If you are experiencing pain and pressure in your facial area and finding it difficult to breathe through your nose. In that case, you may be suffering from sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection. It is a condition that affects a significant proportion of adults every year. Unlike the common cold, a viral infection that affects the nose and throat, sinusitis is limited to the nasal area. A fungal, viral, or bacterial infection can all cause sinusitis. If you suspect you may be suffering from sinusitis, knowing the appropriate time to seek medical attention is crucial. This article will provide comprehensive information on the condition, including when to seek medical care.
Things to Know About Sinusitis
Sinusitis is not the same as a cold, but a cold can cause it. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones inside your face, lined with tiny hairs and mucus that collect allergens, bacteria, and dust and drain out through your nose. If a cold causes inflammation, mucus can’t drain, and sinusitis can develop, which may be viral or bacterial. Sinusitis is the inflammation and swelling of the lining of the sinuses, leading to obstruction and an accumulation of mucus. Allergies, nasal polyps, infections, a weakened immune system, certain medications, or illnesses can cause it.
Sinusitis can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms of sinusitis can include:
• Nasal and Postnasal drainage
• Facial or jaw pain
• Nasal congestion or obstruction
• Ear pressure and pain
• Headache
• Cough
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Diminished taste and smell
Sinus infection symptoms differ from cold symptoms, and the progression of symptoms distinguishes between the two. Typically, sinus infections begin as a cold, and symptoms usually clear up in 7-10 days. However, if the symptoms persist, it might indicate a bacterial infection. Cold symptoms typically improve in a week or two, but it can lead to a sinus infection that lasts longer without treatment. Colds can also affect other areas of the body besides the nose.
The symptoms of bacterial sinusitis include:
• 102 degrees fever or higher
• Nasal or postnasal drainage looks very thick and discolored, resembling pus
• Experiencing a temporary improvement in the condition, only to subsequently relapse and feel worse than before.
Chronic sinusitis
Acute sinus infections follow a cold and last less than four weeks, caused by bacteria. Chronic sinusitis lasts over 12 weeks despite treatment caused by illness, allergies, fungus, immune system deficiency, or nasal problems.
Contagious sinus infections
Sinus infections can be contagious. Chronic sinusitis is usually not infectious, but viral sinus infections can be. To avoid spreading the virus, dispose of used tissues and frequently wash your hands.
Can Sinusitis Be Treated at Home?
There are a variety of home remedies and over-the-counter treatments that can relieve sinus pressure. Initial treatments for sinus infections include nasal sprays, sinus irrigations, and decongestants. It is noteworthy that up to seventy percent of individuals suffering from acute sinusitis recover without the need for prescribed medications. Other treatment options that may prove beneficial include:
• A sinus saline rinse
• Over-the-counter pain relievers for individuals above the age of eighteen
• Adequate rest
• Hydration
• Decongestant nose sprays and drops are available over the counter but should not be used for more than three days. Prolonged usage may lead to dependency and a rebound congestion effect, where the nose feels even more congested once the usage ceases.
In addition to the above, it is possible to relieve sinus inflammation by applying a warm, damp cloth to the face or inhaling steam over the sink or in the shower multiple times daily.
When performing a sinus rinse with a bulb syringe, saline rinse bottle, or neti pot, we recommend using a pre-made salt packet or homemade saline solution instead of plain water. If preparing the solution at home, only use distilled water or water that was boiled and allowed to cool to prevent further aggravation of sinus problems caused by organisms present in tap water.
A mixture of three teaspoons of canning or pickling salt without iodide, anti-caking agents, or preservatives and one teaspoon of baking soda added to one cup of lukewarm sterile water. Children should use a half-teaspoon with four ounces of water.
It is also important to clean the nasal irrigation system after each usage to minimize the risk of infection.
What Else to Know?
• Sinusitis may require medical assistance.
• See a doctor for sinus infections if you have severe symptoms lasting over ten days, if they impact your quality of life, and if they don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments.
• You might not need antibiotics, but for acute sinusitis due to an infection, antibiotics can help decrease symptoms’ length and impact.
• If a sinus infection lasts more than one to two weeks, it is more likely to be a bacterial infection, so antibiotics or oral steroids may need to be prescribed. It is important to note that severe sinus infections that do not improve with antibiotic treatment may need to be treated with surgery. In any case, it is vital to consult with your doctor regarding the treatment of any severe condition.