Symptoms of sinus infections are often confused with those of a common cold. They are more persistent than the symptoms of common cold and can take longer to get cured. Although sinus infections are not caused due to a common cold, it can sometimes be a foundation for sinus infections.
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
The most common symptoms of sinus are as follows
- There is a pressure of the sinuses that is felt at the back of the eyes and cheeks. Infection of the eye socket is possible. This may be followed by loss of sight. There may be incidental fever as well as severe illness. The pain worsens when the person is bending over or lying down.
- A runny nose could persist for longer than a week.
- A headache that is worsening or a toothache might occur. There may be an infection in the forehead bones known as osteomyelitis along with other bones of the face.
- Fever, bad breath, and cough are clear sinus allergy signs.
- Problems with the middle ear may arise as well. With the nasal passages being congested, there is a possibility of infections that might occur in the middle ear. This is accompanied by dizziness as well as a sense of vibration and a heavy feeling in the head.
- There is secretion of yellowish-green mucus from your nose and there may be blood or pus in it.
- Fatigue that is not usually faced.
- A reduced sense of smell.
Sinus Infections as per their Location
The types of paranasal sinuses can be pairs of frontal, maxillary, ethmoidal as well as sphenoidal. There is a further subdivision of the ethmoidal sinuses into posterior as well as anterior sinuses. The maxillary sinuses cause pressure and pain in the maxilla or cheek.
This results in headaches or toothaches. Frontal sinuses affect the cavity which can be found above the eyes. There are headaches, especially in the forehead area. As far as the ethmoidal sinus is concerned, pressure or pain is experienced either between or behind the eyes as well as both sides of the upper area of the nose, which is also known as the medial canthi.
With regard to the sphenoidal sinuses, the eyes experience pressure and pain at the back. Usually, the top section of the head or the skull vertex, and the back side of the head or the mastoid process are usually referred to as the sphenoidal sinus.
Types of Sinusitis
The chronological classification of sinusitis is as follows:
- Acute rhinosinusitis
It might take up to four weeks for this infection to alleviate. It may be split into two categories according to symptoms, which are severe and nonsevere. - Recurrent acute rhinosinusitis
The infection is classified as recurrent acute rhinosinusitis when there are four or more occurrences of acute rhinosinusitis in a single year. - Subacute rhinosinusitis
When the duration of the infection is between 4 and 12 weeks, it is described as the transition period from acute to chronic. - Chronic rhinosinusitis
Persistence of the signs and symptoms over 12 weeks indicates this stage. - Acute aggravation of chronic rhinosinusitis
Worsening of signs or symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis which return to normal chronic rhinosinusitis after treatment.
Causes of a Sinus Infection
Sinus infection is caused mostly by viruses, bacteria, chemical pollutants in the environment, or fungi. When fungi from the air cause a sinus infection, it is called allergic fungal sinusitis.
The possibility of having sinusitis are increased in cases of people with a history of respiratory tract infection, the presence of nasal polyps, a weak immune system due to previous ailments, allergic reaction to dust or pollen as well as structural problems such as a deviated septum.
Treatment of a Sinus Infection
Sinus infections are normally treated with a course of antibiotics or they sometimes abate on their own. Along with antibiotics like amoxicillin, sinus irrigation can also be carried out. The other ways to reduce the discomfort can be carried out by steroids, over-the-counter mucus thinners or decongestants. If the course of antibiotics is ineffective, then it is advisable to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
The people at a higher risk are those who are smokers or those who have allergies. If not treated in time, these symptoms can become chronic. In extreme cases when antibiotics and other modes of treatment are ineffective, you may have to undergo sinus surgery.
Normally, the physician would enlarge the swollen and inflamed pores of your sinus and get them to drain, thereby helping to ease your breathing. Regular washing of hands, abstaining from smoking as well as immunization can prevent the occurrence of a sinus infection. Closely monitoring the condition is recommended during the early stages of acute rhinosinusitis.
The mode of treatment varies according to the type of indication. If it is a viral infection, you can wait and watch. For bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics are used. If there are allergies, then antihistamines are used.
