Sinus infection or Sinusitis appears when the nasal passages become infected, inflamed, and swollen.
Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often persists after other upper respiratory tract symptoms have disappeared. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungi, can cause sinus infections.
There are many Symptoms of Sinus Infection in the following. We have discussed them in detail.
Symptoms of Sinus Infection
Sinus pain:
Pain is a common symptom of Sinusitis. You can consult an ENT Specialist in Karachi if you, too, are experiencing such kind of pain.
There are several sinuses above and below the eyes and behind the nose. Any of these can be hurt when you have a sinus infection.
Inflammation and swelling cause the sinuses painful with a dull pressure.
You may feel pain on:
- Your forehead
- Both sides of your nose
- Between your upper jaw and teeth
- Between your eyes
- It can cause headaches
Nasal Discharge:
You may need to blow your nose regularly with a sinus infection as the runny nose may become cloudy, green, or yellow. This secretion exits the infected sinuses and flows into the nasal passages.
The secretions can also bypass the nose and run down to the back of the throat. This is called post-nasal drip, and you may cough when you go to bed at night or after waking up in the morning. Your throat may tingle, itchy, or hurt. Also, your voice may be faint.
Nasal congestion:
Inflamed sinuses can also limit the way you breathe through your nose. The infection causes swelling of the sinuses and nasal passages. You will not smell or taste as usual because of a stuffy nose. Your voice may sound “loaded.”
Sinus headache:
Constant pressure and swelling of the sinuses can cause symptoms of headache.
Sinus pain can also cause ear pain, toothache, and jaw and cheek pain.
Sinus headaches usually get worse in the morning. This is due to the accumulation of water throughout the night. Sudden changes in air pressure in your area can exacerbate your headache.
Throat irritation and cough:
If sinus secretions flow deep into the throat, they can irritate, especially for long periods. This can cause a constant and annoying cough, exacerbated at bedtime or in the morning.
There is also sleep difficulty. You can reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing by sleeping upright or with your head raised.
Sore throat and hoarseness:
Nose drips can hurt your throat raw. It can start as tickling without annoyance, but it can get worse. If the infection remains for more than a few weeks, the mucus irritates the throat and becomes inflamed while dripping, leading to sore throat and hoarseness.
Consult an ENT Specialist in Karachi if you have a fever, runny nose, stuffy nose, or facial pain that lasts for more than ten days or continues to recur.
Chronic or Acute Sinusitis
Acute Sinusitis is short-lived and lasts for less than four weeks. Acute infections are usually part of the common cold and other respiratory illnesses.
Chronic sinus infections last or persist for more than 12 weeks. Experts agree that the main criteria for Sinusitis include facial pain, infected runny nose, and congestion. The symptoms of many sinus infections are common in both acute and chronic forms. The excellent way to find out if you are infected, find the cause, and get treatment is to see a doctor.
Causes
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated nasal septum
- Other medical conditions, such as HIV and other immune system-related disorders
- Respiratory tract infections
- Allergies such as hay fever
Preventive Measures
- Use a humidifier
- Prevent upper respiratory infections
- Control your allergies
- Avoid polluted air and cigarette smoke
Treatment
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Injected or oral corticosteroids
- Saline nasal irrigation
- Allergy medications
- Aspirin desensitization treatment
- Antifungal treatment
- Medicines for chronic Sinusitis and nasal polyps
- Antibiotics
- Immunotherapy
- Surgery
Who to consult?
If you are having minor symptoms of a sinus infection, you can treat it with home remedies. But if the symptoms don’t disappear or go and come, you should immediately consult a specialist.
You can have a consultation with one of the best ENT Specialists through Marham. Marham is the best online platform giving you easy access to the best doctors in your area.
FAQs:
What is the fastest way to treat Sinusitis?
- Get medical treatment
- Rinse the sinuses
- Use OTC medicated nasal drops
- Use Steam
- Drinking water
- Get enough rest
- Take Vitamin C
What kills sinus infections?
Common antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cefdinir can stop the growth of bacteria or kill them to resolve sinus infections.
How do sinus infections occur?
It occurs when the air-filled sac (sinuses) of the face accumulates fluid and bacteria multiply. Viruses and bacteria both can cause most sinus infections.
Will sinus infections recover spontaneously?
It mostly disappears spontaneously in a few weeks. However, if it takes a long time, medicine can help.