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What is Sinus Infection?
Sinusitis is a condition in which the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed or swollen. The hollow regions between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and in your forehead are known as sinuses. Mucus is produced by them, which keeps the inside of your nose moist. As a result, dust, allergies, and pollutants are better protected.
It is caused by bacteria and can last for weeks or months after other respiratory tract symptoms have subsided.
- The infection can be caused by bacteria or, in rare situations, fungus. Allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections are just a few of the illnesses that can cause pain and symptoms. There are two types of sinusitis: Chronic and Acute.
- Acute sinusitis lasts only for a short period i.e. not more than four weeks. This infection is not part of cold or respiratory disorders.
- Chronic sinus infection lasts for more than twelve-week or it continues to recur. This mainly includes facial pain, infected nasal discharge, and congestion.Sinusitis is often accompanied by pain.
- Above and below your eyes, as well as behind your nose, you have multiple distinct sinuses. When you have a sinus infection, any of these can be painful. Your sinuses ache with dull pressure due to inflammation and edema.
- You may experience pain in your forehead, either side of your nose, upper jaws, and teeth, or in the space between your eyes. This could result in a brain injury.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms of Sinus Infection
Whether acute or chronic, sinus infection symptoms frequently develop during times of severe or after a cold or ongoing allergic rhinitis symptoms. The most common sign of sinusitis is painful pressure in the forehead and cheeks. Other symptoms include:
- Cough
- Thick yellow-green nasal discharge
- Postnasal drip, often with a bad taste
- Toothache
- Nasal Congestion
- Lost sense of smell
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Facial tenderness
- Ear pressure
- Mild fever
Causes of Sinus Infection
- Anything that obstructs airflow into the sinuses and mucus drainage out of the sinuses can cause sinus infections or sinusitis.
- Swelling of the tissue lining and neighboring nasal tube tissue, such as with allergies, can block the sinus openings (ostea).
- Spending time at day centers, using pacifiers, or drinking bottles while lying down may raise the risk of sinusitis in newborns and young children.
- Adults who smoke have a higher risk of these infections. If you are smoking, you should quit immediately.
- Smoking is hazardous to your health and the health of those around you.Some of the specific causes of Sinusitis can be:
- Common cold
- Nasal & seasonal allergies
- Deviated septum
- Weak immune system
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Book an AppointmentDiagnosis
- CT scan may help your allergist determine the problem if your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks or if regular antibiotic treatment isn't working.
- Your allergist may examine the openings of your nose and sinuses. A long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end is introduced via the nose for the examination.
- It is not a painful procedure. Your allergist may prescribe a mild antihistamine. A mucus culture may be used to discover what is causing your sinus infection if it is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics.
- The nose is where the majority of mucus samples are obtained. However, getting mucus (or pus) directly from the sinuses is occasionally important.
- In chronic or complicated cases, your doctor may also examine your nasal passages using a technique called nasal endoscopy or rhinoscopy.
- In this procedure, a thin, flexible instrument is inserted up the nostril to view the sinus passages and look for blockages.
Preventions
- There are currently no vaccines available to protect against infections. Vaccines against viruses (influenza) and bacteria (pneumococci) that can cause infection are available. Vaccination against bacteria that cause infection may lessen or prevent the condition indirectly.
- If you have repeated attacks of a "yearly sinus infection," allergy testing may be necessary to see if this is the underlying cause of the problem.
- Secondary bacterial infections can be avoided if the allergy is treated. The infections can also be caused by other issues, such as nasal polyps, tumors, or disorders that prevent regular mucus flow.
Sinus Infection Treatments
- Sinus infection treatments typically include over-the-counter medications like decongestants and pain relievers to reduce symptoms.
- Nasal sprays and saline rinses can help clear nasal passages and relieve congestion. If the infection is bacterial, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
- Rest, hydration, and using a humidifier can also aid recovery. For chronic or severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend further evaluation and possibly surgical intervention to improve sinus drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acute sinusitis lasts less than a month. Your symptoms may go away on their own in about 10 days, but it can take up to three to four weeks.
Your doctor may suggest treating the pain and underlying causes of your sinus headache at the same time. You can try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.
The common cold is the most prevalent cause of acute sinusitis. Signs and symptoms may include a stuffy and stuffy (stuffy) nose, which can block your sinuses and prevent mucus from draining.
Sinus headaches caused by sinus infections can last up to two weeks or longer, depending on the severity of the sinus infection.
Sinus headaches typically cause pain in your face, especially behind your eyes or in your cheekbones. The pain may worsen when you move your head suddenly.
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