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

Chronic Sinus Infection

Having a sudden onset sinus infection is bad enough; but, the majority of people with allergies and related illnesses also suffer from chronic sinus infection.  Thus, it becomes a lifelong medical condition.  Individuals have to be constantly vigilant, when it comes to their sinuses, so they can prevent flair ups and recognize the symptoms of an impending infection, before it causes debilitating symptoms.

Chronic Causes

For patients with chronic sinus infections, the pain and discomfort can adversely affect their quality of life for months at a time.  The sinuses are resistant to any treatment efforts, and it seems like the symptoms will never go away.  Sufferers may feel like they keeps tissue companies in business, because they are always blowing their noses.  In addition, they likely have ever-present pain and swollen sensations around their sinus cavities.  Frequent headaches are also a common complaint.

Chronic sinus infection can be debilitating.  It makes it difficult to concentrate and go about daily living.  Many people simply want to close their eyes and go to bed, where they can suffer in peace.  However, knowing the causes will help doctors know how to treat the sinuses and hopefully get rid of the chronic pain.  The cause may be:

• Infections
• Deviated septum
• Nasal polyps

Infections

The first thing most people think, when they start suffering the symptoms of sinus trouble is that they have another infection.  So, they make an appointment to see the doctor, so he/she can prescribe medicine that will make them feel better in a day or two.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  Sinus infections may be due to a virus or fungus, which will not be helped by antibiotics.  If it is a bacterial infection, a prescription should help; but, virus related infections basically need the home remedies used for anyone with a cold or the flu.  Conversely, fungal infections may require minor surgery to promote healing.

Deviated Septum

People who suffer from chronic sinus infection often have other underlying health concerns that adversely affect the sinuses natural function to drain properly.  For example, a patient may have a deviated septum.  The septum is that piece of cartilage that separates the two nostrils.  If it is misaligned and leans one way or the other, it can reduce proper drainage of the sinuses, which, in turn, promotes infection.  Fortunately, this problem can usually be surgically corrected.  Then, the chronic sinus infections become only an unpleasant memory.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths that stem from the sinus membranes.  While they are usually not tender, they can prevent the sinuses from draining properly, and ultimately cause infection. To get rid of these obstructions to good nasal health, a doctor will generally prescribe one of three treatment options:

1. Steroids
2. Topic ointments
3. Surgical removal

Naturally, it depends on the polyps and the level of discomfort suffered by the patient.

Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic sinus infection are almost the same as acute or sudden onset of an infection.  The differences are in the fever and the duration of the sinus trouble. Generally acute sinusitis will be accompanied by a temperature; but, once treated, the symptoms will go away.
Conversely, chronic sinusitis can last for months, and include any or all of the following symptoms:

• Yellow or greenish drainage
• Pain and swelling of the sinuses
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Reduced ability to taste or smell
• Difficulty breathing through a clogged nose
• Coughing
• Ear pain
• Aching teeth and jaws
• Bad breath
• Sore throat from the drainage
• Upset stomach

Sometimes the symptoms can cause serious health risks.  So, it is extremely important to see a doctor right away if there is shortness of breath, double-vision, visible swelling around the eyes and face, forehead swelling, terrible headache, or a stiff neck that cannot be attributed to sleeping in a chair, in order to breathe easier at night.

Treatment

The treatment for chronic sinus infection depends upon the underlying causes for the continued illness.  For instance, people with allergies are also likely to suffer from chronic sinus trouble.  Once the allergy is under control, the sinus trouble will also abate. 

Although the doctor may prescribe treatment for various underlying causes, there are many home remedies and lifestyle changes that will also promote better sinus health and reduce the severity of the symptoms. For some, it might require alterations to the environment, such as more humidity or filters for air vents.  It may also mean less alcohol and more water in the system, or a change in diet to reduce the foods and beverages that cause the body to create more mucus. Living with chronic sinus infection is possible, once the root causes are dealt with, and the beginning symptoms are addressed, before they get out of control.