Frontal Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, And Complications

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Medical News TodaySubscribeA Deeper Understanding of Nasal PolypsContent created by Medical News Today and supported by advertising. Learn moreWhat is frontal sinusitis and what causes it?

Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP — Written by Gillian D'Souza — Updated on June 2, 2025

Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Home remedies
Complications
Prevention
Summary

Frontal sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses located just above the eyes and on the forehead. A common cause of the condition is infection, but other causes include allergies and nasal polyps.

The sinuses are a system of connected hollow cavities in the face that contain air and a thin layer of mucus. The lining of all sinuses produces mucus, which moisturizes the airways and drains into the nasal passages.

If the frontal sinuses are inflamed, they cannot drain mucus efficiently, making breathing difficult. This can also lead to a feeling of increased pressure around the eyes and forehead.

In this article, we examine the many causes of frontal sinusitis, along with its symptoms and treatment options.

Causes of frontal sinusitis

A person blowing their nose 1 — supersizer/Getty Images

Some common causes of frontal sinusitis are:

Viral infection

Infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold, often block the sinus pathways. This increases the amount of mucus in the frontal sinuses, leading to pain and inflammation.

Other viral infections of the upper respiratory tract can also lead to frontal sinusitis.

Children may contract viral infections of the upper respiratory system more frequently than adults because the immune system is less developed in childhood.

Bacterial infection

Bacterial sinus infections are less common than viral sinus infections. A person with a bacterial infection may require treatment with antibiotics.

Sometimes, a bacterial infection follows a viral infection. This occurs when a person’s immunity is lower after fighting the first infection, and the sinuses are more vulnerable.

Allergies (allergic rhinosinusitis)

Exposure to certain allergens, such as dust, pollen, and animal dander, can cause sneezing and itching, which can lead to inflammation and a buildup of mucus. This buildup can block the sinuses and prevent mucus from draining smoothly.

Allergies can often cause symptoms that are very similar to a frontal sinus infection. However, allergies require different treatments, so a correct diagnosis is important.

Deviated nasal septum

The nasal septum is a thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity in two. An ideal nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into equal-sized passageways.

Research from 2022 indicates that 86.6% of people have a nasal septum that is off-center, but this is often hardly noticeable and does not affect how the nose works.

Sometimes, a deviated nasal septum can regularly make breathing difficult or cause other blockages. It may also increase the frequency of infections, such as frontal sinusitis.

Nasal polyps

A nasal polyp is a soft, painless growth on the inner lining of the nose or sinuses. Nasal polyps are linked with inflammation, and they affect 1 to 4% of adults in the United States. They may develop due to:

recurring infections
allergies to environmental irritants or medications
chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma

In most cases, nasal polyps are harmless. However, a polyp can block or restrict the flow of air and mucus through the sinuses.

Symptoms

According to ENT Health, when frontal sinusitis symptoms last for less than 4 weeks, the medical term for this is acute frontal sinusitis.

Common signs and symptoms of frontal sinusitis include:

nasal discharge
a feeling of “heaviness” or pressure behind the eyes
a headache
tiredness
a sore throat
muscle aches
facial congestion or a blocked nose
a reduced ability to smell
unpleasant or odorous breath
a mild or high fever

The symptoms of frontal sinusitis differ slightly, depending on the cause. Tiredness, fever, muscle aches, and a sore throat are more likely to signal a viral infection than a bacterial infection.

A person most likely has acute viral sinusitis if symptoms have lasted for fewer than 10 days and are not getting worse.

A person most likely has bacterial sinusitis if symptoms do not improve or get worse after 10 days.

If symptoms last longer than a few months, frontal sinusitis is more likely to result from a structural issue, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.

Diagnosis

A doctor, often an otolaryngologist, diagnoses frontal sinusitis after performing a physical examination and taking note of a person’s symptoms and medical history.

Imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI scans, can show the extent of sinusitis and, in some cases, the most likely underlying cause.

Scans are not usually required for acute frontal sinusitis. Doctors may use them to determine how well a course of treatment is working in chronic sinusitis, to help diagnose other problems affecting the sinuses, or to plan surgical procedures.

If frontal sinusitis occurs frequently, a nasal endoscopy can be a useful diagnostic procedure. During this procedure, the doctor uses a thin tube with a light and imaging source to capture pictures of the inner sinuses. The doctor can then view these pictures on a computer screen and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Frontal sinusitis treatment aims to improve mucus drainage and keep the sinuses clear. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the blockage.

Many cases of frontal sinusitis are caused by viral infections. The treatment plan usually involves rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays or decongestants.

If a bacterial infection is the underlying cause, a course of antibiotics can usually clear the infection, but they are not always necessary.

If frontal sinusitis results from allergies, doctors typically recommend avoiding the allergen and using corticosteroid nasal sprays and antihistamines.

A person with a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or other structural abnormalities may benefit from surgery. Surgery can resolve these issues permanently and improve the health and functioning of the sinuses.

Home remedies

Steam inhalation can provide quick relief and clear the sinuses in the short term.

Additionally, flushing a saline solution through the nasal passages may help relieve long-term symptoms. Many of these solutions are available over the counter, or a person can make their own at home, with:

4 cups of boiled, filtered, or distilled water
2 teaspoons of non-iodized salt
a mixing utensil
an airtight storage container with a lid

If using boiled water, boil it for 3 to 5 minutes and let it cool before making the solution.

»Learn more:10 home remedies for sinus pressure relief

Complications of frontal sinusitis

Chronic frontal sinusitis is the term for the condition if symptoms last longer than 12 weeks. The underlying cause is more likely to be ongoing inflammation than an infection.

It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of long-term frontal sinusitis, as tumors and cancers can develop in the sinus cavities.

Bacterial sinus infections get worse rather than better with time. Symptoms can include increased discharge, pain, and a fever.

If a person does not receive treatment, a bacterial infection that causes frontal sinusitis could spread to other organs of the head and neck, including the brain, and cause deep tissue infections that may be life threatening.

People should consult a doctor immediately if the following signs or symptoms are present:

severe, persistent headaches
pain or stiffness in the neck
confusion
a fever
difficulty focusing
sudden vision problems
skin redness or other color changes and swelling of the face, eye, or eyelids

Prevention

Personal hygiene is essential in reducing the risk of sinus infections. This includes regular handwashing, especially:

before and after eating
while cooking
while taking care of children
after using the bathroom

Other tips include:

getting recommended vaccines, like the flu vaccine
avoiding close contact with individuals who have colds or other upper respiratory infections
not smoking
avoiding common allergens, such as tobacco products, smoke, pollution, and dust
using a humidifier

Summary

Frontal sinusitis often results from infections, particularly viral infections. Other possible causes include allergies, a deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps.

Symptoms of frontal sinusitis may include nasal discharge, a feeling of “heaviness” or pressure behind the eyes, and headaches.

Treatment can vary slightly depending on the underlying cause, but may include rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using OTC nasal sprays or decongestants. People should contact a doctor if their symptoms do not go away, worsen, or if they experience recurrent frontal sinusitis.

Allergy
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Headache / Migraine
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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DeBoer DL, et al. (2023). Acute sinusitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547701/
Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe? (2025).https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm316375.htm
Kwon E, et al. (2023). Chronic sinusitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441934/
Sinus infection basics. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/index.html
Sinusitis. (2018).https://www.entnet.org//content/sinusitis
Stevens WW, et al. (2017). Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4939220/

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Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP — Written by Gillian D'Souza — Updated on June 2, 2025

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