The Treatment Of Sinus Infection Symptoms
It is currently estimated that more than half of the U.S. population suffers from at least one allergy, and that the most common allergies are environmental in nature. This means that the majority of people who suffer allergic reactions each year are simply unable to avoid the cause, and must instead deal with treatment of the symptoms. The worst side effect of allergies is not a direct symptom, but rather, its ability to cause a painful sinus infection known as sinusitis.
Sinus infections occur when the inner walls of the sinuses become inflamed, trapping mucus and bacteria in the sinus cavities, with the maxillary sinus being the most likely to be infected. While allergies are not the only cause of sinusitis, they rank among the top three alongside the common cold and flu. Sinusitis has become so common that an estimated 37 million individuals suffer the effects of sinus infection each year, with an unknown number of additional cases going untreated due to the similarity of symptoms between sinusitis and the health problems that cause it.
As the sinus infection progresses, it can cause nasal congestions, intense headaches, bad breath, fever, coughing, and fatigue, along with a darker, yellowish nasal discharge. While acute Sinus infection symptoms tend to last roughly one month, if left untreated, permanent damage to cell walls can occur leading to chronic sinusitis complications in the future. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are similar to acute sinusitis, except they are milder, last longer than ten weeks, and reoccur at least four times each year.
Temporary and permanent loss of smell and taste can occur when polyps, non-cancerous growths, occur in the nasal cavities as a result of repeated damage from sinus infections. Additionally, when chronic sinus infections are not treated in a timely manner, they can cause extensive damage to the sinus cavities and facial bone structure, requiring costly surgery to repair.
Treatment of sinusitis normally includes an antibiotic, nasal decongestant, and corticosteroid, along with an increase in water intake and routine nasal irrigation. In severe cases, where normal treatment proves ineffective, or when there is an obstruction in the sinus cavity, endoscopic surgery may be required, although most physicians will exhaust non-invasive treatment methods where applicable.
While sinusitis has become a widespread medical condition, and the proliferation of antibiotic resistance has increased its tolerance to medication, reducing the probability of contracting it is possible during the cold, flu, and allergy seasons. Drinking plenty of water, utilizing a humidifier to moisten the nasal passageways, and nasal rinsing can all help to avoid contracting a sinus infection.
Dr. Phil Thompson is a certified ENT specialist with over seven years of experience in running his own practice. As the number of Sinus infection cases continues to increase each year, Dr. Thompson has become an expert in the care and treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis. With proper diagnosis and treatment, acute Sinus infections symptoms can be reduced in as little as seven days, though antibiotic medication should be continued as prescribed.
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