A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is a condition involving the inflammation of the sinuses. Sinuses are nasal passages or bony, air-filled cavities inside your face and skull. They are responsible for producing mucus and preventing foreign particles and bacteria from entering your body through the nose.
When a sinus infection occurs, your sinuses may swell up, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, mucus buildup, which may interfere with your daily activities. Getting early treatments may help alleviate your symptoms. If you are looking to treat sinus infection in Gilbert, contact the experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD for professional help.
What are the symptoms of sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs due to inflammation or the infection of your nasal passages. The common symptoms of a sinus infection include;
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Thick green or dark yellow nasal discharge
- Facial pain and pressure
- Tooth pain
- Headache
- Bad breath
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Swelling of the sinuses
- Reduced smell ability
- Chills
The condition typically starts as a common cold with almost similar symptoms. However, when the symptoms are longer than usual for a cold to heal, your doctor may diagnose it as a sinus infection.
A sinus infection occurs as acute or chronic. Acute sinus infection can last for at least four weeks, while chronic sinusitis stays for more than 12 weeks.
What causes sinus infections?
A sinus infection occurs due to the irritation of the nasal cavity by a bacteria, virus, or fungus, causing the swelling and blocking of the sinuses. Some of the causes of sinusitis include;
- Nasal allergies
- Common cold
- Polyps
- Nasal deformities such as a deviated septum
- A weak immune system
Infants and children are usually at a higher risk of getting a sinus infection, especially when exposed to cold environments. In addition, smoking adults also have an increased risk of sinus infections.
Diagnosis of sinus infection
During your appointment at the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD, your provider conducts a physical exam and conducts allergy testing. Your provider may also perform a nasal endoscopy, among other tests, including MRI and CT scans, to get an accurate diagnosis.
Sinus infection treatments
At Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates LTD, the experienced team provides several customized treatments for acute and chronic sinusitis.
Your provider may recommend the following to treat acute sinusitis:
- Decongestants
- Taking a lot of fluids
- Nasal saline rinses
- Over-the-counter medications for cold and allergy
- Rest
If the symptoms persist and don’t improve after ten days, your provider may prescribe
- Antibiotics
- Prescription intranasal steroid sprays
- Oral decongestants
For chronic sinusitis, your provider focuses on treating the cause of your sinus infection, which may include
- Making some environmental changes
- Allergy shots
- Avoiding triggers
- Topical antihistamine sprays and pills
- Antifungal drug
For some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct some structural problems affecting your sinuses.
Though rare, when a sinus infection is left untreated, it can cause health complications such as meningitis, eye, or brain infection.
Talk to a sinus infection specialist today
Sinus infection may disrupt your daily routine, affecting your performance or work output. Finding early treatment may help prevent complications and ease your symptoms faster. Consult Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD offices for effective sinus infection treatments.