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Sinus infection signs and treatments

Last updated on : 21 Mar, 2024

Read time : 4 min

What is a Sinus infection?

Sinusitis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the sinuses becomes inflamed or swollen. Sinuses produce a slim mucus that drains through the nose’s routes. This drainage maintains the nose clean. Sinuses are usually full of air, but they can become inactive and full of mucus. Bacteria can thrive and cause an infection if this happens.

Mucus is typical with a cold or allergies. This thick mucus can harbour bacteria and other organisms, causing a bacterial or viral infection. It usually clears up in a week or two without therapy. If your sinusitis symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks, you should see your doctor.

What are the types of sinusitis?

Sinusitis problem can be classified in several ways, depending on how long it lasts, whether it’s acute, subacute, or chronic, and whether it’s infectious or non-infectious.

  • Acute bacterial sinusitis is a sudden onset of sinusitis symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and face pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that appear to heal but then return and are worse than the initial sinusitis symptoms, also known as “double sickening.” Antibiotics and decongestants are effective in treating it.
  • Chronic sinusitis is a condition that lasts at least 12 weeks and is characterised by sinusitis symptoms like nasal congestion, drainage, facial ache, and a reduced sense of smell.
  • Subacute sinusitis is a term that describes a sinusitis problem that lasts four to twelve weeks.
  • Recurrent Acute Sinusitis, when sinusitis symptoms return four or more times in a year and last less than two weeks more or less every time, is referred to as recurrent acute sinusitis sinus infection.

Sinusitis causes

The sinus infection is due to, microorganisms, or a living thing that grows and continues to spread into the nasal passages. Some aspects that could make it happen such as:

a) Nasal polyps

The growth of tissue can enter the direction of the nose or sinuses and cause a sinus infection.

b) Deviated nasal septum

The septum, or partition between the nostrils, is affected. It can block or narrow the passages to the sinuses. This can make the symptoms of sinus infection worse. Other health problems. Nasal blockage can be caused by the side effects of diseases that affect the immune system, like cystic fibrosis, HIV, and other immune system diseases.

c) Infections in the respiratory tract.

The majority of the time, infections in your respiratory tract, like colds, can make your sinus membranes swollen and thick, which can stop mucus from discharging. A virus or bacteria can cause these infections.

d) Hay fever and other allergies.

When you have allergies, inflammation can cause your sinuses to get clogged.

Sinus symptoms

1. At an early stage of sinusitis

  • Nasal congestion with green-yellow, bloody discharge.
  • A sensation of pressure develops inside the skull.
  • Eye pain.
  • Headaches that are worse in the morning or when you bend over forward.
  • A toothache-like pain in the cheek.
  • Post-nasal drip.
  • A cough that usually doesn’t make much noise.
  • Disturbed sleep (sometimes).
  • Fever (sometimes).

2. Late stage of sinusitis

  • Complete blockage of the openings to the sinuses, which stops the discharge and the pain from getting worse.

Symptoms like these occur in many different things. You will need to see your doctor to find out if you have sinusitis.

Sinusitis treatment

If you have a simple sinus infection, if you consult a doctor he/she may suggest that you use a decongestant and saline nasal washes as per her/his recommended dosage use it.

You could also try a bioelectric device that sends out micro-current waves. This is something you can buy over the counter. The device is put on the face and vibrates in a painless way to help clear the sinus infection.

If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them as per the recommended dosage. The antibiotics medication like:

  • Cefoxim
  • Clavullin
  • Moxiflox 
  • Amoxycillin

Most of the time, treatment makes the symptoms of sinus infection go away. Chronic sinusitis may benefit from warm, wet air. You can use a vaporizer or inhale pan steam to get relief.

There are some other things which can help your chronic sinusitis:

  • Pain in the nose and sinuses can ease with warm compresses.
  • If you want to keep mucus thin, drink a lot of fluids.
  • It is safe to use saline nose drops at home.

Drops or sprays like Diconal Nasal Drops, and Xyloflo Nasal Drops that are sold over the counter can help. Before taking it consult the doctor and don’t take them for a longer time. Therefore, if you have a sinus infection consult the doctor as soon as possible and get treat with the above treatment.

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Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.

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