How many people get sinusitis

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Chronic Sinusitis. Minus Related Pages. Allergic sinusitis often leads to chronic sinusitis. Symptoms can be seasonal, or last all year round, and include:. Treatment for allergic sinusitis includes antihistamines, avoiding allergic triggers, and, in some cases, allergy shots.

Chronic sinusitis can cause more subtle symptoms that persist for months. Nasal congestion and post-nasal drainage are the most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis. A cough that is worse at night or on awakening in the morning is common, too. Individuals with nasal polyps more commonly have this type of infection. Nasal steroid sprays are typically used as a form of treatment; fungus is a likely cause of chronic sinusitis.

Although most cases of sinus infection are uncomplicated, potentially life-threatening complications of acute bacterial sinusitis can occur. The walls of the sinuses are thin, and the sinuses share blood vessels and lymph drainage pathways with the eyes and parts of the central nervous system.

Anyone that develops any symptoms that suggest a potential complication of sinusitis must seek immediate medical attention. The vast majority of sinusitis cases are caused by a virus and clear up on their own in days. When symptoms extend beyond 10 days or worsen in severity, people should see their doctor. Sinus pressure can be a symptom of infection or allergies. While medication can help, some home remedies can also relieve the pressure. Learn more…. Your allergist may give you a light anesthetic nasal spray to make you more comfortable.

Mucus cultures: If your sinus infection is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics, a mucus culture may help to determine what is causing the infection.

Most mucus samples are taken from the nose. However, it is sometimes necessary to get mucus or pus directly from the sinuses. Knowing what kind of bacteria is causing the infection can lead to more effective antibiotic therapy. A fungus could also cause your sinus infection. Confirming the presence of fungus is important. Fungal sinus infection needs to be treated with antifungal agents, rather than antibiotics. In addition, some forms of fungal sinus infection — allergic fungal sinus infection, for example — do not respond to antifungal agents and often require the use of oral steroids.

Your allergist may consider ordering a sinus CT. This test can help to define the extent of the infection. Your allergist may also send you to a specialist in allergy and immunology. The specialist will check for underlying factors such as allergies, asthma, structural defects, or a weakness of the immune system. Biopsies: A danger of more serious types of fungal sinus infection is that the fungus could penetrate into nearby bone.

Only a bone biopsy can determine if this has happened. Biopsies involving sinus tissue are taken with flexible instruments inserted through the nose. Biopsies of the sinus tissue are also used to test for immotile cilia syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause people to suffer from recurrent infections, including chronic sinus infection, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Antibiotics are standard treatments for bacterial sinus infections. Antibiotics are usually taken from 3 to 28 days, depending on the type of antibiotic. Because the sinuses are deep-seated in the bones, and blood supply is limited, longer treatments may be prescribed for people with longer lasting or severe cases.

Overuse and abuse of antibiotics have been causing a major increase in antibiotic resistance. Therefore, patients with sinus symptoms should consider taking an antibiotic only if symptoms including discolored nasal discharge persist beyond days.

Antibiotics help eliminate a sinus infection by attacking the bacteria that cause it, but until the drugs take effect, they do not do much to alleviate symptoms. Some over-the-counter medications can help provide relief. Topical nasal decongestants can be helpful if used for no more than three to four days. These medications shrink swollen nasal passages, facilitating the flow of drainage from the sinuses.

Overuse of topical nasal decongestants can result in a dependent condition in which the nasal passages swell shut, called rebound phenomenon. Antihistamines block inflammation caused by an allergic reaction so they can help to fight symptoms of allergies that can lead to swollen nasal and sinus passages. Over-the-counter combination drugs should be used with caution. Some of these drugs contain drying agents that can thicken mucus. Only use them when prescribed by your allergist.

These prescription nasal sprays prevent and reverse inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinus openings, addressing the biggest problem associated with sinus infection.

Topical nasal corticosteroid sprays are also effective in shrinking and preventing the return of nasal polyps. If drug therapies have failed, surgery may be recommended as a last resort.

It is usually performed by an otolaryngologist. Anatomical defects are the most common target of surgery. Your doctor may also use a fiberoptic scope, which is a lighted tube that passes through your nose.

A sample may be obtained during nasal endoscopy for culture testing to test for the presence an infection. An allergy test identifies irritants that may cause an allergic reaction. A blood test can check for diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV.

Nasal congestion is amongst the most common symptoms of a sinus infection. To help reduce the feeling of pain from sinus pressure, apply a warm, damp cloth to your face and forehead several times a day. Nasal saline rinses may help to clear the sticky and thick mucus from your nose.

Drink water and juice to stay hydrated and help thin the mucus. You can use an over-the-counter OTC medication, such as guaifenesin , that thins mucus. Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. Turn on the shower and sit in the bathroom with the door closed to surround yourself with steam.

Consider using OTC nasal corticosteroid spray. There are decongestants available OTC, but you may want to consider asking your doctor about these before trying one.

A sinus infection can trigger a sinus headache or pressure in your forehead and cheeks. Your doctor may have you schedule another visit to monitor your condition. The doctor may also order additional tests to determine whether allergies are triggering your sinusitis. Because sinus infections can develop after a cold, flu, or allergic reaction, a healthy lifestyle and reducing your exposure to germs and allergens can help prevent an infection.

To reduce your risk, you can:. Sinus infections are treatable, and most people recover without seeing a doctor or taking antibiotics. However, tell your doctor if you have repeat or chronic sinus infection issues. You could have an underlying medical condition, such as nasal polyps.

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