Montgomery News

• An overwhelming majority of Americans celebrate Halloween.

• Sinus infections caused by viruses are contagious.

• Common colds are more likely in the fall and winter, and they can lead to sinus infections.

Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says people who can't breathe through their noses because of congestion are more at risk of developing other illnesses, since the mouth can't filter bacteria out of the air the same way that the nose can.

"You are shutting off an extra conduit of bringing air, and your performance in a lot of ways gets affected by mouth breathing," Khanna told Montgomery News. "The nose is a great filter for all the horrible things that we breathe in, whereas the oral cavity not so much, so you're exposing your lungs to more of the evil things that are out there and bacteria viruses."

According to Cision PR Newswire, a survey by the National Confectioners Association found that 93% of Americans planned to celebrate Halloween in some way.

Mingling over a holiday weekend could expose you to more germs than usual, as public gatherings and events increase the risk of transmitting or catching a sinus infection, according to WebMD. Sinus infections themselves may not be contagious, but the viruses that can cause those infections can be. Such viruses are spread through coughing or sneezing, meaning those with sinus infections should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash their hands often. Everyone should wash their hands often and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

While common colds and allergy symptoms are more common in the fall, around Halloween, and winter, those allergies and colds can devolve into sinus infections. Allergies, colds and sinus infections have many of the same symptoms, making it hard to distinguish between the two. 

Dr. Tran Locke -- an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who works at Baylor College of Medicine -- said that if symptoms such as congestion last for more than 10 days, it may be time to see a doctor. Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the face, decreased sense of smell, tooth pain or a fever. While some patients can resolve their symptoms through medication, a minimally invasive surgery might be a better option in order to treat the underlying condition, Locke told the Houston Chronicle.

People who have experienced any of those symptoms, or other symptoms such as fatigue, can take this Self-Assessment Quiz to determine whether seeking treatment could be beneficial.