Before we venture further into identifying symptoms of sinus infection, it is essential that we know the cause so that we can recognize and treat them. Sinus infection will give rise to congestion of the nasal and sinus passageways as well as inflammation of the sinus membranes. They are actually air pockets found on the sides of the nose, behind the eyes and in the forehead. Sinuses produce mucus that function to clean and moisten the membranes of our throat and nose but in the event of infection, it will give rise to pain and discomfort.

We will now discuss the symptoms of sinus infection that we need to recognize in order to seek treatment. There are differences between sinus infection and the common cold or the flu. When symptoms of sinus infection hit you, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor.

With the symptoms, you are most likely to feel extremely tired just like when you have the flu or fever. Besides that, you are likely to cough and sneeze too, leading to more exhaustion. Those afflicted do sometimes feel that they are just unfortunate and by popping pills will solve it. But with sinus infection, if it is not properly treated, it will lead to more problems.

Headaches are very common when you wake up as well as watery eyes and inflammation of the eyelids. The sides of the nose will feel tender too accompanied by loss of smell and runny or stuffy nose. There is also pain and pressure in the areas of the sinuses and that may include pain in the jaw and the teeth in addition to bad breath. Lastly, there may be a thick yellowish or greenish discharge.
Symptoms of sinus infection will usually happen right after a cold or flu and sometimes in the middle of an acute allergy reaction. When the symptoms last longer than a week, it is likely that you have sinus infection. With that, it is necessary to seek an appointment with the doctor to get a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Sinus infection when treated early can mean an early cure but when prolonged, it can lead to complication. It is not advisable to self- medicate through home remedies unless it is the doctor advice.

Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a common cold, which is caused by a virus. Colds can inflame your sinuses and cause symptoms of sinusitis. Both the cold and the sinus inflammation usually go away without treatment within 2 weeks. If the inflammation produced by the cold leads to a bacterial infection, however, then this infection is what health experts call acute sinusitis.

Sinus problems can be caused by many things- you have to think about environmental and food allergies (allergic sinusitis), chronic sinus infection, and chronic colds. Without more information, it’s hard to be specific. Sinusitis often develops after colds, and can become a chronic problem.

Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergens (allergy-causing substances), or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. A viral infection causes damage to the cells of the sinus lining, which leads to inflammation. The lining thickens with fluid that obstructs the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sinus infection are general weakness and lethargy, nasal congestion, rhinitis or runny nose and it is also common to have fever and headache in all types of sinus infection.

Some people will find difficulty in their focus. Their eyes are especially sensitive to bright lights. A chronic sore throat which does not seem to heal could mean the presence of sinus infection. Serous otitis media, a condition where the eustachian tubes are blocked by mucus, could also point to sinus infection.

Prevention is the best treatment. A little effort of prevention is priceless; you can get by without having a sinusitis infection. Bacteria can be the cause of this condition, taking in healthy foods and supplements can strengthen your immune system which can lessen the occurrence of a sinus infection as well as dizziness. Proper medication and equipment can prevent bacterial infections; this can also lessen the severity of the sinus infection.

Preventing sinusitis can be made by avoiding all form of pollution, thorns, allergic reactions and common colds. In lawsuit of common colds and allergic reactions that cannot be forbade, apply short-term nasal decongestants during the onsets. Blow your olfactory organ carefully so you dont amend the sinuses; drink many fluids to hydrate the sinus membranes, maintain the nasal passages clear from mucous secretion and aid drainage by saline solutions.

Treatment

Antibiotics are medicines meant to fight bacterial infections. Since most sinus infections are caused by bacteria, it is quite a common practice for doctors to prescribe antibiotics for its treatment.

The type of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, however, depends on the type of bacterial infection you are suffering from.

Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may also be necessary, especially in patients with recurrent episodes of inflammation despite medical treatment. An ENT specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, can perform this surgery.

Most fungal sinus infections require surgery. Surgical repair of a deviated septum or nasal polyps may prevent recurrence.