What is sinusitis (sinus infection)?

Sinusitis is an enlargement or inflammation of the tissue lining your sinuses. Sinuses are air spaces within your face. Bacterial, viral, and allergy infections can make them irritated, blocked, and filled with fluid. This can lead to pressure and pain in your face, nasal stuffiness (a stuffy nose), and other symptoms.

Sinusitis is also referred to as rhino sinusitis.

What are the symptoms and signs of sinusitis?

Typical symptoms of a sinus infection include:

Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat).
Runny nose with yellow or green, thick mucus.
Stuffy nose.
Facial pressure (especially around your eyes, forehead, and nose) may get worse when you move your head around or lean forward.
Pressure or pain in your teeth.
Ear pressure or pain.
Fever.
Bad breath (halitosis) or bad taste in your mouth.
Cough.
Headache.
Fatigue.

What causes sinus infections?

Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens are responsible for sinusitis. Certain causes of sinusitis include:

The common cold.
Flu (influenza).
Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Haemophilus influenza bacteria.
Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria.
Allergies (nasal, seasonal)

What are the risk factors for sinusitis?

Risk factors exist as some individuals are more likely to develop sinusitis than others. These are:

Deviated septum. Your septum is a tissue line that separates your nose. A deviated septum isn't straight, which makes the passage on one side of your nose smaller. This may create a blockage.
Weakened immune system. This can be due to illnesses such as HIV or cancer, or because of some medicines.
Smoking.
Nasal allergies.
Asthma.
Nasal polyps (growths).

How is a sinus infection diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose sinusitis based on symptoms and medical history. A professional will examine your ears, nose, and throat for swelling, draining, or obstruction. They may insert an endoscope (a small, lighted tube) to examine inside your nose.

Your primary care professional may also send you to see a specialist, such as an otolaryngologist (also known as an ENT — an ear, nose and throat specialist).

What are the specific tests to diagnose sinusitis?

Specific tests your doctor may order to diagnose sinus infection are:

Nasal swabs: Your doctor can use a soft-tipped stick to collect a fluid sample from your nose. They'll check it for viruses or other germs that may be behind your symptoms.
Imaging: Sometimes your doctor may order a computed tomography (CT) scan to learn more about what's going on in your sinuses.
Allergy testing: Your doctor may examine you for potential allergies if you have persistent sinusitis.
Biopsy: Only occasionally will a doctor remove a sample of tissue from your nose for examination.

How is sinusitis treated?

Depending on the severity and duration of your sinusitis symptoms, many different treatment options exist. A sinus infection can be treated at home through:

Decongestants.
Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medications.
Nasal saline rinses.
Drinking lots of fluids.

If sinusitis symptoms don't get better within 10 days, a provider might prescribe:

Antibiotics.
Oral or topical decongestants.
Prescription intranasal steroid sprays. (Don't use over-the-counter sprays or drops for more than three to five days — they can actually make congestion worse.)

Providers treat chronic sinusitis by targeting the underlying condition. Treatments may include:

Intranasal steroid sprays.
Topical antihistamine sprays or oral tablets.
Leukotriene antagonists, such as montelukast.
Surgery to correct structural problems, polyps or fungal infections.

What are the best drugs for a sinus infection?

Which antibiotic your doctor suggests if you need one will depend on your unique situation. Among the options are:

Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate).
Amoxicillin.
Doxycycline.
Levofloxacin.
Cefixime.
Cefpodoxime.
Clindamycin.

Can sinusitis be avoided?

Depending on the reason for the sinus infections, there are a few methods to lower your chances of developing sinus infections, such as:

Rinsing the nose with saline (salt water) as instructed by your doctor.
Preventing allergies involves medications, allergy shots, and staying away from known allergy triggers (such as dust, pollen, or smoke).
Using steroid nasal sprays if your doctor suggests them.
Practicing good hand washing and other habits that lower your chances of getting sick with infectious diseases.
Staying away from smoke. There are resources to assist you in quitting smoking, if you do.

What can I expect if I have sinusitis?

Usually, sinusitis goes away after a week or ten days. Over-the-counter medications and at-home therapies can typically be used to treat it. You may need to treat underlying problems if you have chronic sinusitis or if it keeps returning.

When should you see a doctor for a sinus infection?

You can most often manage sinus symptoms yourself. But if you still have symptoms that bother you or if you keep getting infections, see a health care provider. They can advise you on what to do next.

When should I visit the ER?

Visit the closest emergency room or see a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe infection:

High fever (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius).
Confusion or other changes in your mind.
Vision changes, particularly if you have pain or swelling around your eyes.
Seizures.
Stiff neck.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You should have your provider demonstrate how to use any devices they prescribe. These include nasal inhalers and nasal irrigation devices. It may also be useful to ask:

How may a sinus infection be treated at home?
How do I administer my medication?
When do I schedule a follow-up?

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for sinusitis treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers Sinusitis Treatment in Lucknow, India. We have experienced team of ENT specialists. We provide precise diagnosis, advanced sinus imaging, endoscopic sinus surgery, and comprehensive care plans for patients suffering from acute, chronic, or recurrent sinusitis with nasal congestion, facial pain, or breathing issues.