Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can be debilitating.  The pain and discomfort can become so intense that it is impossible to work or function doing normal daily activities.  What starts out as a runny nose and congestion quickly becomes a big headache, accompanied by facial pain, and additional unpleasant symptoms.  Trying to wait it out, and hope it goes away on its own is not always the answer.  In no time at all, it becomes an unbearable illness that requires immediate treatment and a possible visit to the family doctor.

What is a Sinus Infection?

Looking at a picture of a skull, it is easy to see where there are places that are indented or missing, where the sinuses would have been in life.  For example, the nose is basically made up of cartilage, and the nostrils allow for breathing and evacuating mucus when a person is sick.

But, most people don’t think about the fact that the sinuses involve much more than the nose.  There are cavities above the cheekbones, the ears can be affected by sinus trouble, the forehead may feel swollen, and even the teeth and gums influence the sinuses.

A sinus infection happens when one of these cavities gets clogged and the mucus naturally produced by the body cannot evacuate properly.  Then, the yucky stuff just sits there collecting pollutants, bacteria, or fungus.  After a while of trying to fight off harmful microorganisms, the sinuses become infected.

In other instances, a sinus infection can occur if the individual suffers from poor dental health.  If the teeth or gums are diseased, the infection can spread to the sinuses.  In fact, it is recommended that chronic sufferers visit their dentists and make sure their oral health, or lack thereof, is not the main culprit of their recurring pain and discomfort.

Sinus Infection Differences

Not all sinus infections are created equal.  Some can be treated with home remedies to ease the symptoms, while a virus runs its course.  Others are caused by bacteria and will not go away without the intervention of antibiotics.  But, the worst kind of sinus infection is caused by naturally occurring fungus.

Normally, the body can fight off any fungus that may be harmful and comes in contact with the body.  But, if the sinuses cannot function and drain properly, the fungus just sits in the body and festers, until a person has to contend with a potentially fatal infection.

Fungus will not respond to antibiotics.  It requires an anti-fungal medication to fight the disease.  If the fungus has congregated in a sinus cavity, it may require surgery to remove the mass of mucus and fungus.  For people with compromised immune system, this can be a potentially fatal malady.  So, it is vital to see a doctor right away, if you have had a fungal infection before, or low immunity is an issue.

If the sinus infection is caused by bacteria, it should respond well to a course of antibiotics.  There are different types of prescription medications that may work well for one patient, while another person may continue to suffer.  A doctor will need to have a complete patient history, including recurrences or allergies, which might influence the chosen course of treatment.

If it is determined that the sinus infection is viral in nature, there is no medicine that will kill the virus that caused the sinus trouble.  The best course of treatment is a combination of over-the-counter remedies to help reduce the symptoms, until the infection is gone.

Chronic Sinus Infection

For anyone who has ever had a sinus infection, one is enough. The symptoms can be very painful and debilitating. When a patient suffers from a chronic problem, those signs can last for weeks.  Then, when the sinus infection finally seems to be cleared up, another one is not far behind.

As a result, it can be very difficult to hold down a job or take care of a family.  Doctors will want to discover the underlying cause and treat it, before it can turn into another infection.  Oftentimes, the culprit is allergies to pollen, dust, or pollutants in the environment.  There are some changes that can be made inside the home, in order to make the atmosphere more sinus-friendly.  Treatments for the allergies, including regular shots, can also reduce the chances of getting another sinus infection.

It is also important to know what home remedies can be used to promote good sinus health, and treat sinus problems before they have a chance to turn into a real illness.  It is often easier to prevent a sinus infection, rather than to wait until a cure is necessary. It is also a lot less painful.

Sinus Infection Treatments

The first thing a lot of people think about, when they start having sinus trouble is going to the doctor and getting an antibiotic.  Naturally, they want to feel better quickly, so normal activities can resume.  Unfortunately, this is not always the best remedy.  Sinus infection treatment largely depends on the type and frequency of the malady.

In your Kitchen

Sometimes the best treatment for a sinus infection is found in your own kitchen. Going to the doctor and paying for a round of antibiotics is useless, because the cause is not bacterial.  For many individuals, the source of their pain and discomfort is a virus or allergies.
If, after a week of home remedies, you do not feel better, then check with the doctor to determine whether another underlying illness is causing so much pain and discomfort. Start by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids – a person should drink at least eight glasses of water per day, in order to stay properly hydrated.  Orange juice does not count.  A lot of people do not drink the recommended amount.  It will help the mucus run out of your nose, hopefully taking the infection as well.
• Steam – sitting over a pot of steaming water, with a towel over your head, is not just something you see in the movies.  It really can help loosen up the gunk in the sinuses.  If you don’t want to bend over the stove, turn the shower to hot and sit in the bathroom.  Roll a towel up under the door, so you essentially create your own sauna. Be sure to open the door or window, and leave the fan on, when you exit the room.  You want the steam to dissipate, and the room to dry out, between sinus treatments.  Otherwise, you can develop a mold problem that will only exacerbate sinus problems.
• Salt Water – Even for those that have a prescription for antibiotics, the doctor may also recommend and over-the-counter nasal rinse.  If you ask what it is, the solution is actually one quarter teaspoon of salt to one cup warm water.  If you own a bulb syringe, you have all that you need to make it at home.  It helps the nasal passages to drain, and reduces the inflammation.

You can find a whole list of home remedies for sinus infection treatments.  But, these are the main ones.  Of course, you will need the typical pain killers to reduce the pain and discomfort of the illness.
However, if you are an individual that suffers from fungal infections, it can be a serious and sometimes fatal health issue.  Patients who are undergoing therapies for cancer or who already have diseases that compromise immunity should let their physician know right away, if they have a sinus infection.  Here are possible treatments:

• Endoscopic surgery – if the sinuses have been invaded by fungus, the doctor may have to remove it.  Some types can be very invasive and need to be cleaned out before prescribing further treatment.  So, the first step will likely be some sort of x-rays to determine the extent of the infection.
• Anti-Fungal – antibiotics will be of no use, if the infection is fungal.  The doctor will prescribe something that will actually kill the fungus, before it has a chance to grow and do any other damage.
• Finding the source – for individuals that suffer from fungal infections, it is important to find out where they are coming in contact with fungus, especially if this is a recurrent problem.  Is there fungus in the home or the workplace?  While you may thoroughly clean with something to kill fungus, it is probably a good idea to hire a professional to look for it, and help you learn how to keep it from coming back.

When the home treatments do not work, it is time to see a doctor, even if you are otherwise healthy.  You probably came into contact with bacteria and have the type of infection that will respond well to antibiotics.  However, it is important to finish the prescription, even after the symptoms are gone.

Many people make the mistake of throwing the remaining pills away, when they start feeling better.  In many cases, they come down with another sinus infection very soon.  While they felt great, the infection was not totally gone.  Once the sinus infection treatments stop, it has a chance to come back and make life miserable again.

In short, sinus infection treatments depend on the actual cause of the illness.  Viral infections simply have to run their course.  Fungal infections will not respond to antibiotics, unlike bacterial infections.  But, prescribe treatments should be followed to the letter, so another sinus infection won’t pay an unexpected visit in the very near future.

Sinus Infection Antibiotics

Contrary to popular belief, sinus infection antibiotics are not recommended in every case.  In fact, there are instances when they will do more harm than good.  However, when doctors prescribe antibiotics, other treatment options can also help to clear up the infection more quickly and provide more immediate relief for the pain and discomfort.

Viral Sinus Infections

Some people suffer a sinus infection soon after a bout with a cold or the flu.  Both of these illnesses are viruses and cannot be cured by taking antibiotics.  The same can be said when the source of the sinus trouble is a virus.

Many patients want to go to the doctor and get a pill that will make them feel better and ready to go back to work the next day.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.  In fact, taking antibiotic when they aren’t really needed can do more harm than good.

Studies have shown that over-prescribing antibiotics can actually help the body build up immunity to their medicinal benefits.  In other words, if the doctor prescribes an antibiotic just to make the patient happy, the next time that medicine is really needed, it will not work as well to get rid of an infection.

So, for individuals with viral sinus infections, the best treatments can be purchased at the local drug store over-the-counter.  It is important to drink plenty of fluids, to help keep the mucus flowing out of the body.

Antihistamines will help with that as well.  There are also medicines that will aid in breaking up the mucus.  For the pain and discomfort ibuprofen and Tylenol will help reduce the swelling and knock out the pain.  Warm compresses also help with the drainage and ease that tight, stuffy feeling.
Save the antibiotics for a bacterial infection, when they will do the most good.

Fungal Sinus Infection

Many people that suffer from frequent or chronic sinus trouble actually may have a fungal sinus infection.  The body naturally harbors fungus.  But, as in the event of a sinus infection, they can literally grow out of control.  Unfortunately, when this happens, sinus infection antibiotics are useless.

Antibiotics do not kill fungus.  Patients may not understand that they might as well be swallowing sugar pills for all of the good they will do. Generally, doctors will order x-rays or an MRI to confirm a fungal infection.  If the fungus has congregated in the sinuses, it may take endoscopy sinus surgery to remove the fungus, before prescribing any other treatment.

In some cases, a fungal infection can be fatal.  Patients that already have compromised immune systems due to cancer treatments or auto-immune diseases are more susceptible to a particularly difficult strain of sinus infection.  Thus, it is vital to seek medical help, if an individual has had a fungal infection in the past, or has other health issues that might lower their natural ability to fight off disease.

Instead of sinus infection antibiotics, the doctor will prescribe an anti-fungal medication to get rid of the problem.  If sinus trouble has become a chronic condition, the doctor will discuss home remedies to help prevent flair ups and other courses of treatment to promote healthy sinuses.  However, it may be a life-time of care and caution to reduce the instances of illness.

Bacterial Sinus Infection

The only time that sinus infection antibiotics are really helpful is when the patient has a bacterial sinus infection.  Antibiotics like amoxicillin and augmentin work well to quickly bring about healthy sinuses.  What the doctor prescribes will largely depend on the patient’s allergies.  Some are allergic to penicillin, so amoxicillin would be harmful; others might have allergies against sulfa-based antibiotics.  So, it is very important that the doctor know a patient’s medical history, before treating a bacterial infection.

In addition to the antibiotic, the doctor will likely recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain and pressure of sinus trouble, until the antibiotic has done its job.  Patients can get a lot of relief from the standard pain kills, decongestants, and warm compresses.

Generally, sinus infection antibiotics make most patients feel better within a day or two.  But, it is important to finish the course of treatment.  Feeling great and not completing the antibiotics prescribed may only lead to an immediate return of the infection and its symptoms, because the infection was never totally gone.

In short, sinus infection antibiotics are not always the answer to sinus pain and discomfort.  If the infection is based on a virus or a fungus, antibiotics are just a waste of money and can ultimately reduce their effectiveness, when really needed.  Only if the sinus trouble is based on a bacterial infection can antibiotics do any good.  In many cases, over-the-counter treatments will take care of the problem.  If the symptoms persist for a couple of weeks, see a doctor.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

For anyone who has ever suffered from this particular illness, sinus infection symptoms are unmistakable, because the pain and discomfort is unforgettable. For those with chronic sinus trouble it never seems to go away.  Whether the signs are there for a day, a week, or months, they can be totally incapacitating.

The Pressure:  The pressure from a sinus infection can make an individual’s face and head feel like it is swollen way out of proportion.  If a person could pop the face like a balloon, it would surely feel better.  It makes it impossible to rest; yet, it is difficult to concentrate at work, because it is hard to think about anything but the increasing pressure around the bridge of the nose, above the cheekbones, and in the forehead. The ears can also suffer the discomfort of a sinus infection.  The feeling is similar to being in high altitudes.

However, chewing gum or yawning does not pop the ears and relieve the pressure.  Instead, it only gets worse, if left untreated.

The Pain:  Sinus infection symptoms almost always include pain.  In fact, it may be the first clue that an individual is getting sick.  Almost anywhere in the head can hurt, if there is sinus trouble.  In severe cases, the neck can even become stiff and painful.  The most common areas of tenderness are around the eyes and the bridge of the nose.  But, some people even have ear aches and oral pain. Headaches are not uncommon.  In addition to the pressure, the pain can make it impossible to function properly at work or at home.

The Congestion: Sinus infection symptoms include congestion that is similar to a severe cold.  Most people want to lie down and rest, but this sign makes it practically impossible.  The clogged feeling only gets worse in the prone position.  The nose may seem to run like an open faucet, but it doesn’t provide any relief.  Instead, the face starts feeling like an overblown balloon about to pop.  If the infection is bacterial in nature, the mucus may take on a dark yellow or even green tint.  It becomes thicker and more difficult to expel, when blowing the nose.

Fever:  Not all sinus infections include a fever.  But, many people suffer a temperature, along with the other signs of sinus problems. In most cases, over-the-counter pain killers will also reduce this symptom.  But, if a fever persists, it is time to seek professional medical care.

Sore Throat:  A sore throat is a common symptom of a sinus infection.  Because the nasal passages become blocked, the mucus has to drain somewhere.  Thus, it tends to escape down the back of the throat.  Over a period of time, the tissue becomes red and irritated.

Cough:  A sinus infection can also cause a person to cough.  As the mucus drains down the throat, making it sore, the natural response is to try to cough up the mucus, so it doesn’t get ingested into the lungs. During sinus issues, the body tends to create an inordinate amount of mucus.  Once the nasal passages can drain properly and the body isn’t dealing with excess mucus, the cough should also subside.

Dizziness:  If the sinus infection is severe, an individual is likely to become dizzy.  The sinuses can affect the ears and a person’s equilibrium. Thus, he/she can easily feel dizzy and even nauseated as a result.  However, if this symptom occurs, home remedies are not working¸ and it is definitely time to see a doctor.

Fatigue:  When the body is working overtime to ward off an infection, fatigue is a natural symptom. A sinus infection is no exception.  Many people cannot work or play, until the symptoms of the illness have abated.  The age old advice to get rest and drink plenty of fluids definitely applies to sinus maladies.

Reduced Senses:  For individuals with sinus infection symptoms, their senses of taste and smell are likely almost non-existent.  Subsequently, food might be just about as appetizing as trying to eat a piece of cardboard.  Eating may become a necessity, rather than a treat for the taste buds.  However, it is vital to keep drinking liquids, even if the beverages don’t taste quite right.  The body needs to stay hydrated, in order to help the mucus evacuate. Hot soups and bullions are a good idea.  But, stay away from dairy products like milk.  They tend to encourage mucus buildup and the coughing that occurs, when the throat starts to feel clogged.

None of the sinus infection symptoms are easy to handle.  Some are more serious than others, and will need medical intervention to get rid of them.  Others will respond to good old home remedies like plenty of rest and fluids.  But, if the signs persist for more than a week, it’s time to see a doctor.  It’s time to make them go away.

Sinus Infection Contagious

Among the problems with a sinus infection, contagious is not one of them. You may be miserable, and it may feel like a very bad cold, but the people you come in contact with are safe from catching your illness. People never get sinus infections because someone else passed it on to them; it is simply because the sinuses cannot drain properly. Thus, any nasty microorganisms that normally vacate the sinuses essentially stay put and just get more disagreeable to the body, and the passages become infected.

What Causes Sinus Infections?

For the individual that has recently suffered from a cold or the flu, it is not uncommon to be subsequently diagnosed with a sinus infection. While the cold or flu may be contagious, sinus infection is not. Of course, not everyone that gets a virus will have sinus trouble. But, it can be the instigator.

With a cold or the flu, the sinuses can seem to run non-stop. It may feel like a sinus infection, but as long as the mucus is running clear, it is just a symptom that will go away with time. However, if the discharge turns a dark yellow or green, it is time to pay a visit to the doctor.

Sinus infections can also be caused by a buildup of fungus in the sinus cavities. In most cases, a fungal ball or other fungus is located in the maxillary sinuses, which are located behind the cheek bones and under the eyes. Since it is not based on a bacterial infection, antibiotics are of little help. The doctor will want to confirm it is fungus, remove it by endoscopic surgery if necessary, and then prescribe an anti-fungal medication to remove any remnants of the disease that are left behind.

Bacteria can also be the culprit of sinus infection. Contagious is still not a descriptive term. But, it will likely require antibiotics to get rid of the problem and get back to normal, healthy sinus function.

If an individual snores and is prone to sinus infections, frequent painful episodes might be the result of structural problems with the nasal passages. Sinus infections often occur, if the passages cannot drain correctly. Many sufferers often have a problem with a deviated septum. The cartilage that divides the nostrils is not positioned correctly. If the septum is angled wrong, the sinuses cannot evacuate properly. Also, if the structure of the sinus cavities themselves is too thick, narrowing the passage, the mucus tends to back up.

Treatment for Sinus Infections

The treatment for sinus infections varies depending on the root cause of the illness. If the infection is a byproduct of a virus, there isn’t much the doctor can prescribe, except remedies that can be taken care of at home. For a viral infection, the best thing to do is drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. Staying hydrated will help the sinuses drain.

For the pain and discomfort, over-the-counter pain killers should take care of the pain and swelling associated with a sinus infection. Contagious issues are not a problem, even if it was precipitated by a virus. So, a basic decongestant and an antihistamine will also help relieve the symptoms, until the sinus infection has run its course.

Fungal infections are more invasive. As a result, they are more difficult to treat. If not treated, some types of fungus can actually erode the bone and spread further throughout the body. For some people, this type of infection can be fatal, so the doctor will have to remove the fungus and run tests, to make sure it hasn’t spread.

Bacterial sinus infection will respond to antibiotics for most sufferers. A doctor will prescribe something like amoxicillin or augmentin to help fight the infection. Of course the standard home remedies will also apply, in order to reduce the symptoms and get life back to normal more quickly.

Prevention First

For individuals that have had more than one sinus infection, prevention steps should be taken, in order to reduce the chances of recurring illness. For example, a change of climate or environment might be recommended. Since most people can’t just pick up and move to a more sinus-friendly location, there are some things that can be done to at least make the home atmosphere healthier.

Allergens are often the culprits for chronic sinus trouble, so it is advisable to put special filters on furnaces, air conditioners and heating vents, in order to catch more dust, pollen, and pollutants in the air.

It can be debilitating to constantly live with a recurrent sinus infection. Contagious worries are not a problem, but it can be difficult to function both personally and professional, while constantly fighting the symptoms. There are different treatments for different types of sinus problems. But the best idea is to learn how to prevent sinus

Natural Remedies for Sinus Infection

Living with frequent sinus trouble is a pain in more ways than one.  Not only does it hurt the face, it means missed time from work and frequent expensive visits to the doctor.  Without treatment, it can actually be a debilitating illness.  Fortunately, there are some natural remedies for sinus infection that just might keep that monster at bay, and bring many sufferers the relief they seek.

Natural Relief

• Flush it Away

When you go to the doctor for a sinus infection, he/she will generally prescribe a course of antibiotics.  In addition, you might be given a solution to basically flush out your sinuses a couple of times a day.  This irrigation can be found at many local drug stores over-the-counter.  But, like all pharmaceuticals, it is more expensive than it ought to be.

To save money, irrigate your sinuses, and relieve the inflammation, all you need is salt, water and an ear syringe.  Mix ¼ tsp salt with 1 cup of warm water.  Fill the small bulb syringe and literally squirt it up your nose, if you think you are on the verge of a sinus infection. It is not exactly the most pleasant sensation.  But, it should be repeated a couple of times a day, until the symptoms are gone. If caught quickly enough, it should help the mucus do its job, and save you a trip to the doctor.

• Straight from the Kitchen

Many of the ingredients for natural remedies for sinus infections can be found in the kitchen. If you are no into the culinary arts, it is still no problem.  You might have to go to the grocery store.  However, many of the ingredients will keep for quite awhile, in case you need them in the future.  One such remedy involves horseradish.

If you have ever eaten horseradish, then you might already see how this recipe might work.  You will need:
1 tsp horseradish
½ tsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
By ingesting the mixture of these 3 simple ingredients, it will loosen up the mucus and help your sinuses start to drain naturally.  Some people just swallow the mixture.  But, for some people this just isn’t palatable.  So, it can be added to a bit of rice or potato, in order to make it a little more pleasant to eat.

• Diet

Yes, there is that nasty 4-letter word.  But, what you eat may cause and extra buildup of mucus.  For example, some people have to cough, after eating ice cream.  It is because of the extra mucus that has been produced.  Unfortunately, other foods that are high in sugar can also cause sinus problems.

• Self-massage

Acupressure is the process of putting pressure on the area that is causing the pain and massaging.  When you sinuses begin to hurt or feel like they are clogging, put pressure on the sides of the nose, right above where the nostrils start to flair out.  Use pressure; massage this area.  Also the areas above the check bones and below the eyes have large sinus cavities.  Using pressure, massage these areas as well.  Done correctly, it should relieve some of the discomfort and help loosen up some of the mucus, so it will drain out and take the germs along for the ride.

• Warm compress

Another one of the natural remedies for sinus infection is the warm compress with a special added ingredient.  If you don’t happen to have one in your vegetable bin, go buy a piece of ginger root.  Grate about ¼ cup and add it to boiling water.  Go ahead and turn the heat down, letting it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Strain away the ginger pieces.  Then, take a cloth and drench it in the remaining warm water solution.  Put the compress over your nose and checks and relax.  It should help your sinuses to drain, taking germs and pollutants out of your system and hopefully eliminating the need to go to the doctor.

When your grandmother or great-grandmother got sick, they couldn’t rush to the doctor for antibiotics every time their sinuses hurt.  They had to come up with natural remedies for sinus infection.  These are a few examples of using what you already have around the house, and in the kitchen, to help the body get rid of mucus, before it can harbor the germs for a full-blown infection. If you pay attention, and can treat sinus problems early, not only will you get quick relief, but you have a good chance of preventing the need for antibiotics and that dreaded trip to the doctor.  You will regain control of your sinuses; they will no longer control you.

Maxillary Sinus Infection

If you are suffering from a maxillary sinus infection, you face probably aches.  If you put pressure on your cheek bones, it is likely to feel very tender and sore.  Your sinuses are made of several avenues mirrored on either side of your face.  The maxillary sinuses are the biggest area.  Thus, it can also be the source of a very bad infection that can be painful and difficult to treat.

Sinus Infection Causes

Sinus infections can seem to spring out of nowhere.  One day you are feeling fine; then, you have pain, fever, headaches, and more.  It can be a debilitating ailment that makes it very difficult to function. It is not long before you have to seek medical attention, in order to get relief from the constant discomfort and pressure.  Especially if you are prone to sinus problems, you should know what causes an infection.  It may be any of the following:

• A recent cold
• The flu
• Dental problems
• Fungus
• Deviated septum
• Enlarged turbinate

It is no wonder that a cold can result in a sinus infection.  Most people are continually blowing their noses for a week or two.  It seems like the mucus is either constantly running out of, or clogging the nose.  The sinuses can take a real beating during this illness.  The nasal membranes swell, and the nose is never really cleaned out.  It is a wonder more people don’t have sinus infections after a cold.

A lot of people think they have the flu, when it is often something that was eaten or maybe even food poisoning.  But, the real influenza is a nasty virus.  Back before modern medicine, it could be a death sentence to get the flu.  Today, there are still individuals that get really sick, are hospitalized, get infections, and die from the real flu. It is not uncommon to be diagnosed with sinus problems soon thereafter.

One of the biggest culprits of a maxillary sinus infection is dental problems.  A quick look at the skull and it is not hard to see why infected teeth or gums can cause problems with the sinuses.  It is not far for dental disease to migrate to the sinus cavities.  In fact, it is actually one of the main causes of this type of sinus problem.

It is very important to maintain good dental hygiene.  Also, if you are an individual that is prone to sinus infections, it might be time to visit the dentist. Antibiotics may ease the symptoms; but, the source of the infection still remains.  Until it is gone, the sinuses are always going to be a target for pain and discomfort.
Fungus can also be a source for maxillary sinus infection.  You may not even be aware that aspergillus fungus is present in your home.  It might be necessary to deep clean your home and scrub areas that typically grow fungus, to make sure there is none present.  It is also a good idea to have someone who makes a business out of killing fungus to come into your home and take care of any potential problems.

Sometimes, people are more susceptible to sinus problems because of structural problems with their nasal cavities.  For example, a deviated septum can cause the sinuses not to drain properly.  The septum is that area that divides the nostrils.  If it leans one way or the other, it can result in more infections and even be the source of snoring issues.

Another structure issue is larger than normal turbinates.  The areas that separate your sinus cavities and curl like a scroll are made of cartilage.  If these scroll-like partitions are too thick, it can make it difficult for the sinuses to drain properly.  In both of these instances, plastic surgery can restructure these cavities and reshape the sinuses to work properly.

If you have ever had a sinus infection, one day of misery is enough.   In many cases, a trip to the doctor, a round of antibiotics and some rest will take care of the problem, after a bout of cold or flu.  But, when a maxillary sinus infection recurs, there may be serious issues that need to be addressed.  The biggest culprit is actually poor oral health.  Many people fail to see that a visit to the dentist is the answer to illness.  After gum or tooth infection is treated, the sinus infections also stop. Sometimes, it is actually the presence of fungus in the home or workplace.  To cure recurring sinus trouble, some individuals need surgery to correct a turbinate or a deviated septum.  The key is to figuring out what treatment is necessary, to make the pain and discomfort a thing of the past.