Key takeaways

  • Sinus infections and bronchitis can cause similar symptoms, such as coughing, fever, fatigue, and physical discomfort.
  • Both conditions usually resolve without treatment, but people can take steps to ease symptoms, such as taking antibiotics, applying a warm compress, and using over-the-counter treatments.
  • It is a good idea to speak with a doctor if symptoms of sinus infections or bronchitis do not go away within a couple of weeks. A doctor can prescribe treatments to speed up recovery.

Sinus infections and bronchitis are common respiratory conditions that can have similar symptoms and causes.

Sinuses are air-filled cavities around the nasal passages. Sinus infections cause mucus to build up in the sinuses due to inflammation, leading to a range of symptoms. It’s also known as sinusitis.

Bronchitis is inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. People can experience acute (short term) or chronic (long term) bronchitis. Infections often cause acute bronchitis.

Sinus infections and bronchitis are respiratory tract infections (RTIs). These are infections of parts of a person’s body involved in breathing.

Sinus infections affect the sinuses and throat, and are a type of upper RTI. Bronchitis is a lower RTI that affects the airways in the lungs.

Viruses that cause sinusitis can also cause acute bronchitis or other RTIs, such as colds or flu.

A 2022 study found that people with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may have a higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis. The study analyzed data from 7,393 people in Norway over 5 years.

The researchers used questionnaires to collect the data, rather than physical examinations, so further confirmatory studies are needed.

Sinus infections and bronchitis can share some similar symptoms, but they also have differences.

Sinus infection symptoms

Symptoms of a sinus infection may include:

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), symptoms of sinusitis in children may also include:

Bronchitis symptoms

Acute and chronic bronchitis can have the same symptoms, including:

Both sinus infections and bronchitis may be caused by viruses. However, multiple causes are possible.

Sinusitis

In most cases, sinusitis is due to a virus. However, sometimes bacteria can cause them, as well as fungal agents.

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of sinus infection:

Bronchitis

Viral infections usually cause acute bronchitis, such as:

Less commonly, bacterial infections can also cause acute bronchitis.

Healthcare professionals define chronic bronchitis as a condition in which a person has recurrent episodes of bronchitis lasting at least 3 months, with airway inflammation persisting for at least 2 consecutive years.

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have chronic bronchitis as a symptom. The following factors may increase someone’s likelihood of developing chronic bronchitis:

Sinus infections and bronchitis may resolve on their own. However, treatments to help relieve symptoms of both conditions may be similar.

Sinus infection

Most sinus infections get better without treatment. Doctors may recommend a person wait 10 days to see whether their symptoms ease before prescribing medication.

This is to allow time for their immune system to fight the infection.

If it does not, doctors may prescribe antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, which are often responsible for sinusitis.

The following may help relieve sinus pain and pressure:

Speak with a doctor if you have chronic sinusitis.

Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis often resolves on its own within days or weeks. Healthcare professionals only prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections.

A person can try the following to help ease their symptoms:

  • OTC cough medications
  • hot water with honey
  • hot tea
  • throat lozenges
  • a humidifier
  • prescription inhalers, such as albuterol

Healthcare professionals treat chronic bronchitis to manage symptoms and improve breathing by:

  • prescribing medication
  • helping a person stop smoking
  • prescribing oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen, which provides a person with extra oxygen to breathe
  • recommending pulmonary rehabilitation, which involves a person learning breathing techniques

Sinus infections and bronchitis are respiratory conditions with similar symptoms and causes. However, they affect different parts of the respiratory system.

Similar viruses can cause both conditions. Additionally, some research suggests that people with chronic sinusitis may have increased odds of developing chronic bronchitis.

Sinus infections and bronchitis may improve without treatment by a healthcare professional. However, some OTC or home remedies may help relieve symptoms of either condition for some people.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, do not seem to improve, last a long time, or keep coming back.