Sinus Infection: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
According to the estimates of wrongdiagnostics.com, Sinusitis, also known sinus infection is a common disease in the US. It is estimated that almost 37 million cases are reported annually in the USA alone. While the condition is not fatal, it can cause various respiratory problems.
A sinus infection (sinusitis) is a medical condition caused by a virus but, at times, even bacteria and fungi may lead to this infection. The infection is triggered by excessive growth of harmful viruses and bacteria that the body's immune system cannot fight against. Soon it leads to inflammation of the sinuses which is accompanied by congestion and cough, formation of phlegm and facial pain.
Causes and Types of Sinus Infection
Sinus infection is categorized into two major types based on the period of prolonged infection. They are explained as the follows:
Acute sinus infection - This type of sinus stays for less than 20 days to one month. A patient suffering from acute infection can recover all by himself. Chronic sinus infection - This type of infection is stays for over a month. During all this period the patient is on medication still the problem persists.
Other than this, they may be classified into subtypes known as sub-acute or recurrent but they are difficult to decipher due to minor differences and blurring lines of distinctions.
Experts from medical fraternity recognize that sinus can be caused by viruses. Acute sinusitis is accompanied by common cold. Influenza viruses being the root cause for the same. Some of the common influenza viruses are Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Influenza and Parainfluenza virus. On the other hand, common bacteria that cause it are Streptococcus pneumonia, also responsible for pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis. In case of chronic disease, factors such as asthma and other allergies add to the existing list of causes.
Symptoms of Sinus Infection
Symptoms of sinusitis consist of the following:
Headache which may become worse once a patient bends over or lies down. Feeling of acute pain/ pressure around the facial area especially eyes Green or yellow discharge of phlegm from nasal cavity Swelling and inflammation around nose and eyes
Treatment for Sinus Infection
Even prior to the treatment of the dieses, one may observe certain precautions so that he does not get affected. It includes changes in lifestyle such as quit smoking along with regular and periodic checks for hay fever and allergic rhinitis. It also includes avoiding exposure to areas prone to infections. Having hygienic practices like sanitizing hands also help.
One can also get rid of sinusitis by clearing his nasal congestion by use of a humidifier or a nasal spray. It helps in moistening of phlegm and facilitates easy breathing. Nasal sprays also reduce inflammation and relieves the patient of his pain.
Treating a Sinus Infection with medicines:
Some different options for treating sinusitis include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs cause pain relief and/or fever. Use of a saline spray to maintain moisture and avoid internal bruising of nasal cavity Decongestants spray to reduce congestion. Use of medications for influenza and common cold Pain relievers and sedatives to reduce the sensation in facial areas.
In all other cases, antibiotics are referred to stop the growth of bacteria within the body. They help the immunity system and prevent formation of cysts that can further deteriorate the medical condition of the patient. In case the medications do not work, the last option is a surgery which involves manually opening up of the blocked sinuses. It is a normal procedure which does not have any risk of loss of life.
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