is usually triggered by a viral upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu and lasts up to four weeks. Symptoms tend to be more intense at onset and may improve with appropriate medical treatment as the infection resolves.
Chronic Sinusitis
– Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer, or when acute infections recur frequently within a year. Ongoing inflammation is often associated with nasal polyps, structural blockages or underlying allergic conditions.
Fungal Sinusitis
– This less common form occurs when fungi grow within the sinus cavities. Certain subtypes, such as allergic fungal sinusitis, can be more complex and may require a combination of surgical clearance and long-term medical management.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Sinusitis?

The symptoms of sinusitis range from mild discomfort to significant pain and may initially resemble those of a common cold. However, when symptoms persist, worsen or recur, they may be more suggestive of an underlying sinus infection rather than a simple viral illness.

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose
Facial pain or pressure, most often over the cheeks, forehead or between the eyes
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge, which may drain from the nose or down the throat
Reduced or altered sense of smell and taste
Headache and, in some cases, upper toothache
Fatigue, fever and a general feeling of unwellness
Post-nasal drip that may cause throat irritation or coughing

Additional features may include swelling or tenderness around the eyes or forehead. Sinusitis is commonly suspected when symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen after an initial period of improvement, or follow an upper respiratory tract infection.

What Causes Sinus Infections?

Sinus infections develop when normal sinus drainage is impaired, allowing mucus to accumulate and become infected. Several factors can disrupt this process:

Anatomical Nasal Variations – Naturally narrow sinus openings or structural differences can hinder mucus clearance, leading to stagnation and infection.
Deviated Nasal Septum – A significant septal deviation can obstruct airflow and sinus ventilation, preventing effective drainage on the affected side.
Dental Infections – Infections from the upper teeth may extend into the nearby maxillary sinus, a condition known as odontogenic sinusitis.
Bacterial Overgrowth – When mucus is trapped, it provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply, worsening inflammation and infection.
Immune System Disorders – Reduced immune function can limit the body’s ability to clear infections, increasing the risk of recurrent or chronic sinusitis.

What Are the Risk Factors for Sinusitis?

Certain conditions and exposures can increase the likelihood of developing chronic or recurrent sinusitis by impairing normal sinus drainage and mucociliary function:

Nasal Polyps – These benign growths can obstruct sinus drainage pathways, leading to mucus retention and a higher risk of infection.
Asthma – Ongoing airway inflammation associated with asthma can affect both the lower and upper respiratory tracts, predisposing individuals to sinus disease.
Environmental Pollutants – Regular exposure to dust, smoke or chemical irritants can damage the nasal lining, slowing mucus clearance and promoting congestion.
Allergic Rhinitis and Related Conditions – Persistent nasal inflammation and excess mucus production can narrow sinus openings, increasing susceptibility to repeated infections.

If sinus symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or affecting your daily activities, further medical assessment may be helpful. Book a consultation with an ENT specialist for a clear diagnosis and appropriate management options.

How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment to identify the cause and extent of sinus inflammation. An ENT specialist will review your symptoms and medical history, followed by targeted examinations and investigations where needed:

Physical Examination – Evaluation of the nose, throat and facial areas for signs of inflammation, swelling or tenderness.
Nasal Endoscopy – A thin, flexible endoscope is used to directly visualise the nasal passages and sinus drainage pathways, allowing accurate assessment of obstruction or discharge.
Imaging Studies – A CT scan of the sinuses provides detailed anatomical information and helps identify blockages, polyps or structural abnormalities.
Sinus or Nasal Cultures – Samples may be taken to identify bacterial or fungal organisms, guiding appropriate treatment.
Allergy Testing – Skin or blood tests may be performed to determine whether allergic rhinitis is contributing to ongoing inflammation.
Blood Tests – These may be requested to assess immune function in patients with recurrent or severe infections.

What Sinusitis Treatments Are Available in Singapore?

Treatment for sinusitis depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and whether the condition is acute or chronic. In many cases, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, improving sinus drainage, and managing contributing factors such as infection or allergies. Both non-surgical and surgical options may be considered, depending on individual response to treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Sinus Infections

Many cases of sinusitis can be managed effectively with medical therapy, particularly when symptoms are mild to moderate or identified early. Common non-surgical treatment options include:

Nasal Saline Irrigation – Saline rinses help flush out mucus, allergens and irritants from the nasal passages, supporting natural sinus drainage.
Decongestants – These medications can reduce nasal swelling and congestion for short-term symptom relief. They should be used cautiously and only for limited periods to avoid rebound congestion.
Intranasal Corticosteroids – Steroid nasal sprays help reduce inflammation of the nasal lining and are commonly used in chronic sinusitis or allergy-related conditions.
Mucolytics – These agents may help thin thick mucus, making it easier for the sinuses to drain.
Antibiotics – Antibiotics are prescribed only when there is evidence of a bacterial infection, such as persistent or worsening symptoms that do not improve with initial treatment.
Allergy Management – When allergies contribute to sinus inflammation, treatment may include antihistamines, medicated nasal sprays or allergen immunotherapy.

When Is Sinus Surgery Needed?

Sinus surgery may be recommended when sinusitis persists despite adequate medical treatment or when structural problems impair normal sinus drainage. It is typically considered for recurrent infections, chronic inflammation lasting more than 12 weeks or symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.

Two commonly performed surgical options include:

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
FESS is a widely used surgical option for chronic or complicated sinusitis. Using an endoscope inserted through the nostrils, the surgeon removes inflamed tissue, polyps, or areas of blockage to improve sinus drainage. The procedure aims to support long-term symptom control and enhance the effectiveness of ongoing medical treatment.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive option suitable for selected patients with limited sinus blockage and minimal tissue disease. A small balloon catheter is used to gently widen narrowed sinus openings without removing tissue. Recovery experiences vary, but some patients report less postoperative discomfort compared with more extensive procedures.

What Can You Expect After Sinus Surgery?

Recovery after sinus surgery varies, but most patients experience a gradual improvement over time. In the first few days, nasal congestion, swelling, tenderness and blood-tinged discharge are common and may feel similar to a severe cold. Mild discomfort and fatigue can also occur and are usually managed with simple pain relief and rest.

Regular saline irrigation and prescribed medications support healing by keeping the nasal passages clear. During recovery, activities such as heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, bending and nose blowing should be avoided to reduce the risk of complications. Follow-up visits allow healing to be monitored and debris to be removed if needed. Light activities may resume within one to two weeks, while full recovery continues over the following weeks.

When Should You Consult a Sinus Specialist?

Understanding when to seek a sinus doctor in Singapore is key to managing your sinus health effectively. Here’s when you should consider seeing one:

Persistent Symptoms – If you have symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, loss of smell and taste, headache, or drainage of thick yellow or green mucus for more than 10 to 14 days, you should consider seeing a specialist.
Frequent Sinus Infections – Experiencing four or more sinus infections a year despite treatment warrants a deeper evaluation for chronic sinusitis. A sinus specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss suitable treatment options.
Symptoms Not Responding to Treatment – If your symptoms do not improve after taking prescribed medications or over-the-counter treatments, it might indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires specialist care.
Complications from Sinusitis – Complications such as vision problems, skin infection over the cheek (cellulitis), or severe headaches could indicate a more serious infection that needs immediate medical attention.
Nasal Polyps or Tumours – If you have been diagnosed with nasal polyps or tumours, a sinus specialist can guide you through the treatment options, which may include surgery.
Consideration for Sinus Surgery – If your doctor has suggested sinus surgery as a treatment option, a consultation with a sinus specialist can help you understand the procedure, its benefits, risks, and the best course of action.

Early specialist assessment helps clarify the cause and guide appropriate treatment. You may contact us at +65 6474 6116 to schedule a consultation with our sinus surgeon in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Infections

Is Sinusitis Contagious?

Sinusitis itself is not contagious. However, the viral or bacterial infections that can trigger sinusitis may spread from person to person. Practising good hand hygiene, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with others when unwell can help reduce the risk of transmission.

How long does a sinus infection usually last?

The duration of a sinus infection depends on the underlying cause and severity. Acute sinus infections often improve within 7 to 10 days, particularly when caused by a viral infection. Symptoms that last longer than 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or persist for several weeks may suggest a more prolonged or bacterial sinus infection and should be medically assessed.

Can sinus infections clear up on their own?

Some sinus infections, especially those caused by viruses, can resolve without specific treatment as the body’s immune system clears the infection. Supportive care such as rest, hydration, and nasal saline irrigation may help relieve symptoms. However, medical review is advised if symptoms are severe, persistent, or recur frequently.

What is the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis refers to symptoms that last for a short period, typically up to four weeks, and often follow a viral upper respiratory infection. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer, or when sinus infections recur frequently despite appropriate treatment. Chronic sinusitis is often associated with ongoing inflammation rather than active infection alone.

A/Prof Luke Tan has extensive experience in endoscopic sinus surgery and has received advanced subspecialty training overseas. He completed formal endoscopic sinus surgery training with Dr P S White at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Scotland, and later undertook advanced endoscopic sinus surgery training with Dr Brent Senior at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Over more than two decades of clinical practice, A/Prof Tan has managed a wide range of complex sinonasal conditions, including chronic and recurrent sinusitis. His experience includes revision endoscopic sinus surgery for patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms, as well as advanced endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic medial maxillectomy for inverted papilloma, endoscopic nasopharyngectomy for selected cases of recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer, and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for excessive tearing.

Best ENT Specialist - ENT Clinic Singapore

Our Sinus Surgeon

A/Prof Luke Tan

Consultant Ear, Nose, Throat, Head & Neck Surgeon

FAMS (ORL), FRCS (England), Head & Neck Surgery (Texas, USA)