Sinus Infection
Sinus infection means infection of the layer lining the sinuses in skull. The tissue covering these sinuses, when get infected by a virus, bacteria or a fungi, can result in sinus infection.
The term sinusitis means inflammation of the sinus cavity lining tissue. However the term is used in conjunction with sinus infection (debatable) of paranasal sinuses.
What is a sinus
A sinus means a hollow cavity in our skull. There are four of them and their lining tissue secreted fluid constantly. However this secreted fluid is in acceptable amounts and is removed from the sinuses constantly too.
They have many functions in the skull including keeping it lighter, shape and for resonance of sound.
What is a sinus infection
In case of any blockage, the fluid might accumulate in them. This may get it filled with fluid and harmful germs like bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Causes of sinus infection
Common causes of sinus infection include anything which might block the sinus cavities opening, such as:
- common cold
- allergic rhinitis
- nasal polyps
- deviated nasal septum
Types of sinusitis
There are three types of sinusitis:
- Acute sinusitis: sudden onset sinusitis, including symptoms of runny or stuffy nose, facial pain and cold like symptoms. Acute sinusitis lasts for almost 4 weeks or less.
- Subacute sinusitis: it’s the sinusitis for more than 4 week, upto 8 weeks, with similar symptoms as the acute sinusitis.
- Chronic sinusitis: The sinus inflammation lasting for 8 or more weeks is called chronic sinusitis.
- Recurrent sinusitis: This term refers to multiple sinusitis attaks per year.
Symptoms of sinus infection
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal stiffness
- Nasal discharge (green or yellow)
- Loss of smell
- cough
Symptoms of sinus infection might also include:
- fever
- fatigue
- toothache
Toothache and fever means that infection needs to be managed seriously now. However, the sinus infection should be treated seriously in its initial stage too, as the blockage in sinuses can lead to increase in infection very easily.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Although similar to acute variety, the chronic sinusitis has more severe symptoms, such as:
- nasal blockage
- pus in nasal cavity
- fever
- nasal discharge
- facial congestion
- headache
- dental pain
Infection has to be treated to stop the progress of the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Diagnosing sinus infection
The doctor will have a detailed history and physical examination to come to the diagnosis. Investigations to confirm sinusitis might be performed too such as X-ray, nasal endoscopy, CT-scan, blood tests, etc. in some cases.
Treatment of Sinus Infection
Treatment of sinusitis include is
Treatment of acute sinusitis
For treatment of sinusitis if it’s acute, the physician may suggest decongestants and steam inhalations. However don’t use them or at least don’t over use them without the prescription of the qualified physician. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics too if the infection needs them. Most of the issues can be solved by merely simple medication or remedies too though.
Treatment of chronic sinusitis
For the treatment of sinus infection once it has got chronic, then better care is needed. Avoiding cold is one of the main aims to prevent aggravation of the condition. Warm moist air or vaporizer steam from pan of boiling water may help. Make sure that the water is taken off from the heat source.
Saline nose drops are considered safe as a home remedy for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. Nasal decongestant drops and sprays help in the condition too but should be used only on doctors (ent) prescription, and only up to the duration he recommends. Antibiotic and oral steroids are also prescribed sometimes for the treatment of chronic sinus infection.