Sinuses are air pockets within the bones behind your cheekbones, in-between the eyes, and your forehead. They allow mucus to flow in and out of the nose, which helps keep foreign objects out. If healthy, they contain free-flowing air. But they can get blocked due to several reasons. When that happens, germs can develop that can cause an infection.

You most likely have a sinus infection if you feel like you have a stuffy nose that does not get better. The infection is usually viral, but it can also be bacterial. Over 11% of adult Americans are diagnosed with a sinus infection or sinusitis.

 

4 Types of Sinus Infection

1. Acute sinusitis

Commonly associated with the sudden development of cold symptoms like a stuffy nose and facial pain for at least ten days. The symptoms can go away for a while and then return worse than before.

2. Chronic sinusitis

Includes symptoms like loss or decrease of smell, nasal congestion, and feeling pressure on the face. Symptoms can last for at least 12 weeks.

3. Subacute sinusitis

Subacute sinusitis has the same general symptoms of congestion and runny nose lasting 4 to 12 weeks.

4. Acute sinusitis

The symptoms come back at least four times within a year. Every time they do, the symptoms last about two weeks.

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

The common symptoms associated with sinus infection include:

  • Stuffy and runny nose
  • Feeling pain or pressure on the face
  • Headaches
  • Post-nasal drip (when mucus drips down the throat)
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath

Most of the symptoms are similar to the common cold. The main difference is how long the infection would last and the severity.

sinusitis

Risk Factors for Sinus Infection

There are risk factors for sinus infection. These increase your chance of developing the illness, and it includes:

  • Seasonal allergies
  • The recent development of cold
  • Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke
  • Weak immune system
  • Taking drugs that affect the immune system
  • Your sinuses have structural problems

Treating Sinus Infection

Most infections can get better in time without the help of antibiotics. There are cases where they can cause more harm than good due to potential side effects like rash and diarrhea.

Watchful waiting is one of the common approaches to treating sinusitis, including for children experiencing these symptoms. It gives the immune system time to fight the infection by getting rest, plenty of fluids, and drinking medicine for the symptoms. If you do not feel better after two to three days, your doctor would then prescribe an antibiotic.

Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, cough, and cold medicine can help with the symptoms. Be careful about the dosage, especially for kids with sinusitis.

treating sinus infection

Preventing Sinus Infection

The best way to prevent sinus infection is through healthy habits like:

  • Regularly wash your hands to avoid getting bacteria on your face.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory illnesses and flu-like symptoms.
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
  • Using a humidifier at home.
  • Receive recommended vaccines.

Get Relief at Riverview Health ER & Urgent Care

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: