Sinus infections, or sinusitis, is inflammation of the sinuses resulting in symptoms. Common signs and symptoms include thick nasal mucus, a plugged nose, and pain in the face. Other signs and symptoms may include fever, headaches, poor sense of smell, sore throat, and cough. The cough is often worse at night. Serious complications are rare. It is defined as acute rhinosinusitis if it lasts less than 4 weeks, and as chronic rhinosinusitis if it lasts for more than 12 weeks.
Sinusitis can be caused by infection, allergies, air pollution, or structural problems in the nose. Most cases are caused by a viral infection. A bacterial infection may be present if symptoms last more than ten days or if a person worsens after starting to improve.Recurrent episodes are more likely in people with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and poor immune function. X-rays are not typically needed unless complications are suspected. In chronic cases confirmatory testing is recommended by either direct visualization or computed tomography.
With that in mind, here are some facts, common remedies, and ways of preventing sinus infections.
It’s Not A Cold – Sinus Infections
Your sinuses, located in the hollow spaces around your nose, are lined with mucus that traps bacteria, dust, and other allergens. It is a mechanism that prevents unwanted toxins from penetrating further into the body. Your sinuses, however, can be compromised: sometimes, mucus does not drain properly, or a cold can inflame the region. When either transpires, the result is sinusitis, or a sinus infection.
In effect, while sinusitis is not a cold, the capture of a cold can directly lead to sinusitis.
Sinusitis Symptoms
The symptoms of sinusitis are varied, but generally include:
- Nasal drainage
- Postnasal drainage
- Nasal obstruction
- Upper tooth pain
- Headache
- Cough
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Ear pressure
- Loss of smell or taste
Chronic Sinusitis – Sinus Infections
Sinusitis is termed “chronic” if it persists for more than 12 weeks, even with the advent of medical treatment. People who have been previously diagnosed with asthma or allergic rhinitis can be more prone to chronic sinusitis, though there are instances where the prognosis is more closely connected to factors like infection, allergies, a fungus, or even an immune system deficiency.
Antibiotics?
If your sinus infection becomes increasingly severe, or persists for longer than 4 weeks, it may require antibiotics to mitigate its duration. Visit your doctor to determine what medicinal options are available.
Home Treatment – Sinus Infections
Many forms of generic treatment for sinusitis can be freely applied at home. Though many recover without any necessary intervention, over the counter treatment options can include nasal sprays, sinus irrigations and decongestants. Less intensive options can also be surprisingly useful, such as applying a warm, damp washcloth to one’s face, taking hot showers, or even inhaling steam over the sink. Anything that can be used as an inflammatory salve is generally remunerative.
Above all, the general basics still apply: Maintain an adequate amount of sleep, consume nutritious foods, and remain hydrated.
Preventing Sinusitis
You can decrease the probability of obtaining a sinus infection by leveraging basic principles of personal sanitation: wash your hands, avoid people who are sick, and maintain a nutritious diet. One can further preserve the health of one’s sinuses by using a humidifier in the home, drinking a sufficient amount fluids, controlling allergies and avoiding secondhand smoke.