Sinus Infection Symptoms & Treatment

A sinus infection usually occurs when the nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. It is also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis. It can develop due to fluid buildup in the sinuses, which allows bacteria and other microorganisms to grow.  It is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria or fungi may cause a sinus infection. 

The treatment option for sinus infection depends on  the severity of the symptoms.

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

Some common symptoms of sinus infection include:

• Nasal Congestion: A blocked feeling could be caused by swelling in your sinuses and nasal passages. You probably won’t be able to smell or taste due to nasal congestion.
• Sinus headaches: If your sinuses are swollen, and under constant pressure, then you can experience headaches. It may get worse after lying down when the barometric pressure varies when you move your head.
• Tenderness in the face: It is a common symptom of sinus infection. You can feel tenderness on the bridge of the nose, under the eyes, on the forehead, and on the cheeks.
• Runny nose and postnasal drip: The nasal discharge may appear yellow, green, cloudy, and pink-tinged with blood due to frequent blowing.
• Discharge: Nasal discharge is a common symptom of sinus infection. It can also cause coughing during the night or in the morning after getting up, hoarseness, tickle in the throat, and sore throat.
• Throat irritation and cough: Postnasal drip can lead to irritation and can cause a persistent cough. Getting out of bed or lying down to sleep can make it worse. It can also make sleeping difficult.
• Sore throat and hoarse voice: Mucus can irritate your throat as it drips, resulting in a sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make it worse.
• Fever: In some rare instances, a low-grade fever (100.4 to 103°F) can also occur due to sinusitis.
• Bad breath (halitosis): Infected sinuses can also produce mucus that can smell bad and drip down the throat into the mouth.

Treatment of Sinus Infection

Treatment of sinus infection depends on the severity of the condition. Some of the common treatment options for sinus infection include:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

A healthcare provider usually suggests a nasal decongestant spray, such as oxymetazoline, to help relieve sinus infection symptoms in the short term. A doctor usually recommends using it for three days at a time. Long-term use of these medications can exacerbate the symptoms. The symptoms of nasal congestion can be relieved with steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone without the risk of rebound symptoms from prolonged use. In the case of allergies, OTC antihistamines and decongestants might be helpful for sinus infections. Some common options include Sudafed, cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin). 

Avoid decongestants if you have prostate issues, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and sleep difficulties. You must consult your healthcare provider to understand the best option for you.

Nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation involves flushing out your nostrils. It is beneficial if you have chronic rhinosinusitis and other types of sinus infections. You can practice moving saline solution through nasal passages to clear out mucus and flush out debris and allergens.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)

A healthcare provider usually recommends functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in serious conditions. It is a minimally invasive surgery. During the surgery, a doctor uses nasal endoscopes (thin tubes with lights and lenses) to ease the sinus symptoms without making incisions in or around the nose.

Causes of Sinus Infection

Some of the common risk factors for sinus infection are as follows:

• Nasal allergies
• Cystic fibrosis which leads to the build-up of mucus in the lungs
• Exposure to mold
• Dental infection
• Smoking
• Environmental pollution
• Swelling or growth in the nose
• Nasal polyps
• A weak immune system
• History of allergies
• Respiratory tract infections due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses
• Deviated septum

When to Consult a Doctor?

You must consult a doctor if the symptoms do not improve even after a week of treatment with decongestants and over-the-counter cold medications. Consult your healthcare provider at the earliest if you have the following signs that indicate severe sinus infection:

• Swelling of the forehead
• Blurry vision
• Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)
• Facial pain and pressure
• Stiffness in the neck
• Confusion
• Redness around the eyes
• Fever
• Sinus headache

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, then you must seek treatment help promptly to avoid the chances of complications. 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Before sinus infection treatment, you must ask the following questions to your healthcare provider to have an understanding of the treatment options and risks and complications associated with it:

• What are the treatment options for sinus infections?
• Can I get rid of a sinus infection naturally?
• What food items do I need to eat to treat sinus infections?
• Can I treat a sinus infection at home?
• What is the best medicine for sinus infection?
• What Indian herb is good for sinus infection?
• How long do sinus infections last?
• Is sinus infection a serious problem?
• How can I get rid of my sinus permanently?
• What is a sinus headache?
• Which fruit is good for sinus infection?
• What if a sinus infection is left untreated?
• What is the main reason for sinus infection?
• What are the complications of sinus infection?

How to Prevent Sinus Infection?

Listed below are some steps to prevent the chances of a sinus infection:

• Avoid smoking, it increases the chances of sinus infection.
• Wash your hands properly, especially during cold and flu seasons.
• Regular health checkups for diagnosing and treating allergies.
• Try to avoid pollutants, including second-hand smoke and chemicals.
• Keep your nose moist with nasal saline.
• Try to avoid taking steroids and antibiotics as they can affect the natural good bacteria that live in the sinuses and allow bad bacteria to proliferate. 

• Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system as other illnesses, such as flu, and viral cold, as they can cause a sinus infection to occur.

Conclusion

To conclude, it is essential to identify the symptoms of a sinus infection in order to receive prompt medical attention. If you notice ongoing facial pain, nasal congestion, discharge, and headaches, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, ensuring relief and a speedy recovery.