Sinusitis is the inflammation of your sinuses, causing stuffy or runny nose, fever, facial pain, etc. The American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery reveals that over 37 million Americans have at least one sinusitis episode yearly. While it is often caused by the common cold, viruses and bacteria can also cause it. Sinusitis is a common condition that usually does not require medical intervention. Still, it may lead to life-threatening infections if the bacteria or fungi spread to your eyes, nearby bones, or brain. So, diagnosing and treating it earlier is important, reducing the risk of complications.
This blog discusses the causes and symptoms of sinus and how to treat them effectively, improving your health and wellness.
Understanding Sinus Infection
Sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses (structures inside the face filled with air) are inflamed and swollen. Viral or bacterial infections or allergies can irritate the sinuses, causing fluid accumulation that leads to nasal congestion, pressure, and pain in the face.
Types of Sinus Infection
Sinusitis is classified into four types depending on the causes and length of the infection, including:
- Acute Sinusitis: This condition is caused by a bacterial infection, cold, or other respiratory illness lasting over a month.
- Subacute Sinusitis: It persists for one to three months.
- Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: If an acute sinus infection recurs four or more times a year, with each episode lasting a week or more, it is considered recurrent.
- Chronic Sinusitis: It is often caused by bacteria and lasts over three months or continues to recur.
Causes of Sinus
- Common Cold: A cold can cause swelling in the sinuses, preventing the flow of mucus, thus resulting in sinus infections.
- Flu (Influenza): If left untreated, the flu can cause inflammation and swelling in the sinuses, leading to congestion and other sinus problems.
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria can cause pneumonia, which can lead to sinus problems. Pneumonia can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the sinuses, leading to congestion and other sinus symptoms.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can also cause pneumonia, causing sinus. Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can inflame the sinuses, causing the fluid to build up. This results in sinus infections.
- Moraxella Catarrhalis Bacteria: Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria can cause middle ear infections, leading to sinus problems. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause stuffy nose, fever, and other symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Sinus
- Congestion and Discharge from the Nose: The inflamed sinuses and nasal passages can cause congestion. This leads to a stuffy voice and nasal discharge that appears yellow, cloudy, green, or pink-dyed with blood.
- Pressure and Pain in the Face: The sinuses behind your nose and above and below your eyes can cause pain across your face, including your forehead, upper teeth and jaws, both sides of your nose, and between your eyes.
- Migraine: If inflammation and swelling in your sinuses persist for a few days, it can cause headaches, which can be worse when moving your head, after lying down, and when barometric pressure changes.
- Taste or Scent Loss: Persistent inflammation and congestion in the sinuses can cause loss of smell and taste, making your foods less enjoyable.
- Coughing and Discomfort of the Throat: Discharge from nasal congestion that runs to the back of your throat can irritate it, causing postnasal drip with symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, and coughing at night and in the morning.
Treatment of Sinus
Depending on the causes and severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend any of the following treatment options for sinusitis:
- Saline Nasal Spray: This involves spraying salt water inside the nose several times daily to rinse your nostrils.
- Nasal Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid nasal sprays (fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, and beclomethasone) help treat and prevent inflammation.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed to treat the bacterial sinus infection that lasts for over ten or more days or the symptoms that seem to improve or worsen within ten days.
Final Thoughts
Though sinusitis causes bothersome symptoms, they may often subside independently without medical assistance. However, severe cases, like those caused by bacterial infections, may require medical intervention. So, looking out for the signs and getting timely intervention is crucial to restoring your sinuses. Delaying treatment can lead to more complications and prolonged suffering. If you think you might have sinusitis, consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Struggling with Sinusitis? Find Fast Relief at Metro Urgent Care
At Metro Urgent Care, we understand how frustrating and uncomfortable sinusitis can be. That is why we are here to help.
Our experienced healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing top-quality care and treatment for sinusitis. We use the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and treat sinusitis, optimizing your health and well-being. Contact us today to breathe easier and feel better faster.
