Recognizing a Sinus Infection

Do you have a cold that just won’t go away? And decongestants don’t seem to work anymore? If so, ask yourself how long you have been suffering from the cold that would not go away. If it has been more than two weeks already, then you might already be suffering from a sinus infection.

But do not fret over the mistake. Lots of people often have mistaken sinusitis for allergies or migraine or even a common cold. This is because of its similar symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing or watery eyes. To give you an idea of what sinusitis is all about, let’s discuss what sinusitis is and how can it be recognized.

Sinusitis generally means that your sinus cavities behind the nose and eyes are infected and swollen. It is one of the most common health conditions in the world, affecting as many as 37 million people in the United States alone.

The more common type is acute sinusitis, wherein the infection develops quickly and lasts for a short time. It signs and symptoms often include the following:
1. Nasal discharge with green or yellow mucus
2. Nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through the nose
3. Facial pain
4. Toothache
5. Reduced sense of smell and taste
6. Coughing especially at night
7. Sore throat and bad breath
8. Fever and nausea

If the sinusitis is persistent, it is termed as chronic sinusitis. Its symptoms can last for several months or longer. The signs and symptoms are often similar to acute sinusitis except that they last longer or keep coming back. Unlike acute sinusitis, fever isn’t a sign of chronic sinusitis. However, it often causes more fatigue to the patient.

When dealing with sinusitis, it is advisable to consult your doctor for proper treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria. Decongestants are helpful in reducing the swelling of the mucus membranes in the nose. Analgesics can be taken to relieve pain, while mucolytics are prescribed to get rid of excessive mucus. Finally, corticosteroids, commonly used in nasal sprays, can reduce the inflammation of the nasal cavities.

For faster recovery and prevention, below are some home treatment methods that you can easily follow on taking care of your sinuses:
1. Get plenty of rest. When lying down, elevate your head to approximately six inches to allow your sinuses to drain more readily. You can also try lying on your side so that you can breathe easily.
2. Drink lots of liquids, such as juices, tea, and soups, to avoid dehydration. Avoid alcohol as it can cause more swelling in the sinus.
3. To relieve pressure on you sinuses, try applying hot compress to you face. This is also helpful in opening up your nasal passages.
4. Rinse your nasal passages with saltwater nasal washes to keep the passages open and wash out mucus and bacteria.
5. Stop smoking as it irritates the inflamed mucus membranes.
6. Consider using a humidifier at home to keep moisture in the air.
7. Try steam treatment to help your body get rid of phlegm.
8. Exercise regularly.

Do not be afraid to consult a professional. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and learn more on how you can beat sinusitis.

More sinusitis infection information like sinus infection signs symptoms can be found at Sinusitis – Sinus Dynamic.