Sinus - Infection,Treatment, Symptoms and Cure

Sinus Types & Causes

Sinus infection or sinusitis is one of the most common health diseases prevalent in United States. Also called “rhinosinusitis”, it is an inflammation of sinus membrane and nasal passage, which is caused by a virus or allergies. A person infected with sinus often suffers from headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, or one side of the head.

Sinus is either categorized as acute, that is sudden or chronic, which is long term.

Acute sinus is caused by bacteria that are Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Along with Staphylococcus Aureus and Anaerobes, these bacteria cause chronic sinusitis.

Various Sinus Symptoms

Most of the symptoms of sinus are same as that of common cold or allergies, but a sinus infection can be developed even when there is no cold or allergies, however, if a common cold or allergy is not treated properly, it may end up in sinus infection and lead to sinus surgery.

The most common symptoms that point out to a sinus infection are:

• Headache: A sinus headache differs from a routine headache, only the area behind the nose or the eyes is affected by this kind of headache, where the sinuses are located. This headache can be a result of congestion or even an infection in the nasal passage.
  
• Nasal congestion: Congestion that lasts for a long period of time in the nasal cavity is a sign of sinus infection.
  
• Post nasal drip: The building up of fluid or mucous at the back of the throat leads to post nasal drip, and with our constant breathing and sniffing this mucous or fluid is pushed to the back of our throat. It may also get blown up into the sinuses or even in the ears and may result into ear infection symptom from a sinus infection symptom.

Home Remedies For Sinus

If the sinus is not very severe, home treatments can also be applied:

• Drink plenty of water as well as lots of hot tea.
• Steam can also be inhaled 2 – 4 times a day, or hot, steamy showers may also help. Mentholated preparations can be used to aid breathing normally such as Vicks.
• Pain relievers such as aspirin or Tylenol can be taken for reduction of pain and inflammation. These medicines help in breathing by reducing the swelling.

Medical Treatment Options For Sinus

The medical treatment aims to reduce the swelling or the inflammation of the nasal passage and sinuses and to maintain open sinuses by promoting the drainage from sinuses.
Acute sinuses can be treated affectively with the appropriate kind of therapy, decongestants help in the reduction of obstructions that block the nasal passageway and play an important part to alleviate symptoms.

• OTC nasal sprays (Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, Naphcon Forte, Otrivin, for example) work the fastest—within 1-3 minutes.
• OTC oral decongestants (in tablet or liquid form) contain the active ingredients pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, or phenylpropanolamine.

The nasal sprays should not be used for more that 3 days as it leads to dependence for normal breathing and makes them less effective. It should be kept in mind that both the oral and nasal decongestants have side effects that include increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and headaches. Therefore, people with prior medical history should take the medicines after consulting a physician.