Sinus infections are a common part of the aging process for many people. As we age, sinus pressure and inflammation increases, which in turn causes swollen sinus passages to become inflamed. Other possible causes of chronic sinus problems include structural abnormalities of the sinus cavity, allergies, asthma, rhinitis, fungal infections and sometimes viral infections.
Sinus inflammation usually occurs in the upper portion of the face, but it can also affect the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead. There are basically two types of sinus problem: acute and chronic. Acute sinus inflammation is usually self-limiting, or it clears up after a few days. But if it persists beyond a few weeks or if you suffer from recurrent sinus problems then you should see your doctor.
Chronic sinus inflammation can be brought on by allergies, rhinitis, fungal infections, bacterial infections, stress and tooth decay. Other symptoms and signs associated with sinus pain and swelling include: Fatigue, nasal congestion, toothache, facial swelling or puffiness, a yellowish, milky or green discharge from your nose. Chronic sinus inflammation can cause or contribute to difficulty breathing, swelling in the face, head and neck, dizziness, sinus pain and toothache. If these symptoms persist over a long period of time, or get worse, then you probably need to see your doctor.
Acute sinusitis includes symptoms such as pain and tenderness in the upper or lower teeth, tenderness of the face, headache, post-nasal drip, a fever, a feeling of being unwell, muscle pain or numbness, dizziness and a reduced sense of smell. Other symptoms of acute sinus infection may include sore throat, cough, blocked nose, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, swelling in the face, swollen glands, sinus headache, facial pain and stiffness, feeling tired, feeling rundown and feeling irritable. While these are all common signs, the severity of symptoms can vary from one person to another. For more severe signs of acute sinus infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment of sinus problems usually involves the use of an antihistamine medicine and possibly an antibiotic. If the infection is caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever or eczema, the doctor may advise you to use a corticosteroid to reduce your inflammation and to strengthen your immune system. In the case of a bacterial infection or other fungi, the doctor will most likely prescribe an oral anti-fungal drug to treat the infection. As with any disease, it is very important that you seek medical advice at the first sign of a problem so that you can get proper treatment as quickly as possible.
Many people suffer from nasal allergy symptoms. These include runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose and postnasal drip. While these can often be prevented through certain measures, it is not uncommon for them to occur once you have already been ill. One of the most common causes of these types of infections is exposure to household dust mites which can cause an allergic reaction in your body.
If you start to notice any of these common symptoms then you should visit your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis of sinusitis. For simple treatments you will probably be advised to use decongestants or drops in your sleep. For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to fight off the infection and reduce inflammation. While these medicines can ease symptoms of runny nose and stuffy nose they will not cure your sinus condition.
To successfully treat your sinus condition, you need to give your body the right tools to fight back. You need to strengthen your immune system so that your body can fight off the infection permanently. This can take between six to ten days depending on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will most likely give you tablets and ask you to drink plenty of fluids during this time so that your body is well hydrated. This combined with treatment techniques such as nasal sprays can help you reduce your symptoms dramatically within a short period of time.