A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is marked by swelling and inflammation of the sinuses. At its outset, an infection with a fever may not be cause for alarm, as it can usually be cleared up through self-care or antibiotics. Sinus infections may become serious if left untreated, however, and it is possible for it to spread and cause meningitis or blood clots that increase a person’s risk of having a stroke. A sinus infection with fever may also contribute to asthma symptom flare-ups, develop into a chronic sinus infection, or lead to an ear infection.
When a person has a sinus infection and a fever, he is often advised to see a healthcare professional. Individuals with minor cases of sinusitis, however, may be encouraged to care for it at home and seek help if symptoms get worse or do not go away in a reasonable amount of time. When a person has a fever, on the other hand, the infection may become serious if left untreated, and a medical professional may need to evaluate it to determine whether antibiotic treatment is warranted. Still, a basic sinus infection with fever isn’t usually serious. This type of infection usually responds well to antibiotics and, other than discomfort caused by the sinus infection symptoms, a patient may not experience any troubling effects.
Some people do develop serious complications, however. Some patients may develop meningitis, which is marked by inflamed membranes of the brain and spinal chord. This may occur when the infection that normally affects the sinuses and nasal passages spreads and infects the lining of the affected person’s brain. This type of infection can be severe and could be deadly.
A person who has a sinus infection with a fever may also develop blood clots as a complication. In some cases, the infection can also have an affect on the veins in the surrounding area. Any blood clots that do develop could contribute to a stroke.
In some cases, a person who has a sinus infection with fever may also develop other complications that may be troubling but less potentially devastating. For example, a person with a history of asthma may have asthma flare-ups as a result of a sinus infection. Some people may also develop ear infections or chronic sinus infection, which means their symptoms may last for longer than eight weeks.