What is Sinus Infection

There are a few hollow cavities in the skull and these spaces are known as sinuses. In case of humans, there are four pairs of sinuses. Two are in the forehead and are called frontal sinuses, whereas two maxillary sinuses are located behind the cheeks (on either side). The ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes, sphenoid sinuses are found deeper, beneath the ethmoids. All these sinus cavities are jointly referred to as paranasal sinuses. All these sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity through very small openings (ostium). The inside of these cavities are lined with cells that secrete mucus and epithelial cells. Sinuses are entrusted with the function of humidification of the air inhaled and protection of other structures in the skull. Sinus infections are one of the common health problems related to these cavities.

What Causes Sinus Infection

Normally, sinus cavities produce mucus that drain into the nose, throughout the day. But, when the sinuses get infected with microbes like bacteria, fungi or viruses, it may cause blockage of the openings that open to the nasal cavity. This results in the inflammation of these cavities and this condition is termed as sinusitis or sinus infection. In some cases, blockage of these openings may lead to infections. Either way, sinus infection can be defined as the inflammation of one or more of the sinus cavities, caused by microbial infections or other reasons. While blockage of the openings (of sinus cavities) can be caused by abnormal growths in nearby areas or inflammation of the nasal cavity, due to allergies and cold. If the mucus produced by these cavities thickens, the openings may get blocked. This is usually caused by some medication and medical conditions.

Even damage to the microscopic hair-like cilia inside the cavities may affect the drainage of mucus and results in blockage. Such blockage results in accumulation of stagnant mucus, which is a potential breeding ground for microbes like viruses, bacteria and even fungi. This leads to infection of the sinuses. In some cases, allergies pave way for sinus infections. While, microbial infection is one of the leading causes of sinus infections, blockage caused by other factors may sometimes lead to microbial infection. In general, the most common sites for sinus infections are the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses, that are called ethmoid sinusitis and maxillary sinusitis respectively.

What are Sinus Infection Symptoms

Sinus infection can be classified into four types - acute sinusitis, sub-acute, chronic, and recurrent. While, acute sinusitis lasts for less than a month with all characteristic symptoms, sub-acute types lasts for more than one month (but less than 2 months) with less severe symptoms. Chronic sinus infection lasts for more than two months with the classic symptoms of sinusitis. If a person experiences four or more sinus infections in a single year, then, it can be considered as recurrent one. The characteristic sinus infection signs and symptoms include post nasal drip, facial pain and sinus pressure (especially in areas near the sinuses), nasal congestion, tooth pain, pain or pressure in the ears, sinus headache, cough, nasal discharge (white, green, gray or yellow), fever, sore throat, eye itching, bad breath and/or bad taste, swelling around the eyes and near the cheeks, decreased sensations of taste and smell and sinus drainage. While most of these symptoms are associated with acute sinus infections, other types are found to cause less severe symptoms.

Treatment for Sinus Infection

Sinus infection treatment is decided on the basis of the causal agent and the type of infection. While viral sinus infections are treated with nasal decongestants, fever medication and pain relievers, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. There are various types of antibiotics used for treating sinus infections. The most common among them is amoxicillin but, augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is said to be more effective against different strains of bacteria. In some cases, some physical blockage of the sinus opening may be the cause for infections and if so, surgery to remove such obstructions may be required. In short, treatment for sinus infection may sometimes vary from one patient to another, as per the severity of the condition and underlying cause.

Apart from the conventional medication, there are various sinusitis home remedies, like steam inhalation and nasal irrigation with neti pot, which may also prove useful to relieve the symptoms. If you experience such symptoms, get the condition diagnosed and treated, so as to avoid possible complications like meningitis and infection around the eye (orbital cellulitis). Just following certain preventive measures and remedies will surely help you to control and bear this condition.