Sinus infection is also commonly called sinusitis.
It is one of the commonest types of viral infections. Usually, it occurs when the nasal cavities get infected, inflamed, or become swollen.
Most sinus infections occur due to viruses. However, rarely it occurs due to a fungus or even bacteria. At the same time, sinus infections can also occur due to allergies, tooth infections, and nasal polyps.
Below, we’re listing down the top 6 leading symptoms of a sinus infection and how you can treat it.
Sinus pain- the earliest symptom of sinus infection
A common presentation of sinus infections includes sinus pain. The human body has several different sinuses in the head region. Usually, they are present above and below the eyes as well behind the nose.
When your sinuses are inflamed, they begin to hurt. As a result of infection and inflammation, the pressure inside the sinus increases. And this gives rise to pain.
Nasal discharge
Most patients with sinus infections have a constant urgency to blow their nose. This is because of constant nasal discharge. On most occasions, green, cloudy white, or yellow discharge is released. And this is one of the commonest signs of infection.
Most discharge occurs because of the infection and hence passes through nasal passages. Sometimes, the discharge bypasses the nose too. In that case, it drains at the back of the throat. For this reason, many sinusitis patients complain of an itchy or tickling sensation in their throats.
Severe sinus infection headaches
Sinusitis presents itself with a series of severe headaches. When the discharge isn’t drained properly, it accumulates and creates pressure. This pressure is seen in the form of severe headaches, especially when lifting the head down.
At the same time, a sinus infection gives earaches, jaw pain, cheek pain, and dental pain too. In addition to this, sinus headaches commonly occur in the morning because that is when the fluid collection is the most. Consequently, these headaches get worse with a rise in barometric pressure too.
Nasal congestion
Inflamed sinuses don’t allow you to breathe properly through the nostrils. Hence, patients complain of a hindrance during breathing.
Consequently, infections cause swelling of the sinuses as well as nasal passages. And this congestion further limits your smelling and tasting. Additionally, sinus infection patients complain of a stuffy voice.
Sore throat with hoarseness of voice
As mentioned above, nasal discharge leads to an aching throat.
At the start, it feels like an annoying tickle. Similarly, as time passes, it worsens. As a consequence, when the infection doesn’t resolve within a number of weeks, mucus starts to build up. And it is this mucus that irritates, inflames, and worsens your throat.
To conclude, the sore throat is extremely painful and usually accompanied by hoarseness of voice.
Cough
When nasal discharge drips into the back of the throat, it irritates it. Long term sinus infections commonly present like this. The end results usually comprise of an annoying series of coughs. These coughs worsen with time, presents as extremes while lying down.
Sinusitis can also affect your sleeping pattern, However, sleeping in upright positions with the head elevated always makes a difference. Simultaneously, it also reduces your cough frequency.
How should you treat your sinus infection?
You should visit the doctor when your sinus infection lasts for more than 10 days. Also, if you experience any of the sinus infection symptoms mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention. Similarly, any infection left untreated will turn into chronic or severe. Here, the pain is worse and recovery takes longer.
Most physicians prescribe a series of medications, along with vapor steam, fluids, and plenty of rest.
Sinus infections are a common medical finding, Knowing their symptoms helps create awareness and prevents complications from occurring.