Complications of Sinusitis

In most cases, sinus infections stay within the sinuses and nasal passage. However, in rare cases, it's possible to have an infection spread beyond the sinuses. This can lead to complications.
 
In adults, sinusitis complications could include things such as:
 
Some of the possible complications of sinusitis in children include:
 
  • Periorbital cellulitis
  • Orbital cellulitis
  • Meningitis
  • Osteomyelitis
  • An abscess just outside the brain (epidural abscess)
  • Brain abscess.
     
Symptoms of these conditions may include:
 
  • Double vision
  • Decreases in vision
  • Eye pain
  • Drooping eyelid
  • Swelling around the eyelid
  • Redness around the eyelid
  • Swelling in the whites of the eyes
  • Severe headache
  • High fever (over 102.5ºF or 39.2ºC)
  • Severe facial pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Changes in mental state
  • Seizures.
     
(To learn more about the potential sinusitis complications, click Symptoms of a Sinus Infection in Children or Sinusitis. These articles offer more details on possible symptoms, including a discussion on when to contact your healthcare provider.)
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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