Sinus Infection – Types, Symptoms, Treatment

A Comprehensive Guide

Sinus infections are common but they can cause discomfort and intrude with everyday activities. Early medical attention is advisable if symptoms continue, may get worse, or are accompanied by high fever, severe headache, or swelling around the eyes. Sinus infection is also known as sinusitis.

What is Sinusitis:

• It is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses usually caused by the common cold, viruses, bacteria, fungi and some allergies. It causes facial pain, runny nose, fever, and other symptoms.
• Sinus is a space in your inside face that is generally blocked with air or filled with fluid, bacterial and viral infections irritate them. Sinusitis is also known as Rhinosinusitis.

Types of sinusitis:

1. Acute sinusitis 
   • Caused by common cold and lasts for less than 4 weeks
2. Sub-acute sinusitis
   • Usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks
3. Chronic sinusitis
   • Caused by bacteria, lasts at least 12 weeks.
4. Recurrent – sinusitis
   • Lasts less than 2 weeks (comes 4 times a year).

Signs and symptoms of sinusitis:

• Stuffy nose
• Post nasal drip
• Runny nose
• Facial pressure (especially around your nose, eyes and forehead)
• Pain in your teeth
• Ear pressure/pain
• Fever
• Bad breath/taste in your mouth
• Cough
• Headache
• Tiredness

Causes of sinus infections:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Nasal and seasonal allergies
• Bacteria (streptococcus, pneumonia, haemophilus, influenza, moraxella catarrhalis)
• Deviated septum
• Tooth infections

Risk factors of sinusitis:

• Nasal allergies – particularly hay fever
• Asthma – Associated with chronic inflammation
• Nasal Polyps – Growths that block the sinuses
• Smoking – including second hand exposure
• Weakened immune system – such as HIV/AIDS

Diagnosis of sinus infection:

• Nasal Endoscopy
• Nasal swabs (by using a soft stick to get a fluid sample from your nose)
• Imaging test (CT scan)
• Biopsy
• Allergy testing

Treatments for sinus infections:

1. Home Remedies
   • Steam inhalation
   • Nasal saline rinses
   • Rest and hydration
   • Warm compresses to the face
2. Medications
   • Decongestants
   • Antibiotics
   • Pain relievers
   • Nasal Corticosteroids
   • Antihistamines
3. FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)
   • Navigation guided surgery
   • Balloon sinuplasty