Sinus infections or sinusitis are incredibly common and often cause headaches. They can also present symptoms such as nasal discharge, fever, and sore throat. These infections can vary in severity and can recur several times every year.
Causes of Sinus Infection
Sinusitis can develop because of either bacteria or viruses, but fungi can also cause it. While it is common, some people are at a higher risk of developing this infection. These include those who have asthma, nasal congestion from an allergy or cold, weak immune system, and nasal polyps or deformity.
Common Symptoms of Sinusitis
Acute and chronic sinusitis can present the same symptoms. You should see your doctor to know if you have an infection, determine the cause, and get the proper treatment for sinusitis in Marrero. These symptoms include the following:
- Sinus pain. A sinus infection can have any of your sinuses hurting because of inflammation and swelling. Also, you may feel pain in your forehead and the side of your nose, which may lead to a headache.
- Nasal discharge. A sinus infection may force you to blow your nose frequently due to nasal discharge. This discharge may cause you to cough in the evening while you lie down to sleep.
- Nasal congestion. A sinus infection can cause swelling and inflammation in both your sinuses and nasal passages. As a result, you may have difficulty breathing through your nose. Also, you might not be able to smell or taste as usual because of nasal congestion.
- Throat irritation and cough. When the nasal discharge drains down the back part of your throat, you can experience irritation, resulting in persistent coughing. This coughing can get worse when you lie down to sleep.
- Sore throat. With a postnasal drip, you can suffer from an aching throat. If your sinus infection lasts for weeks, you can have a painful sore throat as the mucus can irritate and inflame your throat.
When to See a Doctor
If your sinusitis is accompanied by fever, congestion, nasal discharge, or facial pain that lasts more than ten days or tends to recur, you must see your doctor. A fever indicates that you have a chronic infection, which an underlying condition could cause. This infection requires special treatment.
Treatment for Sinus Infections
Treating sinusitis includes the following options:
- Taking over-the-counter medicines. Using a nasal decongestant spray can help alleviate the symptoms of sinus infection. However, the spray should be used in less than four days. Using the spray for a long time can lead to nasal congestion. Also, you can take over-the-counter medications with antihistamines and decongestants to treat sinus infections.
- Consider nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation can work in both acute and chronic sinus infections. You can use over-the-counter premixed solutions or purchase distilled water to do this.
- Antibiotics. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin are used for treating acute sinusitis that does not go away with nasal steroid sprays, sinus irrigation, and pain medications. Make sure to speak with your doctor before you try to take antibiotics for your sinusitis.
