Sinusitis results from inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses. It is normal for the sinuses to produce fluid. In a healthy person, that fluid then drains into the nasal tubes and throat and is swallowed. But when the sinuses are swollen and inflamed, the fluids can’t drain properly and start to accumulate in the sinuses.
If you’re prone to sinus infections, you know well the misery they can cause. Sinus infections take hold when fluids can’t drain properly from the inflamed sinuses. This trapped moisture provides fertile ground for germs to grow.
Signs of sinusitis:
- Facial pain/pressure (in “mask” area behind eyes and cheekbones)
- Pain sensitivity to the touch in sinuses
- Stuffed-up nose
- Thick, discolored nose mucus (green, yellow, grey)
- Reduced capacity to taste/smell
Additional sinusitis symptoms may include:
- Bad breath
- Tooth pain
In the beginning stages of a sinus infection, you may simply feel like you have a cold. If your cold lingers beyond a week, you may have a sinus infection. Watch for symptoms such as face and head pain, thick colored nasal mucus, and fever. These may indicate that you have moved beyond a cold into a sinus infection.
Managing Sinus Infections
Something as basic as saline nasal sprays or decongestants may help your sinus infection. Your doctor may also recommend medications including antibiotics or oral steroids. If you suffer from recurring sinus infections and find yourself medicating them over and over, though, there may be an underlying allergy problem.
When the body has an allergic reaction, it releases histamine into the body that can cause swelling of the sinus cavities and ultimately lead to chronic sinus infections. No amount of medication can stop the underlying allergy problem. Rather, medications just treat the symptoms of the problem.
If you have repeated sinus infections that you suspect are allergy-related, contact America’s Best Care Plus to find out about “no-shots, no hassle” allergy immunotherapy and how it can help with sinus infections.