Cough, Cold, Sinus Infection

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection (sinusitis) is an inflammation or swelling of tissues lining the sinuses. These air-filled cavities surround the nose. They’re also in the forehead, cheeks and near the eyes.

When your sinuses are clear, mucus drains easily. Mucus cleans out dirt and bacteria. When sinuses become congested or blocked with mucus, their environment stagnates. Here viruses, bacteria or fungi can multiply quickly and develop into sinusitis.

Book an Appointment Now

Causes and Triggers

  • Allergic rhinitis, which is a swelling of the lining inside the nose. This is brought on by the body’s reaction to an allergen.
  • Bacteria can cause sinus infections and be treated by antibiotics
  • The common cold
  • Deviated septum, which is a change in the nasal passage shape that creates a constriction
  • Nasal polyps, which are small growths on the lining inside the nose

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

  • Bad breath: Unpleasant odors despite good oral hygiene
  • Coughing, which may be accompanied by mucus
  • Discolored postnasal drainage
  • Facial pain or a feeling of pressure in the bridge of your nose, cheeks, eyes and/or forehead
  • Fatigue with aching muscles
  • Fever: Body temperature rises to at least 100.4 °F [38 °C].
  • Headaches
  • Loss of the sense of smell
  • Nasal congestion or blockage
  • Runny nose with a thick green or yellow discharge
  • Tooth pain: Sinus pressure may make your teeth and gums ache

How are sinus infections and congestion treated?

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacterial infection. If you have allergies, taking an antihistamine may be recommended. Home treatment can include the remedies listed below:

  • Lots of rest: Helps your body recover and use its energy to fight the infection. Resting at home helps prevent the spread of germs to other people.
  • Nasal irrigation with a neti pot: This small container with a spout can help clear congestion and promote recovery. To prevent a serious infection when irrigating your sinuses, use only distilled or previously boiled water.
  • Plenty of water and fluids: Drink them to stay well hydrated, loosen the sinus mucus and clear congestion. Choose fluids such as herbal teas, hot water with lemon, honey and ginger, plain water and vegetable broth.
  • Saline nose drops, decongestant drops and sprays: These can help clear blockages. Follow package directions and do not exceed the recommended maximum duration.
  • Tylenol (acetaminophen): Can help bring down a fever
  • Warm compresses: Put these on your face to ease pain and relieve pressure from blocked sinuses
  • Warm humid air: Use a room vaporizer, or inhale steam from a pan filled with warm water. These can loosen mucus and reduce congestion.

How can sinus infections and congestion be prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent sinusitis, but following these recommendations can help:

  • Do not smoke and avoid other people’s second-hand smoke
  • Keep away from known allergens
  • Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

If left untreated, what are the possible side effects of sinus infection?

If left untreated, you may continue to experience pain and discomfort until the symptoms end. In rare cases, untreated sinusitis can lead to more severe or chronic conditions.

References used as sources for this page

  1. What Is Sinusitis https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection. (Accessed: 16th August 2019)
  2. How to treat a sinus infection? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324743.php. (Accessed: 16th August 2019)
  3. Sinus Infection https://acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection. (Accessed: 17th August 2019)
Book an Appointment Now