“Sinusitis,” also known as “sinus infection,” is a swelling or inflammation of the sinus tissues. Usually, viruses cause this problem, but in some cases, even bacteria can lead to the infection. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, around 31 million people in the US suffer from sinus infections. In this blog, let’s learn about the symptoms of sinus infections, their causes, and treatment options.
What Causes Sinus Infections?
In addition to viruses and bacteria, sinusitis is also caused by certain allergies and some types of fungi. People with weak immune systems are easily affected by sinus infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
“Sinuses” are small air packets found in your skull, cheeks, and nasal bones. When these sinuses are healthy, they don’t contain any germs, and air can easily flow through the sinuses. However, if infected by germs, the sinuses swell up, and the airflow through them gets disrupted. Sinusitis is also associated with fluid buildup in the sinuses, causing pressure and pain. Other causes of a sinus infection include smoking, polyps, and a deviated septum.
Common Sinus Infection Symptoms
People affected by sinusitis experience various types of symptoms. Some of the most commonly occurring ones are listed here:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Decreased sense of smell/taste
- Headache
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Facial tenderness
- Coughing (very often at night)
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Pain in the sinuses
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Pressure around the nose, eyes, and forehead
- Bad breath
- Postnasal drip
Can Sinus Cause Tooth Pain?
Yes, it can! Some people with a sinus condition have pain in their upper back teeth. So this is another one of the common sinus infection symptoms.
In case you have a toothache, first consult your dentist. They will tell you if the pain is a result of dental causes, such as cavities, gum disease, or any other infection. If the dentist rules out all possible dental causes, consult your doctor/healthcare provider to find out the root cause of the toothache. If they diagnose it to be a sinus problem, they will decide on the next course of action.
How Long Does Sinusitis Last?
It can last from less than 2 weeks to more than 8 weeks, depending on the type of sinusitis. The detailed durations of the different types of sinus infections are provided below.
Types of Sinus Infections, Their Symptoms, and Durations
There are 4 different types of sinusitis, which are described below.
1. Acute Sinusitis
This type, which lasts for less than 4 weeks, is commonly caused by a virus, and not a bacterium. The symptoms include coughing, toothache, headache, bad breath, etc. They might also include a runny/stuffy nose and facial pain. If proper care is administered to the patient, they are sure to get better in a short duration.
2. Subacute Sinusitis
This type of sinus infection, which lasts from 4 to 8 weeks, doesn’t get any better during the initial days. However, with continuous care, you can get rid of it gradually. Symptoms usually include fever, sore throat, and pus in the nasal cavity.
3. Chronic Sinusitis
The symptoms of chronic sinusitis last more than 8 weeks. If you have repeated acute sinus infections that stretch for too long, it is called chronic sinusitis. Symptoms are tenderness around the eyes, nose, or forehead, ear pain, and thick discharge from the nose. If you suffer from such an infection, you must consult your doctor, who may prescribe nasal sprays or allergy medications to combat it.
4. Recurrent Sinusitis
You suffer from recurrent sinusitis if you experience acute sinusitis 3 or more times in a single year. In this case, also, you must consult your doctor or healthcare provider. A person suffering from recurrent sinus infection may experience loss of taste/smell, nasal inflammation, and pressure around the eyes, nose, and forehead.
Are Sinus Infections Contagious?
The infections, by themselves, are not contagious. However, many of these infections are caused by viruses or bacteria, which can spread among people having close contact. These germs can be passed from one person to another via coughing, sneezing, sharing vessels or other articles, etc.
Treatment Options
There are numerous ways to eliminate or reduce sinus infection symptoms. Some of the effective treatment options are given below.
a. Keep Your Body Hydrated
Hydration is extremely important for your body, and it’s crucial if you suffer from a sinus infection. So hydrate your body continuously through the intake of water, juice, or tea. Hydration keeps your body active and thins out the mucus. Avoid smoking, and consuming caffeine, or alcohol, which leads to dehydration.
b. Steam Inhaling
This is one of the age-old remedies that has passed through many generations. It’s simple, easy, and works like a charm!
- Take a bowl of steaming hot water.
- Add 3 drops of rosemary oil, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil to the water.
- Holding a towel or blanket over your back, slowly bring your face above the bowl of water. Ensure you don’t bring it too close. The distance between the bowl and your face should be sufficient for you to feel the steam from the water.
- Breathe in the vapor from the hot water. When you do it for a few minutes, you will perspire a lot.
- If you feel that the heat is too much, take a break and try doing it again.
The above procedure will help you get rid of the sinus infection symptoms by clearing the blocked nasal passages.
c. Soup That Soothes!
There’s nothing like a bowl of hot soup to defeat the sinusitis symptoms you have! Whether it’s a veggie soup or chicken soup, your entire system will be soothed and comforted from the first spoonful to the last! Go ahead and add some healthy, aromatic herbs to combat sinus infections and the discomfort that comes along with them.
d. Apple Cider Vinegar
It’s one of the natural ingredients that’s not only effective in dealing with sinus problems but also beneficial to your overall health. Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV offers relief from congestion and sinus pressure.
Use 2 or 3 tablespoons of raw unfiltered ACV mixed with warm water. For best results, take this 3 times per day. You may also mix lemon and honey for a better taste.
How to Relieve Sinus Pressure?
When the membranes lining your nasal passages get inflamed, you will be subjected to sinus pressure. You can get relief from this pressure by breathing in steam, which can open nasal passages. Facial massage can also offer relief from such pressure.
In case an infection causes sinus pressure, you might have to take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor/healthcare provider.
Yet another way to reduce the effects of sinus pressure is by using a humidifier. It reduces the inflammation in your nasal passages and also decongests your blocked nose.
How to Drain Ear Sinus Fluid?
Fluid can build up in your middle ear because of an allergy, infection, or even acid reflux. This may cause pain, and in worst-case scenarios, hearing loss.
One of the best home remedies to drain ear sinus fluid is applying a warm compress to the affected ear. At times, over-the-counter medicines help open up the ear canals and drain the fluid.
A block in your Eustachian tube can also result in fluid build-up in your ears. Do you know what this tube is and how it’s connected?
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear and the top section of your throat. You can easily clear the block in this tube with some simple facial movements like yawning!
You might have heard your mother and grandmother advise you to gargle with saltwater. Yes! It’s the easiest and simplest way to drain your ear sinus fluid.
Don’t Ignore the Sinus Infection Symptoms
We hope this blog has given you a clear idea of the various causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sinusitis. If you experience one or more of the symptoms, don’t ignore them. Based on the intensity of the problem, try home remedies or consult your doctor, and get treated accordingly. Also Read A study on sinusitis from the NIH.
