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Sinuses are air-filled cavities inside the face and skull. Sinus infection, also known as Rhinosinusitis, occurs due to inflammation of the soft tissues that line the sinuses.
There are two kinds of sinus infection (sinusitis):
- Acute Sinus Infection
Short-term or acute sinus infection can occur due to pollutants in the environment, an allergy, or after a cold and it can last for a few days.
- Chronic Sinus Infection
This is a kind of sinus infection that lasts longer than 3 months.
Causes of Sinus Infection
A few of the causes of sinus infection are:
- Lifestyle choices which include working with children, pregnancy and smoking.
- Inflammatory and infectious causes which are related to viral, fungal and bacterial infections along with polyps and allergies.
- Developmental disorders like cystic fibrosis. [Cystic Fibrosis is a hereditary disorder. The disorder occurs by producing abnormally thick mucus and leads to the blockage of the pancreatic ducts, bronchi and intestines]
- Anatomical causes which include enlarged turbinate or deviated septum in the nose.
- Tumours in the nose can also cause sinusitis by blocking drainage pathways.
Symptoms of Sinus Infection
A few of the symptoms of sinus infection are:
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Decreased sense of smell
- Runny, stuffy nose that lasts more than a week
- Sinus pressure behind the eyes and the cheeks.
Treatments of Sinus Infection
Acute sinus infections can have the same symptoms as a cold. In many cases, it can go away on its own. However, if the sinus infection stays longer than a week, then one should see a doctor for proper medication. Most cases of bacterial sinusitis clear up after a course of antibiotics. Chronic sinus infections can also be treated with medication. However, it depends on the severity of the condition where medication is required for the treatment. Most of the chronic sinus infections can find relief through medication. But if none of the medical treatments work for the patient, then a sinus surgery may ease the symptoms.
