Sinus Infection - What are its Symptoms and Treatment options?
A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis, is a condition whereby the mucosa is inflamed and swollen. The mucosa is a thin membranous tissue that lines the nasal passages and sinuses. It normally comes on when one seems to be recovering from the common cold or viral influenza. Allergies are also a big contributor to sinus infections.
Sinus infection symptoms which are common:
1. Pain in the areas of forehead, cheeks and between the eyes.
2. More pronounced post nasal drip.
3. Frequent bouts of coughing though the lungs are clear.
5. Blocked and clogged up nose.
6. Yellowish/green or thick glue-like mucus discharge
7. Toothache in the upper molars.
8. Frequent sore throat.
9. Light sensitivity.
10. Fever.
Sinus infection medications
Most doctors would prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin or other broad-spectrum antibiotics for a period of 10 days when a mils sinus infection is suspected.
To reduce the severity of the other sinus infection symptoms, doctors may also prescribe one or more of the following medicines which can help in reducing congestion and inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses so as to expedite the healing process:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen are prescribed to those who are unable to withstand the pain from sinus headache. Paracetamol may be prescribed for those with less severe pain.
2. Decongestants. These medicines are used to narrow the blood vessels in the mucosa thereby reducing the swelling. The reduction in blood supply causes the swollen membranes to shrink.
Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) is a commonly prescribed oral decongestant. The chief benefit of this medication is to help clear up the clogged nose so that natural ventilation of the sinuses can be restored. Decongestants can cause rebound congestion if they are used for long periods. It is inadvisable to continue using it for more than 5 days consecutively.
3. Nasal Sprays containing steroids. Nasacort, Nasonex and Rhinocort are steroid nasal sprays which work by reducing inflammation so that mucus can drain off easily. Their effectiveness only come in about a week of continued use. These sprays are often needed by those who suffer from chronic sinus infection.
4. Expectorants. These medicines are needed by patients who have a persistent cough due to post nasal drip. The main benefit of expectorant is to thin mucus so that it is easy to drain.
5. Antihistamines. These are drugs that block the action of histamine (a chemical released by the body after it has been exposed to an allergen, such as pollen) which is responsible for immediate hypersensitivity reactions such as sneezing and itching.
Sinus infection can affect a person’s productivity due to sinus pressure which causes an intense sinus headache in some individuals. With age, sinus infection symptoms seem to become more and more severe.
Having a sinus infection treated early is highly recommended so that it does not turn into a chronic condition.
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