Chronic Sinus Infection

Chronic infection of the sinus usually last for more than 8 weeks. There are four groups of paranasal sinuses, known as maxillary sinuses, frontal sinuses, ethmoid sinuses and sphenoid sinuses. Sinus infection or sinusitis can cause inflammation of any of these paranasal sinuses. These sinuses are nothing but small, air-filled cavities that can be found inside the human skull. Depending on the duration, sinus infections are divided into two types, acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. The chronic sinusitis, as mentioned already can persist for more than 8 weeks, while acute sinusitis develops quickly, but lasts for a much shorter duration. Acute sinusitis usually does not last for more than 4 weeks.

Sinus Infection Causes

It can be caused by viral infections such as, cold and flu. Such infections block the sinuses and prevent the drainage of mucus from the sinuses. This in turn creates a moist environment in the sinuses, which is ideal for the growth of infectious agents. Usually, infection of the sinus is caused by virus and bacteria. Rarely, it can be caused by fungus. Apart from these, dental infections can sometimes spread to the sinuses. Many times, allergies like, hay fever can also block the sinuses and lead to sinusitis. It has been observed that certain factors can increase the risk for chronic sinus infection in children and adults. Some such important risk factors are, nasal tumors or polyps, deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking, asthma, immune system disorder, tooth infection and cystic fibrosis.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

The most common signs of sinus infection or sinusitis are nasal congestion, and the pain and pressure over the infected sinus. This means that the pain and tenderness can be felt in various parts of the face and the forehead depending on the particular sinus that is infected. Usually, pain and tenderness associated with sinus infection can be felt across the forehead, around the eyes, on the bridge of the nose, on the cheeks and also at the temples and the back and top of the head. Other symptoms:

• Nasal obstruction or congestion, which can make it difficult to breathe through the nose
• Thick nasal discharge of yellow or greenish color
• Sinus headaches
• Runny nose
• Post nasal drip
• Cough that worsens at night
• Pain and tenderness around the eyes, nose, forehead and the cheek
• Sore throat
• Fatigue and low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Ear pain
• Aching teeth
• Reduced sense of smell
• Halitosis or bad breath

Sinus Infection Treatment

Chronic infection of the sinus is usually treated with nasal sprays and decongestants. Saline nasal sprays and oral decongestants are used to relieve the symptoms associated with sinusitis. To reduce the inflammation of the sinuses, corticosteroids can be recommended by the physicians. Both nasal and oral corticosteroids are employed for treating this problem. Sometimes, corticosteroid injections are also used. If sinus infection is caused by bacteria and infection is recurrent in nature, then antibiotics are used for its cure. But, if allergies are the contributory factors, then allergy shots are considered for treating this condition. If all these treatment options fail to cure it, then physicians may opt for endoscopic sinus surgery.

For sinus infection that is not so severe, one can use certain simple home remedies along with medications. Drinking enough fluid, steam inhalation, nasal or sinus irrigation with saline water and application of warm compress over the nose, cheeks and eyes are some such home remedies that can relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. Herbal tea and spicy foods can also promote the drainage of the sinuses and the nasal passage. However, never forget to seek medical attention for chronic infection. If left untreated, severe chronic sinusitis can trigger asthma attacks and cause meningitis and vision problems.