Sinus Infection - Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments

Sinus infection is a common health problem, affecting more than 31 million people across the country. These people spend over a billion for their over-the-counter medications each year. Also known as sinusitis, the infection is more likely to occur among people who have asthma, weaker immune systems, allergies, and structural blockages in the sinuses or nose.

This guide will walk you through the common signs and causes of a sinus infection and how it can be treated. 

Causes of Sinus Infection

A sinus infection is characterized by the inflammation of your sinuses, often caused by a germ or bacterial infection. At times, fungi (mold) or viruses can also cause infection. People with allergies are likely to develop an allergic fungal sinus infection. An acute sinus infection will last for a month or two. Sinus infections that last longer are considered chronic.

 

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

Most people often mistake a bad cold for sinusitis. Many symptoms in both conditions are similar such as facial pain, headache, nasal congestion, and runny nose. However, the symptoms of a sinus infection are commonly caused by bacterial infections. Most often, the symptoms can be relieved using antibiotics.

 

Other symptoms of the condition include discolored (green) nasal discharge, facial tenderness, especially at the bridge of your nose or under your eyes, postnasal drip, congestion or nasal stuffiness, cough, fatigue, fever, pain in teeth, frontal headaches, and bad breath.

 

Treatment of Sinus Infection

Diagnosis of a sinus infection depends on the signs and requires examining the nose, sinuses, and throat. Your doctor will first examine your condition and prescribe antibiotics, a nasal decongestant spray, or antihistamines.

Based on their type, antibiotics are taken for 3–28 days. Since sinuses are deep-rooted in your bones, they have a limited blood supply. Your doctor may recommend a longer treatment if your case worsens.

 

Topical nasal decongestants help shrink your swollen nasal passage and facilitate the drainage flow from your sinuses. However, overuse of this medication may lead to a dependent condition.

 

Virtual Doctor at TelMDCare

Dr. John Ibrahim is a telemedicine doctor at AtTelMDCare who gives patients an accurate online diagnosis and prescribes the right treatment plan. We offer treatment for patients from the comfort of your home at an affordable rate. Visit our website to check out what we treat and schedule an appointment with our virtual doctor online.