Last Updated: 24th July, 2022
Sinus infection or sinusitis typically happens when the gaps between the nose and head (called sinuses) that are filled with air become inflamed or swollen. This inflammation may be caused by either viruses or bacteria. A typical infection in which there is inflammation of the cavities around the nasal passages. A cold or allergy may cause acute sinusitis and can recover on its own. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by an infection or the formation and lasts up to eight weeks.
Migraines, facial pain, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion are symptoms. Acute sinusitis typically needs no treatment with pain pills, nasal decongestants and nasal saline rinses, beyond symptomatic relief. Antibiotics may be required for Chronic Sinusitis. Even though sinus infections have infrequently to worry about, so if you need to see a doctor, you need to precisely understand.
What Are Sinuses?
The sinuses are air-filled spaces found in the bones of the head and face. There are four pairs of sinuses. Conventionally, Sinuses are void spaces except for a thin layer of mucus. Experts say that sinus help in humidifying the air we breathe in and the other function is to enhance the voices.
Why These Good Sinuses Go Bad?
When you suffer from a cold or allergy, then the nasal passage becomes swollen, which narrows or even blocks the slight opening of the sinuses. This leads to the production of more often thicker mucus, making it hard to flow out from the sinuses. In the present circumstances, this stagnant mucus forms a good home for viruses, bacteria, and fungi to grow.
Understand The Sinuses
The human body has four pairs of sinuses and over here is how they function:
When you are sound: Each sinus is lined with a membrane that produces mucus. This is a thin, watery fluid that flows freely from the sinuses into the upper part of your nose.
When you have sinusitis: The mucus gets thick and sticky, so it can’t flow into the nose. Fluid builds up in the sinuses, causing pressure and pain.
A Cold Or Sinus Infection? How To Differentiate?
However, the symptoms are similar for both cold and sinus, there are some differences between the conditions which will assist you in gauging which one you suffer.
1) Time duration: This is the first and foremost sign of Sinusitis. The ordinary cold sufferers have a running nose for 1-2 days, followed by the stuffy nose for 2-4 days, after this, people start feeling better. Unlike this, a sinus infection will stay for around seven days or more.
2) Nasal discharge: Another potentially helpful sign of sinusitis is the color of the nasal discharge. A viral infection may produce a colored discharge. However, the bacteria produce greenish or yellow mucus.
3) Sinus headaches: The pressure and swelling in the sinus cause headache. Sinus pain can also lead to dental pain, pain in the jaws and cheek and ear pain.
4) Pain in the sinuses: Pain is an extremely familiar symptom of sinusitis. The inflammation and swelling in the sinus cause a dull pressure, which leads to pain in your forehead, upper jaws and teeth, either side of the nose, or between the eyes. This may gradually trigger a headache.
5) Throat irritation and a cough: The sinus blockage may cause irritation in the throat. This can also lead to a persistent cough, which gets even more annoying when you are lying down to sleep.
How To Feel Better With Sinusitis?
Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics by taking proper self-care measures. Talk to your doctor about the most adequate treatment in your case. Over here are a few tips to relieve you feel better.
- Apply a warm compress on your face to soothe sinus pain.
- Wash your nasal passages with saline rinse daily to clear off any extra mucus and keep the passages moist.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- To loosen up your sinuses, inhale steam or take a proper hot shower.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
- Use a humidifier at home or workplace.
- Receive anti-allergic medicines and decongestants only when prescribed.
