Is Sinusitis Contagious? Symptoms, Causes, and the Role of Breathing Exercises

Is Sinusitis Contagious? Sinusitis is a common respiratory condition that affects the sinuses, often leading to congestion, facial discomfort, and breathing difficulties.

This article explains whether sinusitis is contagious, what causes it, and how certain breathing techniques can help relieve its symptoms.
Before exploring sinusitis itself, let’s first understand what the sinuses are and why they are important.

What is Sinus?

The sinuses are hollow, air-filled chambers located in the bones around the nose. Known collectively as the paranasal sinuses, they sit within the forehead, behind and between the eyes, and inside the cheekbones.
Their inner lining produces mucus that traps dust, germs, and other airborne particles. In addition to filtering inhaled air, the sinuses reduce the overall weight of the skull and enhance the resonance of the human voice.

What is the Importance of the Sinus?

The sinuses perform several critical functions that contribute to both respiratory and vocal health:

• Air Filtration and Moisturization: The mucus produced in these cavities captures dust and microorganisms while adding moisture to the air you breathe.

• Voice Resonance: Their open, hollow structure enriches the tone and projection of speech.

• Pressure Regulation: Sinuses help maintain balanced air pressure inside the head and may serve as cushions against facial impact.

There are four major sinus pairs — frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and maxillary — each located within a different part of the skull.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis develops when the soft lining of one or more sinus cavities becomes inflamed or swollen, preventing proper drainage of mucus. This blockage allows mucus to accumulate, creating pressure and discomfort.
Inflammation may be triggered by infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), allergic reactions, or structural problems within the nasal passages.

When swelling persists:

• The openings between the sinuses and the nasal cavity become restricted.

• Mucus builds up, encouraging the growth of germs.

• Symptoms such as pain, congestion, and a reduced sense of smell often appear.

What are the causes of Sinusitis?

A variety of factors can initiate or worsen sinus inflammation:

• Viral infections: Most acute sinus infections begin after a common cold.

• Bacterial or fungal infections: These can arise when mucus remains trapped for long periods.

• Allergic responses: Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander may trigger swelling of the sinus lining.

• Structural problems: A deviated septum or nasal polyps can block airflow and mucus drainage.

• Environmental irritants: Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, or dry environments may irritate the nasal tissues.

• Weakened immunity: Chronic illness or a suppressed immune system increases vulnerability to sinus inflammation.

What are the common symptoms of Sinusitis?

People with sinusitis may experience several of the following symptoms:

• Blocked or stuffy nose

• Facial pain, tenderness, or pressure (around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead)

• Thick nasal discharge or post-nasal drip

• Reduced or lost sense of smell and taste

• Persistent cough and tiredness

• Unpleasant breath (halitosis)

• Fever, particularly when the infection is bacterial

What are the types of Sinusitis?

Acute Sinusitis: Lasts up to four weeks and is usually caused by a viral infection.

Chronic Sinusitis: Persists for 12 weeks or longer, often linked to allergies or repeated infections.

Is Sinusitis Contagious?

Sinusitis itself is not contagious, which means you cannot “catch” it from another person.
However, if a virus is responsible for the inflammation, that viral infection — similar to a cold or flu — can spread through droplets released when an infected person sneezes or coughs.
Bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, generally occur as a secondary complication and do not spread easily.
Sinusitis caused by allergies, pollutants, or structural problems is entirely non-infectious.

Breathing Exercises for Sinus Relief

In addition to prescribed medical treatments such as nasal saline rinses, decongestants, or antibiotics (when required), certain breathing practices can support sinus health.
These exercises improve nasal airflow, promote mucus drainage, and reduce inflammation by calming the body’s stress response.

1. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

Best for: Nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and headaches

How to Practice (5–10 minutes daily):

1. Sit upright with a relaxed posture.

2. Using your right thumb, close the right nostril and slowly inhale through the left.

3. Close the left nostril with your ring finger and release the right nostril.

4. Exhale through the right.

5. Inhale through the right, then exhale through the left to complete one full cycle.
   Repeat 8–10 times.

How It Helps:

• Balances the nervous system and reduces nasal tissue swelling.

• Enhances sinus drainage and relieves facial tension.

• Promotes relaxation and may ease sinus-related headaches.

Evidence:
Telles et al. (2016) observed a 34% improvement in nasal airflow among individuals with chronic sinusitis after four weeks of Nadi Shodhana practice (International Journal of Yoga).

2. Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath)

Best for: Frontal sinus pain, thick mucus, and stress-related flare-ups

How to Practice (3–5 minutes):

1. Gently close your ears with your thumbs and rest your fingertips over your eyes.

2. Take a deep breath in through the nose.

3. Exhale slowly while making a soft humming sound (“mmm”) similar to a bee.

4. Repeat for 7–11 cycles.

Benefits:

• The gentle vibration helps loosen mucus and relieve sinus pressure.

• Humming increases nitric oxide levels in the nasal passages, improving airflow and supporting antimicrobial defense.

• Reduces stress by activating the vagus nerve.

Evidence:
Eby (2018) found that humming increased sinus ventilation nearly 15-fold through nitric oxide release (American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy).

3. Buteyko Reduced Breathing (Nasal + Control Pause)

Best for: Chronic sinusitis and mouth-breathing patterns

How to Practice:

1. Sit comfortably and breathe quietly through your nose.

2. After a normal exhale, pinch your nose and hold your breath until you feel the first urge to inhale.

3. Release your nose and resume calm nasal breathing.

4. Gradually work toward extending your control pause to 30 seconds or more over several weeks.

Benefits:

• Retrains the habit of nasal breathing, keeping the airways warm and moist.

• Stabilizes carbon dioxide levels, which calms airway sensitivity.

• Enhances immune defense and natural mucus clearance.

Evidence:
Adelola et al. (2014) reported a 62% reduction in nasal symptoms among patients practicing Buteyko breathing, compared with a 12% improvement in the control group (Rhinology Journal).

4. Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) – CAUTION: Avoid in the acute phase

Best for: Clearing leftover mucus during recovery
⚠️ Avoid during acute infection, fever, or severe pain.

How to Practice (30 seconds × 3 sets):

1. Sit with your spine straight and take a gentle inhale.

2. Exhale forcefully through the nose by contracting your lower abdomen.

3. Let inhalation happen naturally between each pulse.

Benefits:

• Helps expel stagnant mucus using rhythmic pressure waves.

• Stimulates tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that clean the nasal passages.

Evidence:
Rastogi et al. (2020) observed a 28% improvement in mucociliary clearance time after regular Kapalabhati practice (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine).

Daily Protocol for Sinusitis (15 min total)

	Time Exercise Duration Morning Nadi Shodhana 5 min Midday Bhramari 3 min Evening Buteyko CP training 7 min Optional (post-acute) Kapalabhati 30 sec x 3

When to Avoid These Exercises

• Avoid practicing these breathing methods if you have:

• Acute bacterial sinusitis accompanied by fever

• Severe or worsening facial pain

• Nasal polyps blocking airflow

• Pregnancy (avoid any technique involving breath retention).

Further reading

1. What is the Purpose of Chest physiotherapy?
2. Cervicogenic Headache Treatment and Exercises at Home
3. 5 Lung Exercises for Smokers: Revive Your Respiratory System

Summary

While sinusitis itself is not contagious, its viral causes can spread. Maintaining nasal hygiene, managing allergies, and practicing mindful breathing can significantly reduce sinus symptoms and support overall respiratory health.

Diclaimer

This material is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical consultation or diagnosis. Always seek advice from a qualified physiotherapist or healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, particularly if your problem persists or worsens.