If you have a sinus infection, you may notice several different symptoms. It can range from discomfort to swelling and discomfort to fever. In addition to the usual cold, flu, and headaches, sinus infections can lead to skin changes, vision changes, and even blindness. These infections are caused by yeast and mold, tiny fungi that enter the sinuses when you breathe them in. Many fungi live naturally in our bodies and are harmless, only becoming dangerous if our immune systems have been compromised.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on the severity of the infection. Generally, you’ll feel nasal discharge, headaches, and facial pain. You’ll also experience stuffiness and a decreased sense of smell and taste. Sometimes, the symptoms extend to the throat, including hoarseness and itchiness. While most sinus infections clear up on their own, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if they are causing you significant discomfort.
Antibiotics are a popular choice when treating a sinus infection, although they’re often only effective for a few days. If you don’t feel better within two to three days, you’re likely to suffer from a recurrence of your infection. Antibiotics also have other side effects, such as causing the emergence of superbugs, which can cause a severe infection.
Fungal sinus infections can also affect the skin and cause proptosis (protruding eyes), which may cause vision problems. In rare cases, the infection can even lead to blindness. Fungal infections are usually caused by mold or yeast and enter the nasal cavity via the air we breathe. Fortunately, fungi are harmless to most healthy individuals, but if your immune system is weakened, they can cause more severe health problems.
Causes
There are several reasons why people get sinusitis. Nasal congestion, a crooked nasal septum, and certain medical conditions may cause a blockage in the sinuses. Viral or bacterial infections and allergies can also cause inflammation of the sinus membranes. Symptoms of sinusitis can include a decreased sense of smell, fever, persistent cough, and painful eyes. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the eye socket, reducing vision or even causing blindness.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. In most cases, sinusitis can be cured with antibiotics. However, the problem is so severe in some cases that other drugs are necessary to cure the infection. For example, some people with chronic sinusitis may develop infections in their bones, in the membranes surrounding the brain, or on their skin.
Sinusitis is a common problem affecting about 20 million people in the United States yearly. It can be pretty uncomfortable and cause people to miss work or school. While there are several to prevent or relieve sinusitis, a greater understanding of the condition can help you to use your chances of getting a sinus infection.
Treatments
There are many different types of treatments for sinus infection symptoms. The most common treatments include taking antibiotics. These medicines can help clear up the infection and prevent it from returning. In some cases, patients can try decongestants or nasal drops. If the symptoms persist, a doctor may prescribe more aggressive treatments.
Warm compresses help relieve the pain and pressure caused by blocked sinuses. You can make a compress by wetting a clean facecloth with hot water and placing it on your face. You may also want to consider using eucalyptus oil to help open the sinuses and clear mucus. Eucalyptus oil contains a chemical called cineole that is effective in alleviating the symptoms of sinusitis. This oil is applied externally or can be inhaled through a diffuser.
In addition to anti-inflammatory medications, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid spray to treat the inflammation. Some sinus infection cases require surgery to repair structural problems in the sinuses. For example, if a fungal infection or polyps cause it, you may need a surgical procedure to remove them. In severe cases, a sinus infection may even lead to meningitis, an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Prevention
The best way to prevent sinus infections is to avoid the sources of infections. This means avoiding contact with sick people, washing your hands often before meals, and staying away from polluted environments. Your immune system can also be strengthened through a healthy diet and exercise. It would help if you also reduced your stress levels to prevent sinus infections.
Treatment for sinusitis usually involves antibiotics. Antibiotics can help clear up the infection and relieve other symptoms. However, if antibiotics fail to cure your infection, you may need to see an ENT doctor. Your doctor can tell if you have a sinus infection by looking at your nose and performing tests like a CT scan. Your doctor may also prescribe a different antibiotic or an extended one.
The most common cause of sinus blockage is a cold. The cold inflames the nasal passages and causes a secondary infection of the sinuses caused by bacteria. Some people may also develop a fungal infection if their immune systems are compromised.
