According to the University of Maryland Medical Center sinus infections affect more than 31 million people, or one out of every seven adults, in the U.S. annually.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), claims patients with sinusitis miss approximately four work days annually. The AAAAI states sinusitis is one of the top ten medical conditions affecting American employers.
A sinus infection is also known as sinusitis, rhinosinusitis or nasal congestion.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the University of Maryland Medical Center, the following are symptoms of a sinus infection:
• Fatigue
• Nasal congestion
• Nasal discharge is thick and has a yellowish to yellow-green color
• Fever
• Facial pain or pressure
• Reduced or no sense of smell
• Dental pain
• A persistent cough
• Ear pain or pressure
• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Post nasal-drip
There are two forms of sinusitis: acute and chronic. The symptoms of acute sinusitis can last up to four weeks. Acute sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection. A sinus infection is generally not contagious.
However, if you have sensitive sinuses and you are around someone who has a cold, you may develop a sinus infection within two to four days of being infected by someone who has a cold.
If you have a cold, your sinuses have an 85 percent chance of becoming inflamed which can lead to a sinus infection. AAAAI states more than 70 percent of people naturally recover from acute sinusitis after 14 days. After one week, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
For chronic sinusitis, you doctor may recommend a regular regiment of nasal corticosteroids and antibiotics. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis can last up to 12 weeks or more. Chronic sinusitis is generally caused by allergies.
Possible home remedies for sinus infection include:
• Steam shower when you wake up and before you go to bed. Also, you can also take one after school or work or
• Use a face steamer 2-4 times per day
• Use a humidifier
• Use a neti pot twice a day with a warm salt-water solution
• Drink plenty of fluids to reduce and thin out the mucus
• Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day
• Spray with nasal saline several times per day
You can also take ibuprofen for sinus pain and pressure.
If you have a sinus infection, it is recommended that you do not fly, bend your head down and also avoid extreme temperature/pressure changes.
For more detail information on sinus infections, you can visit the following websites:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
www.niaid.nih.gov
American Rhinologic Society
www.american-rhinologic.org
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
www.acaai.org
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
www.entnet.org
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
www.aaaai.org
Sources:
Sinusitis - Complications. University of Maryland Medical Center | Home. Retrieved September 14, 2011, from http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_sinusitis_000062_4.htm
Sinusitis - PubMed Health. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved September 14, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001670/
Sinusitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 14, 2011, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000647.htm
Acute and Chronic Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Management | AAAAI. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology | AAAAI. Retrieved September 14, 2011, from
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/sinusitis.aspx
Sinusitis - Risk Factors. University of Maryland Medical Center | Home. Retrieved September 14, 2011, from http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/who_gets_sinusitis_000062_3.htm
Reviewed September 14, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith