San Diego City Wire

Matt Hershcovitch, a doctor at SoCal Breathe Free, said that ignoring a sinus infection can lead to chronic issues or, in rare cases, blindness or death due to brain complications. The statement was made on Instagram on April 15.

"The most common result of that is development of chronic sinusitis and chronic inflammation within the nose and sinuses," said Hershcovitch, according to Instagram. "If it happens to invade into the eyes, you can get what's called an orbital cellulitis or an orbital abscess. That can lead to severe degradation of your vision and even leave you blind. If it invades the brain, you can get meningitis, brain abscess, possibly even die from something like that."

If left untreated, a sinus infection can progress into chronic sinusitis—a condition characterized by persistent inflammation in the sinuses and nasal passages lasting for at least 12 weeks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition results in symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal congestion, headaches, and postnasal drainage. While these symptoms are typically milder than those of acute infections, they can be ongoing and disruptive. Although rare, more serious complications may include the spread of infection to nearby areas like the eyes or brain, requiring urgent medical intervention.

Chronic sinusitis affects an estimated 12.5% of adults in the United States, with symptoms persisting for 12 weeks or longer despite treatment attempts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while sinus infections are often caused by viruses, about 0.5–2% may be bacterial and require antibiotic intervention if not self-limiting. Persistent infections that aren’t managed appropriately can impact quality of life and productivity due to constant discomfort and fatigue.

According to the American Rhinologic Society, in rare cases, sinus infections can lead to serious complications when the infection spreads beyond the sinus cavities to surrounding bone, eyes, or brain. The Henry Ford Rhinology Fellowship Program confirms that advanced or untreated sinus infections may result in conditions such as orbital cellulitis or abscesses and even intracranial extension like meningitis or brain abscesses. These complications highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe or life-threatening outcomes.

Dr. Matt Hershcovitch is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialized training in both otolaryngology and facial aesthetics. He earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota, followed by fellowship training in facial plastic surgery. His clinical focus includes advanced facial reconstructive procedures and sinus-related surgical interventions supported by over a decade of experience in both academic and private practice settings.

SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is a Southern California-based medical group offering minimally invasive solutions for chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, sleep apnea, and environmental allergies. With clinics in Burbank and San Diego, they focus on procedures like balloon sinuplasty and advanced allergy testing aimed at restoring long-term breathing comfort without conventional surgery. Their Instagram page showcases patient success stories, educational reels, and behind-the-scenes clinical content emphasizing their commitment to accessible and modern ENT care.