A sinus infection is an inflammation and acute infection of the sinuses that are located behind the forehead, cheeks and eyes. The most common cause of this issue is of a viral, bacterial or fungal origin. The sinuses are open spaces connected to small openings in the nose, which normally are filled with air and covered with a mucous membrane. They have four pairs (maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid and frontal sinuses), all located around the forehead, cheeks and eyes, which remain open to facilitate air flow. They also allow mucus and nasal secretions to drain from the sinuses into the nose. To learn more about Bethlehem PA Sinus Infection Symptoms continue reading.
Causes
The most common cause is infection of the airways, although there are a number of conditions that predispose the patient, such as:
Frequent infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as common colds.
- Asthmatic patients.
- Patients with cystic fibrosis.
- HIV patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments, etc., which therefore have weakened immune systems.
- Patients suffering from persistent obstruction of the airways, because they have inferior turbinate hypertrophy, deviated septum, nasal polyps, etc.
There are other causes that may contribute to the occurrence of sinus infections, such as:
- Nasal decongestant drug abuse, since prolonged use can lead to a worsening of the problem.
- Swimming or snorkeling frequently.
- Dental infections.
- Changes in altitude: climbing, flying, etc.
- Environmental pollution, smoking, etc.
- Pregnancy, etc.
Symptoms
Bethlehem PA Sinus Infection Symptoms is much more common than chronic, where symptoms are more intense and last between 2 and 8 weeks. Among the most common are:
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose, which may be more or less thick and purulent.
- Frequent and severe headaches, especially around the eyes and teeth. It is usually described as a pressure.
- Facial pain.
- Sore throat and postnasal drip.
- Cough that usually worsens at night.
- Fever.
- Alteration or loss of sense of smell.
- Impaired vision and/or hearing.
- Bad breath.
- Fatigue.
- Oral pain.
Treatment consists of curing the infection and relieving the symptoms. Pharmacological treatment depends on the organism causing the infection. Doctors may prescribe oral decongestants, nasal corticosteroid sprays and/or antibiotics provided that the disease is caused by bacteria, etc. Surgical treatment may also be a choice. Click Here for more details.
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