Sinus infection is also known as sinusitis. It is a swelling of the tissue lining of sinuses. It is a swelling that comes as an infection from viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Considering the normal cases, the sinuses are filled with air, and when they fill with fluid and a variety of germs, there is a certain infection that can result in the meantime.
Common causes of Sinus Infection
- Nasal polyps or the small growths in the nasal lining.
- Allergic rhinitis or the swelling of the nasal lining.
- Common cold.
- Shifting of the Nasal cavity or deviated septum.
What are the types of sinus infection?
- Acute sinusitis- occurs with cold-related symptoms, and they tend to stay for a while such as stuffy or a runny nose along with facial pains even after the 14th day of cold. In some cases, the sinus infection can last for about four months also.
- Chronic sinusitis- it occurs with swollen sinuses and its symptoms for 8 or more weeks.
- Sub-acute sinusitis- this is the type of sinuses where the inflammation lasts for about 4-8 weeks.
- Recurrent sinus infection- this is when a person gets sinus attacks now and then within a year.
What are the risk factors related to a sinus infection?
Some of these conditions are known to generate the chances of developing the infections in an individual. These conditions are typical which include:
- Nasal polyps.
- Nasal mucous along with inflamed membrane because of common cold.
- Conditions of Immune deficiency.
- Narrow or completely blocked drainage gut.
It is seen that more than adults, children have a greater tendency to develop this sort of infection because of allergies, illnesses, pacifiers, or a common cold. In adults, it is seen that the regular smokers have a large risk of developing these infections as compared to a non-smoker.
Common signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of Sinus Infection
Symptoms for acute infections:
- Fever.
- Reduced sense of smell and taste.
- Facial pains or pressure.
- Nasal discharge or nasal stiffness.
- Bad breath.
- Congestion or a cough.
- Fatigue.
While diagnosing the sinus infection, your doctor will probably check for any two or three symptoms along with the presence of thick, green, or yellow discharge and only then prescribe you the sinus infection medication.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis
- Severe headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Foul breath.
- Facial muscle pain.
- Nasal obstruction.
- Discharge from nose.
- Discoloured nasal drainage.
- Pus formed in the nasal cavity.
- Fever.
A brief physical examination by the doctor is important for diagnosing the entire infection and prescribing the sinus infection medication. This could encompass the pressing and feeling of your sinuses for tenderness. Examining your teeth for paranasal sinus swellings is also essential. Diagnosis also includes a test for allergies, and blood tests, etc. To prevent sinus infections, it is imperative for you that you obtain healthy handling of the surfaces to eliminate or lessen the inhalation of contaminated air. You also need to visit the doctor frequently to make sure that you get the right idea and sinus infection medication to recover from sinus infections.