Sinus infections present symptoms that can be confused with common colds and currently with COVID-19. This calls for extreme care when examining patients with nasal symptoms to distinguish the genuine sinus infection.
Generally, viral sinus is infectious and can be transmitted to people close to the patient. Here are some of the symptoms and remedies.
Pain in sinus infection
Uncomfortable pains in areas around the face where sinus cavities are located accompany sinus infection. Due to congestion or swelling inside the cavities, normal drainage is blocked, leading to build up pressure that, in turn, causes pain.
The pain is felt around the forehead, nose, eyes, and in the cheeks. The intense pressure can also cause toothache and pain in the mouth affecting the gums. Such extreme pain lasting more than three months can be diagnosed as chronic sinusitis.
Sinus discomfort
Blockage in the sinus cavities hampers regular drainage of fluids and the resultant buildup causes congestion. This can get very uncomfortable for the patient interfering with normal breathing. The trapped fluid becomes a fertile medium for the growth of bacteria, viruses, or fungus, worsening the condition.
This can lead to throat infections presenting with cough and expectoration of brightly colored mucus, a clear indication mucosal infection. There is an unrelenting production of mucus that is hard to clear with normal nose blowing.
The putrid green or yellow phlegm the patient coughs up brings with it bad smelly breath. One experiences an uncomfortable feeling at the back of his or her throat accompanied by hoarseness from postnasal drip. To compound this feeling of general malaise, a patient may suffer from high fever, or bouts of chills, muscle pains, and fatigue.
How do you know it is sinus?
It is easy to confuse sinus infection with the common cold as the former at times follows the later. However, colds take at most one week and usually dissipate by the fifth day. Sinus infection lasts much longer, stretching beyond ten days.
Colds do not cause bad breath, tissue swelling in the nose, tender face, nor colored nasal discharge. If a patient presents these symptoms, it is an indication of sinus. Sinus can also progress from acute to chronic stage when it lasts more than three months.
How to treat a sinus infection
In most cases, sinus infections will clear within a few days with a little home management. Loosen build up fluids in the sinuses by applying a warm compress. Homeopathic sprays and essential oils can help clear nasal congestion.
Steam inhalants from eucalyptus oils or leaves are also a good remedy. However, if the condition persists for long, you might want to consider seeing a doctor for further help.
If the sinus is bacterial, a dose of antibiotics is necessary to clear the infection. Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove polyps if found to cause congestion. With proper medical care, sinus infections are treatable and, in most cases, the body’s immune system will fight it off successfully.