Sinus infection can be annoying and truly brutal. That all-too-sudden transition from enjoying your day to becoming a sneezy, watery-eyed mess is really something we could do without.
Sinus infection, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is characterized by prolonged facial pressure, nasal blockage, and discolored, nasal discharge. It is simply an inflammation of the tissue lining the sinus cavities, usually caused by allergies, fungus, virus or bacteria.
Did you know that the sinuses are normally empty except for a thin layer of mucus? Now, sinuses build up when they become inflamed and not able to drain mucus. Luckily, in most cases, they may only require symptomatic relief, not the use antibiotics like we’re used to.
Types of sinus infection
Sinusitis can be caused by an allergen, virus, or bacteria.
- Allergic sinusitis
Allergic sinusitis can lead to chronic sinusitis, inflammation resulting in nasal blockage and swelling of the mucous membranes, affecting normal sinus drainage.
It is often characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy throat. Avoiding allergic triggers, allergy shots and antihistamines are common treatments for allergic sinusitis.
- Viral sinusitis
It is viral sinusitis when you cough, have runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, all at the same time. With viral sinusitis, mucus may be clear or slightly colored.
Most people are not away that antibiotics do not treat viral infections. If sufferers can get as much rest as possible, take more fluids, use over-the-counter pain relievers, and take saline nasal sprays and oral decongestants, they’d be fine in 7-10 days.
- Bacterial sinusitis
It’s advisable to pay attention to the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis which include thick and colored nasal discharge. Other symptoms are inflammation of the nasal passages, post-nasal drip and facial pain.
Prescription antibiotics like amoxicillin can treat bacterial sinus infection. However, it’s best to seek your doctor’s advice. Most people may positively respond to antibiotics, and within 10-14 days, symptoms usually clear up.
- Chronic sinusitis
If subtle symptoms persist for months, then it’s most likely chronic sinusitis. post-nasal drainage, night coughs and nasal congestion are common symptoms. Individuals with nasal polyps more commonly have this type of infection.
For the treatment of chronic sinusitis, consult a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of sinus infection
Sinus infections typically consist of the following symptoms:
- Nasal discharge
Another problem for sinus infection sufferers? Nasal discharge. Yes, those blood-tinged, thick, funny-smelling, colored green or yellow discharge. Since the mucous membrane of the nose and sinuses are attached, this becomes a problem.
That entire urge to frequently blow their nose is caused by the increase in discharge. And the itchy feeling in the throat and foul taste in the mouth are a consequence of the discharge trickles down the throat. This is referred to as a post-nasal drip.
- Facial pain or pressure
The first giveaway that you have sinus infection? Facial pressure or a puffy face. It comes with feeling of pain around the eyes, under the eyes, on the forehead, and around the nose.
Sinusitis pain can also feel like a throbbing headache and worsen when a sufferer bends down or strains their eyes.
- Nasal congestion
Due to the fact that the sinuses are swollen, breathing can prove a bit difficult. It is hard for air to pass through the sinuses and nasal passages because of the inflammation. Now you know why you sometimes lose the sense of taste and smell.
- Cough and sore throat
OK, this one should be a dead giveaway, but if sore throat is one of your main complaints, then “nine times out of ten, it’s most likely to produce cough. At night, the trickle of fluid in the back of the throat can make the cough worse.
Sore throat, hoarse voice and bad breath can also be as a result of post-nasal drip.
The complications of sinus infection
The complications of sinus infection may include meningitis, bone infection, eye infection, changes in vision, brain abscess, thrombosis, light sensitivity, chronic headaches, nuchal rigidity, painful eye movements, seizure, fever, and drooping eyelids.
If you experience any of these potential sinusitis symptoms beyond 10 days must seek immediate medical attention.
Natural remedies to try out
While these remedies may not necessarily make the fall transition any faster, you can arm yourself with them to become sneeze-free.
- Load up on veggies
Eating more antioxidant-rich vegetables will help reduce inflammation and keep your immune system strong.
- Take probiotics
Good bacteria in your gut will boost your immune system and keep your body healthy. Simply take high-quality probiotics and eat probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and yogurt.
- Drink fluids
The truth is when our mucous membranes become dry, they’re more prone to inflammation. Drinking water, herbal teas and fresh juices can support the body’s functions and your immune system, especially during the cold season.
- Wash your hands
It’s important to wash your hands often, especially since we come in contact with germs every minute of our day, from our computer to our phones, to doorknobs and elevator buttons. Can you keep your hands out of your nose, mouth and eyes? Good. That would decrease the likelihood of transferring germs into your body.
- Get quality sleep
You’ve probably heard how we need at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to allow our body to heal itself and function optimally. It is true. To combat sinusitis, try hitting your bed an hour earlier—the result would be amazing!
Reference
Sinus infection: Symptoms, types, and complications–https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307190.php
