Can RSV Cause Sinus Infection in Adults?

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. RSV spreads in the autumn and winter along with other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January. Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infections make it difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other viral infections like the flu or COVID-19. A common question that arises is, can RSV cause sinus infection? Lets answer this question but first lets take a look at what RSV infection is.

📝 What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to the same family as the human parainfluenza viruses and mumps and measles viruses. It can cause a variety of respiratory tract infections and symptoms in adults, infants and young children. It most commonly causes coughs and colds but can also cause lower respiratory infections, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 100,000–150,000 adults ages 60 and older in the United States are hospitalised due to cases of RSV.

📝 What is sinusitis?

The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities located in the facial bones around the nose and eyes. They are lined with a thin layer of tissue that produces mucus to moisten the nasal passages and trap bacteria, dust, and other particles.

Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, preventing the proper drainage of mucus. This can lead to a build-up of mucus, creating a favourable environment for bacteria, viruses, or fungi to thrive. The resulting infection causes the symptoms associated with sinusitis.

📝 Can RSV turn into a sinus infection?

Yes, it is possible. One of the main symptoms of RSV is a runny nose and in some people this may develop into a sinus infection as the fluid builds up in the sinuses creating an environment where germs can grow. This normally results in mucus turning green or yellow. Nasal passages also become blocked if a person has an RSV infection. If this happens, the sinuses may become swollen, which can eventually become painful.

💦 How does RSV spread?

RSV spreads through close contact with a person who has the virus. When an infected person sneezes or coughs (secretions) the virus goes into the air around them and can land in someone else’s eyes, nose or mouth.

RSV can live on hard surfaces like counters or doorknobs. If you touch something that the virus lands on and then touch your face, you may pick up the virus.

😷 Symptoms of RSV in adults

Most individuals will show upper respiratory infection symptoms such as:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Mild headache
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Lack of appetite

In some individuals a severe infection may develop and spread to the lower respiratory tract causing respiratory diseases requiring hospitalisation.

👨‍🦳 👩🏽‍🦰 Can RSV infections be dangerous for adults?

While most people only experience low grade mild cold symptoms with RSV, for others in high risk groups RSV can cause more severe symptoms. Serious respiratory illnesses include bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which may lead to hospital care.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is when the smaller airways of the lungs (the bronchioles) become inflamed and swollen. The swelling can block airflow in the lungs causing difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that affects the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. When you have pneumonia, these air sacs get inflamed and fill with fluid making it harder to breathe.

Worsening of existing conditions

Conditions like asthma, congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) put people at higher risk of hospitalisation.

Ear infection

Middle ear infections (otitis media) can develop if infections reach behind the ear drum. This happens most frequently in babies and young children, rather than adults.

👨‍🦳 High risk groups

Adults at highest risk for severe RSV disease include:

• Older adults 75 year-old plus
• Adults with heart disease
• Adults with lung disease and other other lung conditions
• Adults with weakened immune systems
• Adults with certain other underlying medical conditions
• Adults living in nursing homes

💊 Treatment

There are currently no specific treatments for RSV, but doing some of the following will help relieve symptoms:

• Use saline drops or saline nose spray to help remove thick mucus from the nose
• Over the counter pain relief, such as paracetamol
• Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids
• Throat lozenges
• Decongestants, if suitable

If your symptoms do not improve you may need to contact a healthcare provider to treat complications. In general, they may:

• Give you oxygen through a mask
• Remove mucus from airways
• Give you fluids through an IV (intravenous, through your vein) to treat or prevent dehydration

📝 Preventing RSV

There are things you can do to lower your risk of getting sick or developing complications, even though catching RSV is not in your control:

• Take a RSV vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved RSV vaccines for adults in the over 60 age group.

• Regular hand washing with soap and water, particularly before preparing food and eating
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
• Disinfect surfaces that have come into contact with people who have cold symptoms
• Discourage close contact with infected people. Avoid large indoor events during RSV season or avoid visiting family or friends when they’re sick
• Wear a mask in public spaces to limit exposure

❗ When to seek medical help

• Struggling to breathe while sitting still
• Blue lips
• New or worsening chest pain
• Confusion

📝 Conclusion

RSV can cause sinus infection in adults due to the build of mucus in the nose due to a runny nose. Treatment options include clearing the mucus with saline or using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporiser to moisten the air to help ease congestion.

Sources

• About RSV – RSV – CDC
• RSV in Adults: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Risk
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – NHS