The Causes of Sinus Infection
So what causes a sinus infection to occur? Sinusitis could either follow a viral infection around the upper respiratory tract area, or it could also be triggered by different allergens like dust or pollution.
If the sinus infection is caused by viral infection, it usually causes damage to the lining of the sinuses, which leads to inflammation. The lining will then thicken because of this, causing an obstruction to the nasal passage. This passage is connected to the sinuses.
Because of the obstruction, the bacteria that the body usually gets rid of on its own gets stuck inside and starts to multiply. This then becomes an infection of the sinuses. Allergens also cause the very same effect within the sinuses, resulting to the same thing – infection.
The symptoms of sinus infection vary, depending on which areas are affected. The type of sinusitis is also a factor in the different kinds of sinus infection symptoms. Of course, seeing the signs of a sinus infection is very important so that proper medication can be taken right away. This is why it is important to know more about the different signs and symptoms of sinus infection to determine what the most effective treatment would also be.
The Symptoms of Sinus Infection (Acute Sinusitis)
Acute sinusitis can last no longer than ten days, and usually happens only once or thrice a year. The symptoms that are most common among all the areas affected are fever, nasal discharge, and postnasal drip. There are some symptoms however, that can only be felt when the infection occurs in specific areas or parts of your sinuses.
If the area behind the eyes are affected, these are the most common symptoms:
- Nasal congestion with discharge
- Sore throat
- Pain or pressure felt in the inner corners of the eyes
- Pain or pressure felt down the side of the nose
- Headache around the temple or behind the eye
- Pain or pressure becomes worse when straining or coughing
- Pain or pressure lightens when the head is upright, and worsens when lying on the back
If the affected area lies behind the cheekbones, these are the common sinus infection symptoms:
- Pain across the cheekbones
- Pain under or around the eyes
- Pain around the upper teeth
- Pain or pressure on one or both sides of the face
- Swollen, tender, or red cheekbones
- Pain and pressure lightens when reclining, and worsens when head is upright or bending forward
If the affected area lies behind any area of the forehead, these are the symptoms:
- Severe headache around the forehead area
- Pain lightens when the head is upright, and worsens when reclining
If the affected area lies behind the eyes, these are the most common symptoms:
- Deep headache felt on top and behind the head, behind the eye, or across the forehead
- Vision disturbances
- Pain worsens when bending forward or lying on the back
The Symptoms of Sinus Infection (CHRONIC Sinusitis)
As far as chronic sinusitis is concerned, the symptoms usually last for up to 20 days. They also occur more frequently than acute sinusitis, usually happening up to over four times a year.
If the area affected by chronic sinusitis lies behind the eyes, these are the common symptoms:
- Chronic nasal discharge
- Obstruction or discomfort felt around the bridge of the nose
- Chronic sore throat and bad breath
- Pain becomes worse when wearing glasses
- Pain usually occurs or worsens in the late morning
If the affected area lies behind the cheekbones, these are the common sinus infection symptoms:
- Pressure or discomfort beneath the eye
- Increased tooth sensitivity or chronic toothache
- Pain becomes worse with flu, colds, or allergies
- Coughing increases at night
- Discomfort increases during the day
If the affected area lies behind any area of the forehead, these are the symptoms:
- Persistent but low-grade headache around the forehead
- Damage or trauma to the sinus area
- Chronic postnasal drip
If the affected area lies behind the eyes, these are the most common symptoms:
- General low-grade headache
- Chronic postnasal drip
How to Get Rid of Sinus Inflammation
Sinus inflammation is a problem that can be solved by natural means. Hot water vapor for example, can easily moisten your sinuses. One of the most common home remedies for sinus infection, all you have to do is add a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus to the shower, and let your bathroom steam up. This would help loosen up the mucus that has accumulated in your nose.
Staying hydrated is also one of the most natural remedies for sinus, as this keeps your sinuses moist. Make sure you avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks is the meantime, as these can easily dehydrate your body and cause your nasal passages to harden all the more. Spicy food could also be quite helpful, as the sudden bite in every meal could clear up your sinuses fast.
Preventing Sinus Infection
Of course, always stay fit and healthy as well, as this could help you prevent any occurrences of sinus infection. Keep yourself in a healthy environment, and get plenty of rest. This would allow you to take control of your body by having the right defenses against the things that cause sinus infection.
Keep your mind, body and spirit intact by eating the right food and getting enough rest. Try losing the excess weight that pulls your body down by eating right and choosing healthy food. Find techniques in clearing your mind as well, such as meditation or lucid dreaming. Once you find the right balance in your daily routine, you’ll find yourself suffering less from things like sinus infection.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cold-becomes-sinus-infection
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sinus_infection/page2_em.htm#sinus_infection_causes
http://www.medicinenet.com/sinusitis/article.htm
http://www.everydayhealth.com/sinus-health-guide/natural-remedies-for-sinus-pain.aspx