Can Sinus Infection Cause Pink Eyes?

According to a report, around 29 million people in US are diagnosed with sinus infection in US. On the other hand, around 3 to 6 million people get conjunctivitis (pink eyes) every year. This is a huge number of patients suffering from these ailments.

But just think for a moment: what would happen if sinus infection and pink eyes intersect with each other? In this blog, we will explore their connection to see if the sinus is also one of the causes of pink eyes or not. Just stick to the end!

What is Sinus Infection?

Inflammation of the tissue lining around your sinuses is termed sinus infection. In this infection, the thin lining around your sinuses that produces mucus gets blocked. That is why mucus starts accumulating there, becoming a hub for bacteria and viruses, causing serious infections.

A sinus infection usually shows the following symptoms:

• Nasal Congestion
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Reduced sense of smell

Factors causing sinus Infection include:

• Allergies
• Cold
• Upper respiratory infection
• Weak immune system
• Smoking

Now that you know sinuses, let’s understand pink eye and its causes.

Understanding Pink Eye

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the tissue (conjunctiva) lining inside the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye. It is contagious, and people who suffer from pink eyes usually observe the following symptoms in their eyes:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Itching
• Watery Discharge
• Increased sensitivity

Generally, there are three different types of pink eyes, each with its own causes and symptoms. These include:

• Bacterial Pink eye
• Viral Pink Eye
• Allergen Pink eye

Can a Sinus Infection Cause Pink Eye?

Now let’s move towards the main query, i.e., can pink eye be caused by sinus infection?

A simple answer to this question is ‘’yes’’. In fact, sinus infection is one of the most common causes of pink eyes. The reason is both sinuses and eyes have almost the same structures. Though conditions are different, one infection can easily spread to the other part.

Why Does Sinus Infection Cause Pink Eyes?

When you suffer from sinuses, the infection can get into the eyes because they are located near to each other.

Let’s find out other reasons why sinus infection causes pink eyes:

• Immune Response

Whenever you suffer from a sinus infection, your immune system responds promptly and causes nearby tissues, including the eyes, to swell. As a result, your eyes become red, and this inflammatory response causes viral conjunctivitis, though the infection itself has not affected the eyes directly.

• Spread of Infection

Because of the same drainage pathway, any infection in the sinuses can also enter the eyes. If the root cause of sinuses is bacteria, there are higher chances that you will suffer from bacterial conjunctivitis.

• Nasal Drip

Nasal drip is another way of triggering pink eyes. As mucus drains into the throat and nasal passages in sinus infection, this postnasal drip becomes a carrier of bacteria or viruses and spreads the infection.

Do All Sinus Infections Cause Pink Eyes?

Though all sinus infections have the potential risk of causing pink eyes, not all of them trigger it. Mostly, it happens when you do not care for your hygiene or have a weak immune system. Also, if you do not pay attention to sinus infection and leave it untreated, it can cause harm to your eyes and overall health.

Apart from sinus infection, there are many other causes of pink eyes as well. Most common is cross-contamination. It means if you suffer from pink eyes and rub them with unwashed hands, you can transfer them to the other person.

Other common causes include:

• Viruses
• Different allergens
• Any fault in contact lenses
• Blocked tear ducts

How to Avoid Pink Eye from Sinus Infection?

Here are some simple precautions and tips that can save you from sinus infection conjunctivitis:

1. Firstly, you need to maintain good hygiene and do not share your personal items like makeup and towels with others.
2. Take anti-allergic medicines in advance if you are allergic to specific weather conditions like pollen in spring or dry air in winter
3. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep mucus thin and it does not accumulate in the nasal cavity. This is how there are low chances of getting pink eyes.
4. Stay informed about all the irritants like smoke, pollution and other irritants that can trigger pink eyes from sinus infection and keep you away from them.
5. Despite taking all the precautions, always consult doctors to get the best treatment for both conditions.

Conclusion

Sinus infections and pink eyes are very uncomfortable conditions that can disturb your daily life routine. Understanding the symptoms of both conditions and getting their treatment timely from a well-known eye care center can help you overcome both challenges.

If you face these issues, always consult with a reputable eye care provider like Cedar Park Vision, follow your doctor’s advice, make necessary lifestyle changes, and enjoy good health.

FAQS

How do doctors treat pink eyes?

There is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis as it resolves on its own. However, if you are suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis, doctors do recommend antibiotic eye drops. Similarly, for allergic conjunctivitis, they would suggest antihistamine drops to get immediate relief.

How to treat a sinus infection?

You can overcome sinus infections with different home remedies. Doctors also suggest taking different over-the-counter medications and antibiotics in case of severe infection.