9 SYMPTOMS OF A SINUS INFECTION & WHAT TO DO

Many people have runny or stuffy noses throughout the year, and they mostly resemble it with a symptom of the common cold and cough. However, a runny nose, along with some other symptoms, may signal a sinus infection. Read on to know the symptoms of a sinus infection and the ways of treating sinus infections.

What are sinuses

The sinuses are a pair of four cavities or spaces in the head connected by narrow channels. These sinuses create thin mucus that is drained out through these channels of the nose. The drainage keeps the nose clean and bacteria-free. The four types of sinuses and their locations are:

1. Ethmoidal sinuses: between the eyes

2. Maxillary sinuses: below the eyes

3. Sphenoidal sinuses: behind the eyes

4. Frontal sinuses: above the eyes

What is a sinus infection (sinusitis)?

Sinus infection is also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis in medicine. It is a condition where the nasal cavities get infected, blocked, or inflamed. Normally, the sinuses are full of air, but sometimes the fluid accumulates and blocks the nose. The blockage causes germs to grow, resulting in a sinus infection.

9 Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

A virus usually causes a sinus infection. That’s why the symptoms often resemble those of a normal cold. Let’s have a look at the 9 symptoms of a sinus infection in detail.

1) Sinus pressure or pain:

One of the most typical symptoms of a sinus infection is facial pain. A sinus infection can cause pain in any of the channels of the sinuses. The sinuses may hurt and feel somewhat pressured due to swelling and inflammation.

The pain and pressure can be felt on the forehead, upper jaw, and teeth, as well as in the area between the eyes and on either side of the nose.

2) Sensitivity on the face:

The pressure that has been accumulated may also make a face sensitive to touch. This typically appears under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose, although it can also affect the forehead and cheeks.

3) Postnasal drip and a stuffy nose:

With a sinus infection, frequent blowing of the nose is required due to nasal discharge. The discharge can be green or yellow. However, when the drainage skips the nose and goes straight down the throat, this is known as a postnasal drip. This can make a person cough both at night and in the morning.

4) Nasal congestion:

The quality of nasal breathing may also be hampered by the infected sinuses. The sinuses and nasal passages enlarge as a result of the infection, causing a feeling of being "blocked." Due to this, it is difficult to smell or taste as usual.

5) Sinus headaches:

Headaches are often experienced due to continuous pressure and swollen sinuses, may get headaches. It can also cause pain in the tooth, jaw, and cheek. Sinus headaches can get worse in the morning because, while sleeping, the fluid accumulates all night.

6) Cough and throat irritation:

A throat irritation may be felt due to the drainage that passes from the nose to the back of the throat. This typically causes a persistent cough that worsens while lying down to sleep or while waking up in the morning.

7) Throat pain and hoarse voice:

As the mucus or drainage drips down the throat, it irritates and inflames the throat, leading to a painful throat and hoarseness in the voice.

8) Fever:

Having a fever while having a sinus infection is not very common. However, some people may experience a drop in body temperature. This is because the body fights the bacteria or virus that is causing the sinus infection.

9) Bad breath (halitosis):

Bad breath, or halitosis, is one of the symptoms of a sinus infection. The mucus that is produced in the infected or inflamed sinuses usually smells bad, resulting in bad breath. The bad-smelling mucus can also pass from the nose to the back of the throat.

Treating sinus infection

Visit a doctor at the earliest upon experiencing any of the above symptoms of a sinus infection. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor will choose the method for treating sinus infections.

1. Not-so-serious sinus infections can be treated with the following:

• Decongestants 

• Over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines

• Nasal saline irrigation

•Consuming liquids

2. The doctor may prescribe the following for treating a sinus infection that lasts longer than 10 days:

• Antibiotics

• Decongestant (oral or topical)

• Nasal decongestant spray (Limit their usage to 3-5 days as they may aggravate congestion.)

3. Long-term sinusitis is treated with the following:

• Intranasal steroid sprays

• Oral pills or topical antihistamine sprays

• Leukotriene antagonists (for reducing swelling and allergy symptoms)

• Using saline solution to rinse the nose along with some medications

Bottomline

It is important to address the symptoms and visit a doctor. The doctor will examine the symptoms and confirm if it is a sinus infection. Upon confirmation, the doctor will give a brief on different ways of treating sinus infections.