Sinus infection or “sinusitis” is known as swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining of an individual’s sinuses. This condition occurs in roughly 13% of individuals in nations like the US, and it can become much worse if it’s not treated on time. Furthermore, sinuses are known as structures (hollow) inside the face that are typically filled with air. Allergies, viral infections and even bacterial infections might inflame these structures, which makes them fill with mucus that may cause blockage. This can cause pain and pressure in the face as well as a stuffy nose. At times, sinusitis is also known as “rhinosinusitis”. Uncover more about the sinus treatment, cause, indications and various other things from this content.
The Various Kinds of Sinusitis/Sinus Infection
You will not just come across just one sinus infection. Several kinds of them affect countless people across the globe:
- Acute Sinus Infection: This sinusitis occurs due to the common cold. It will reduce the sense of smell, cause facial pressure or pain, drainage, and even nasal congestion, and last for less than 4 weeks.
- Recurrent Sinus Infection: This condition causes the symptoms of acute sinusitis to return over 4 times a year and last for 2 weeks every time.
- Chronic Sinus Infection: This commonly occurs because of bacteria, lasting roughly 12 weeks. You will be diagnosed with this condition if you experience its symptoms persistently for 3 months.
- Subacute Sinus Infection: This sort of sinusitis falls between chronic and acute. The sinus infection lasts 4 weeks, but if it is below 12 weeks, it will be diagnosed as a subacute sinus infection.
- Fungal Sinus Infection: This condition is caused by a fungus and is a bit more severe than other sinus infections. This infection occurs mainly when you have a weak immune system.
Sinus Infection: Signs, Causes, and When to Seek Treatment
Sinusitis is a condition that affects around 35 million individuals, including children in the United States. Knowing its signs and symptoms will help you opt for the best sinus treatment. Here are some of the sinus infection symptoms that you must know:
- The feeling of fullness or congestion in the face.
- Fever
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- Discoloured postnasal drainage or runny nose
- Nasal blockage or obstruction
You might also experience headaches, tooth pain, bad breath, and tiredness. Several other conditions can lead to such symptoms. So, before you opt for sinus treatment, it’s suggested that you visit the physician to learn whether or not you have a sinus infection.
Causes of Sinus Infection: Common Causes and Risk Factors
There are several sinus infection causes, such as bacteria, viruses, allergens, and fungi. However, there are some specific triggers:
- Seasonal and nasal allergies
- Influenza
- Moraxella catarrahalis bacteria
- The common cold
- Haemophilus influenzae bacteria
- Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
It also has some severe risk factors, such as asthma, smoking, weak immune system, nasal allergies, deviated septum, and nasal polyps.
How Is a Sinus Infection Diagnosed?
Around 28.9 million adults are diagnosed with a sinus infection. The diagnosis relies on the signs/symptoms and needs a proper sinus, nose, and throat examination. Before offering an effective sinus treatment option, the allergist will look for the following:
- Bad breath
- Discoloured nasal discharge
- Redness
- Tenderness of the face
- Swelling of the nasal tissues.
When the sinus infection remains for more than 8 weeks, or the standard antibiotic treatment doesn’t work, a sinus CT scan will assist the allergist in diagnosing this issue. He/she will inspect the sinus or nose openings. During the examination, the allergist will use a flexible, thin, and long tube with a small light and camera attached to it and inserted through the nose. The process will not be painful, and the allergist will provide you with an anaesthetic nasal spray so that you feel comfortable.
Treatment Options for Sinus Infections
When it comes to sinus treatment options, you will encounter not one but several of them. Here are some of the crucial ones.
- Antibiotics: To lessen the bacterial sinus infection symptoms, you will need Use the ones prescribed by the physician.
- Nasal Sprays: Many individuals use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays to lessen sinus infection swollen face, and they do so not for more than 3 to 4 days. Several nasal sprays contain saline and steroid sprays, which you will find in OTC for long-term use. The spray will also reduce the swelling within the nasal passage, letting the mucus drain out.
- Oral Steriods: If you’re experiencing a chronic or serious case of sinusitis, the physician will prescribe oral steroids as the ultimate sinus treatment
- Surgery: When the sinusitis does not respond to the medications or other remedies, you might have to get the surgery done to clear up the blockages from the sinuses and enable the mucus to drain out normally.
Conclusion
Sinus infections should not be taken lightly. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as nasal blockage, fever, or pus in the nasal cavity, you must visit a physician for a proper diagnosis. Based on their diagnosis, the physician will recommend effective sinus treatment options to help reduce your symptoms and restore your well-being.
