How can you prevent nasal sinus infections?
A sinus infection is one of the common diseases, especially in colder regions like the USA. Nasal sinus infection causes inflammation in the nasal passage. It is also known as sinusitis. Sinuses are the small pockets in the areas of the forehead, nose, cheekbones, and between the eyes. Sinuses produce mucus. Mucus is a thin liquid that protects the body by trapping germs and bacteria entering the body. You can consider looking for the experts of Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute to seek medical services. Prevention for nasal sinus infection depends on the cause of it-either bacterial or viral infection. It may last from a week to three months.
Nasal Sinus Infection and the related facts
- Sometimes, bacteria and allergens enter the body through the nasal passage. They produce too much mucus blocking the sinuses.
- Excess of mucus is common especially if you have been affected by cold or allergens. This mucus builds up a thick substance that stores bacteria and other germs. It may lead to bacterial and viral infection too.
- If you are continuously working on the measures of prevention for nasal sinus infections, it may go away in weeks or two without any urgent medical treatment.
- If your nasal sinus infection symptoms do not improve within one or two weeks, it can turn into a bacterial infection. In such a case, schedule your appointment with your doctor.
What are the different types of sinus infections?
Acute sinusitis
This type of sinus occurs for a small duration. It is the common allergy that is the common symptom of viral infection. It may last between one and two weeks. In case of bacterial infection, it may last up to 4 weeks. There can also be chances of seasonal allergies. Such conditions can also lead to acute sinusitis.
Subacute sinusitis
It can last up to three months. This is a common type of bacterial and seasonal allergy.
Chronic sinusitis
It produces similar effects as those of subacute sinusitis. It can last up to three months but is less severe. Bacterial infections are the lead cause of chronic sinusitis. It can occur alongside persistent allergies or structural nasal problems.
What are the symptoms of a nasal sinus infection?
Nasal sinus infection may develop symptoms similar to the common cold. Most of its common symptoms include:
- Decrease in sense of smelling along with blockage in the nasal passage
- fever
- stuffy or runny nose
- headache
- fatigue
- cough
You may require to be a little alert in case your child catches a nasal sinus infection. The early signs of infection may include:
- cold or allergy, the symptoms may not go away or improve within 14-15 days
- a high fever (39°C)
- thick, dark mucus with a blocked nose
- a cough that lasts longer than 10 days
Symptoms of all different types of nasal sinus infections are similar. However, the severity or the length of the disease may vary according to each type.
Prevention for nasal sinus and the treatment options
Congestion
Nasal sinus infections bring nasal congestion. It is one of the common symptoms of sinus infection. To help reduce pain, you may consider using:
- A warm or damp cloth for tapping on the face and forehead area
- Rinse your nose to clear the sticky and thick mucus from your nose
- Drink water and juice to keep yourself hydrated
- You can use over-the-counter medications that may help to thin the mucus
- Use a humidifier to moist the air
- Turn your shower on and sit under the shower. Close the door and keep yourself in the closed bathroom filled with the steam of hot water.
- There are many decongestants available in the market such as nasal corticoid sprays. You can consider using this spray. But, you may ask your doctor for the use.
Pain remedies
A sinus infection can trigger a headache or can also create pressure in the muscles of your face area including the forehead and cheeks. If you are in pain, try opting for over-the-counter medications. You can consider looking for certain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Antibiotics
If your nasal sinus infection symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, you may likely develop a bacterial infection. In such a case, you should consider looking for a doctor and seek antibacterial therapy. The symptoms may include congestion, cough, runny nose, and continued facial pain with fever.
If you receive an antibiotic, it should go away within 3-14 days, depending on the doctor’s prescription. Follow your physician’s instructions and do not break the course of medication. Taking a break may allow the infection to appear again which may later not resolve.
Surgery
The last option for nasal sinus infection symptoms is to have surgery. Surgery clears the sinuses. It helps to deviate the septum and remove the polyps. This makes it the last option in case sinusitis doesn’t improve with time and medications.
Prevention for nasal sinus infection and related measures
Sinus infections can develop after being attacked by bacteria and viruses creating cold, flu, and allergic reactions. It may impact your healthy lifestyle and bring you exposure to germs and allergens. To reduce the risk factors, you can work on the following:
- Get a flu vaccine
- Eat green vegetables that contain fiber and drink water or different kinds of fluid
- Wash your hands regularly and consider a strict schedule of taking healthy food, vegetable, or fruits
- Limit your exposure to smoke and alcohol
- Take antihistamine medications that may help you fight the symptoms
- Avoid exposure activities that may lead you to infection and bacteria
Diagnosis of nasal sinus infection
Prevention for nasal sinus infection and its diagnosis may depend on the symptoms. Your doctor may check your tenderness and the extent of pressure on your muscles or head area. The doctor may also examine your nose, signs of inflammation, and other causes. Moreover, your doctor may test your symptoms to finally work on the treatment.
- In case of chronic infection, your doctor may recommend an imaging test. This may give a picture of blockages, abnormal structures, and polyps.
- Another option for the diagnosis of nasal sinus infection is a CT scan. This helps to give a 3-D picture of your sinuses.
- In such a case MRI is also a powerful test that gives a picture of internal structures.
- Your doctor may also check your nasal culture to get a visual of the nasal passageways.
- For this purpose, the doctor may utilize a fiberoptic score which is a lighted tube that helps to get a clear picture of the nose.
What is the outlook for long-term sinus infection?
If the sinus infection is left untreated you may develop conditions like pus formation in the sinus cavity, meningitis that may remain there for a lifetime-threatening spinal cord and brain, and may also lead to an infection called orbital cellulitis. This is a kind of infection that develops around the area of the eyes. Nasal sinus infections are treatable. Most people recover after getting reliable treatment from doctors without having any dependence on antibiotics. However, you may require to tell your doctor about the occurrence of the symptoms. You may have an underlying medical condition for which your doctor may prescribe you special medicines and treatments.
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