A sinus infection, called sinusitis, occurs when the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed or irritated. Sinus infections can be mild or severe and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Diagnosing the exact cause of the sinus infection helps your doctor form an effective treatment plan. Medications and home remedies may be helpful. The first step toward relief is understanding how the sinuses work and how to help minimize infections when possible.
Identification
Sinuses are air-filled spaces located in the bones of the face. They provide drainage for the nasal cavity. There are four pairs of sinuses, all of which are designed to allow air and mucus to flow out of the nose. The frontal sinuses are located near the eyebrows. The maxillary sinuses are found in each cheekbone. Between the eyes at the level of the bridge of the nose are the ethmoid sinuses. Between the eyes and around the top of the nose are the sphenoid sinuses. The sinuses help to warm and purify inhaled air. They contain a mucus membrane that moistens the inhaled air and then filters out dust, bacteria and other foreign particles. When working properly, the sinuses drain into the throat or nose.
Causes
The sinuses can become temporarily irritated during a cold, but symptoms typically resolve as you recover. However, if the sinuses become inflamed and cause the mucus membrane to become swollen, your sinuses do not drain properly. This allows bacteria to multiply in the sinuses, which can lead to an infection. This reaction to a cold occurs more frequently in those with allergies or compromised immune systems, where the mucus membranes are more susceptible to inflammation. For some people, sinusitis is only short term. For others, the sinus membranes are naturally thicker than normal, which leads to chronic sinusitis. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, more research is needed to understand why some people get chronic sinusitis and others do not.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of sinusitis is facial pain in the area of the affected sinuses. The pain may also radiate to other areas of the face and even into the ears and neck. If the inflammation is severe enough, the pain may be so widespread that it is hard to isolate the affected sinuses. The pain may be accompanied by nasal secretions or post nasal drip (into the throat) that is yellow, green or bloods. Fatigue, a stuffy nose, nighttime cough, sore throat, fever, bad breath, a general sense of not feeling well and decreased sense of smell are other warning signs. If the symptoms are caused by a cold rather then sinusitis, they will usually resolve in 7 to 14 days. Sinusitis tends to last longer and cause more severe symptoms. The American Academy of Otolaryngology reports that acute sinusitis symptoms can last for up to 4 weeks and chronic sinusitis can persist for up to 12 weeks.
Treatment
Before treatment can begin, a doctor will perform a physical exam that includes a review of the history of symptoms. In addition, several tests can be done to help confirm a diagnosis of sinusitis. These include x-rays, blood tests and biopsies. These tests will help to determine if the symptoms are from a cold or nasal congestion or sinusitis. Once a diagnosis is made, medications and home remedies can be tried. Mild cases of sinusitis may resolve on their own without medication. However, some cases require a mix of antibiotics, pain medication and decongestants. Drinking plenty of water, using a warm compress, heating pad or vaporizer can also help to relieve symptoms. Leaning over a pot of steaming water can be substituted if a vaporizer is not available. In severe cases, surgery to improve sinus drainage may be required. Sinusitis symptoms should always be evaluated because in rare cases it can lead to infections of the eye and brain, according to the American Rhinologic Society.
Prevention/Solution
There is no one sure fire way to prevent sinusitis. However, steps can be taken to cut back on the frequency and intensity of attacks. The Harvard Medical School recommends drinking plenty of water every day, along with the daily use of a small squeeze bottle with water or a water and salt mix, to clean and moisten the nasal passages. Avoiding rooms that are dry or using a humidifier at home and work may help. Other tips include keeping the home free of dust, mold and other pollutants, quitting smoking, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke and using proper hand washing techniques to reduce the chances of getting a cold. Sleeping with the head slightly propped up may also help to keep the sinuses from getting blocked.
