Sinusitis symptoms vary depending on the type of sinusitis that one is suffering from. Sinusitis, which is the irritation, swelling or inflammation of one or more sinuses, can be acute or chronic. Sinuses are facial cavities that are largely responsible for the secretion of mucus and penetration of air for ease of breathing. When one’s sinuses are infected and irritated, and fail to function as required, they are said to be suffering from sinusitis.
What Causes Acute/Chronic Sinusitis
Acute Sinusitis is usually caused by viral infections, while chronic sinus infection, which usually occurs following acute sinusitis, is believed to be brought about by infection caused by bacteria that is already growing in the sinus or sinuses that are filled with mucus, due to swelling, blockage and lack of oxygen. Allergies can also cause congestion, which results in irritation of the sinuses. Sinusitis may also be caused by fungal infections in individuals with other medical complications like HIV, asthma, dental infections etc. This is because their body’s immune system is lowered and unable to fight infections.
Acute Sinusitis Symptoms
AcuteSinusitis symptoms usually last for not more than approximately 10 days, up to 21 days and tend to go away on their own or if simple remedies such as drinking a lot of water, using nasal sprays and taking pain relievers and other medication like decongestants, among others are applied. The symptoms include, Stuffy nose, discharging yellowish or greenish mucus, mucus producing cough, that gets worse at night, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion and difficulty in breathing, high fever, pain, fatique, and swelling in the facial area, especially around the eyes.
When the Acute Sinusitis symptoms persist for longer than normal periods and seem to worsen, then Chronic Sinusitis occurs. This means that the Sinus infection is no longer a viral but a bacterial. The bacteria, added to the virus that caused Acute Sinusitis make the Sinus infection worse and can lead to serious damaging of the sinuses. The sinusitis symptoms may go away but the bacterial Sinus infection will stay, which is the main reason why it is important to see a doctor once Chronic Sinusitis has developed. Some Chronic Sinusitis symptoms include persisting and recurring symptoms of Acute Sinusitis, swollen forehead, extreme headaches that worsen with every head movement, toothache, bad breath, pain in the jaws while eating and mainly, an uncomfortable feeling that one’s face is full, tender and swollen. Children with sinusitis show symptoms like nasal speech, inability to eat well, difficulty in breathing, which is done through the mouth and irritability.
Doctors will perform necessary medial procedures like CT scans to help determine the reason behind the Sinus infection and the symptoms. This will help them in recommending and prescribing remedies that will help alleviate and treat the Sinusitis symptoms and treat the infection. For instance, treatment for dental infection will be recommended if it is the main reason for Chronic Sinusitis, to effectively eliminate the symptoms and treat the infection. Other treatment methods include, use of antibiotics and any other appropriate medication. In severe cases, that is, where the above remedies do not work to treat the symptoms and infections, surgery is recommended to correct the damaged sinuses. Consult your doctor regarding the best sinus infection treatment for you