The sinus is an intricate network of empty channels around our nose. We have these networks on each side of the nose, under the eyes, and around our eyebrows. These empty chambers have multiple functions, some of them filtering the air and warming it up. Still, there are some sinus ways that have mucus on their walls. These are the channels found above the eyes and in between the eyebrows. Due to bacterial or viral infections, the structure can get inflamed, and the mucus changes its composition, giving us the stuffy nose sensation and other symptoms. Here is what you need to know about a sinus infection and how to recognize it.
Causes of sinus infection
Like mentioned before, the sinuses are mainly filled with air, but also with mucus and bacteria that normally live in these conditions. Problems may start to appear when the sinuses get clogged, when air stops flowing, and the humidity and temperature grow, favoring the development of bacteria.
When do these causes happen? When we have a cold or flu, conditions in which the mucus inside our nose modifies its composition, becoming more viscous. In case of allergic rhinitis, because the insides of the nose become swollen. Nasal polyps and a deviated septum can also clog more rapidly than usual, increasing the risks of triggering the sinus infection.
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Acute sinusitis symptoms
The acute sinusitis occurs out of a sudden, usually does not last too long, but the symptoms may be more pregnant than in other types of sinusitis. Everything may start just as usual cold, with a runny and stuffy nose. Also, it will be accompanied by facial pain, more precisely pain in the forehead area and around the eyes, loss of smell and nasal congestion. These symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days. The entire acute sinusitis will be completely gone after 4 weeks, or even less.
Chronic sinusitis symptoms
The chronic sinusitis will come with the same symptoms as in the case of acute sinusitis, but they may be a bit milder and will not start all of a sudden, as it may give some signs before. The only difference is that chronic sinusitis will last longer, starting with 8 weeks and going even longer. Such an extended condition can be bothering, as the breathing is affected and you may experience episodes of facial pain now and then. So, besides the medication, using other methods of diminishing the symptoms, like herbal tea vapors, a humidifier and other alternative ways, may help you surpass the condition easier.
Symptoms of sinus headache
A headache caused by a sinus infection is different from the usual headaches you may experience in everyday life. Thus, you may experience pain or pressure in the area of the cheeks, forehead and brows, where the sinus channels are found. Also, if you lay down or bend forward, the pain you feel may get even worse. The headache will be accompanied by a stuffy nose and a feeling of fatigue. In most cases, when a sinus headache gets installed, you may also feel pain in the upper teeth area. And it may also be rather difficult to tell if you have a sinus headache, since it may overlap with a usual migraine. But, a sinus headache will not be aggravated by symptoms like vomiting and nausea, or by strong light, like in the case of migraines.
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Sphenoid sinusitis symptoms
Symptoms associated with a sphenoid sinusitis are upper respiratory tract infection, nasal discharge, a blocked nose, pain in the facial area that gets worse when bending forward, and a pressure feeling in the cheek and nose areas. Also, the skin around the eyes and cheeks will become red and inflamed because of the condition. Sneezing, fever, bad breath, sore throat, teeth aches, watery eyes, nose bleed or discomfort when moving the eyes, are also symptoms of Sphenoid sinusitis.
How to treat a sinus infection
You should not worry, since there is a treatment for sinus infections. Still, you should visit the doctor, to check what the causes of your sinusitis are. It may be a virus, bacteria or an allergy. After a medical check, like X-rays, an MRI or CT scan, the physician will see the severity of the problem and give you a proper treatment.
For instance, in the case of allergies, taking a decongestant will solve the issue. In the case the sinus infection has a viral or bacterial cause, then antibiotics will be prescribed. In case you are suffering from severe pains, painkillers may also be on the list. In cases when the sinusitis is severe and comes back rather frequent, a surgery may be an option, to remove the cause of the often blockages and enlarge the airways inside your nose. But also a proper self-care will help, like drinking a lot of fluids, using a saline nasal spray, rest and applying a warm towel on the face, may alleviate the symptoms of sinus infection.
Read also: Are Sinus Infections Contagious