How do y ou know when your cold has turned into sinusitis? When your seasonal allergies have turned into a sinus infection? Read for tips that will help you decide if a trip to the doctor is necessary.
Sinusitis is a fancy name for inflammation of the sinus cavities. The condition can be acute (usually caused by allergies) or chronic (often caused by a bacterial infection). Eight sinus cavities are located within the facial bones and are connected to the nasal cavity. The maxillary sinuses that are located in the cheekbones and the ethmoidal sinus that are located just above the eyes are frequently involved.
Signs of a sinus infection include pain in the cheekbones or over the eyes, which resembles a toothache. There is usually a green or yellow nasal discharge that may include blood, a feeling of pressure within the head, a headache that is worse in the morning or when bending forward, post nasal drip, and sometimes a non-productive cough. Other symptoms can include tiredness, fever, eye pain, and disturbed sleep.
The purpose of the sinuses is to produce mucous to add moisture to the air that we breathe. When the sinuses become blocked due to swelling then fluid builds up and infection develops. The best prevention is to avoid smoking or other irritants that cause allergies and to try to avoid colds and other illness.
Antibiotics (if needed) and self-care measures are the usual treatments. Warm moist air may help to relive congestion. Warm compresses to the face can help with pain and discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids to help thin secretions and blow the nose gently to prevent driving infection toward the inner ears.
With these helpful tips, you should be able to make it through the cold and flu season with less discomfort.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician
or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal
health and necessary treatments.
