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Understanding sinus infections
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is a major health problem affecting 31 million people1 in the United States alone. It occurs when the sinuses become inflamed or blocked, often due to infections, allergies, or structural issues. This condition can lead to significant discomfort and disruption of daily life. Symptoms include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, fatigue, and other discomforts.
Types of sinusitis:1-4
- Acute sinusitis: Symptoms may last up to four weeks.
- Subacute sinusitis: Symptoms last four to 12 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
- Recurrent sinusitis: Multiple episodes of acute sinusitis within a year.
- Sinus infection symptoms in adults and children
- Sinus infection causes in adults and children
- Sinus infection treatments for adults and children
Sinus infection symptoms in adults and children 1-4
Sinus infections occur when the sinuses become inflamed and swollen. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Facial pressure or pain: This symptom is often felt around the nose, eyes, and forehead, and can vary in intensity from mild discomfort to severe throbbing pain. It may also be felt in the ears or teeth.
- Nasal congestion: A stuffy or blocked nose can make breathing difficult and contribute to a sense of pressure in the face.
- Runny nose: Discharge may be thick and colored (yellow or green) indicating the presence of infection.
- Post-nasal drip: Mucus dripping down the throat can cause irritation, coughing, and a sore throat.
- Cough: A persistent cough, often accompanied by congestion, is a common symptom of sinus infections.
- Headache: Headaches can be severe and may worsen when moving the head due to the pressure and inflammation in the sinuses.
- Fever: A fever, especially in acute cases, is another common symptom of sinus infections.
- Bad breath or foul taste: The buildup of mucus and bacteria in the sinuses can lead to bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.
- Reduced sense of smell or taste: Sinus infections can interfere with the senses of smell and taste.
- Nausea and poor appetite: These symptoms are more common in children and may be related to the discomfort and inflammation caused by the sinus infection.
If you or your child experience these symptoms for more than a week or if they worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Sinus infection causes in adults and children2-4
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can be caused by a variety of factors. Identifying these underlying causes is crucial for developing effective treatment plans and prevention strategies.
- Viral infections: Common colds and influenza are frequent causes of sinus infections.
- Bacterial infections: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis are common bacteria that can lead to sinus infections.
- Allergies: Nasal or seasonal allergies can contribute to sinus inflammation.
- Chronic conditions: Asthma, cystic fibrosis, and immune system disorders can increase the risk of sinus infections.
- Nasal issues: A deviated septum, nasal polyps, or nasal bone spurs can obstruct airflow and lead to sinus problems.
- Environmental factors: Mold spores and frequent air travel can irritate the sinuses and contribute to infections.
- Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for adults, while children are often exposed to secondhand smoke.
Sinus infection treatments for adults and children1-4
The best treatments for sinus infections depend on the severity and underlying cause. Common treatments for adults and children include:
- Self-care: Encourage drinking plenty of fluids, using a saline nasal rinse, and applying warm compresses to the affected areas. Adults may also find relief from over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Children may also benefit from pain relievers, but avoid aspirin if they have a viral illness.
- Antibiotics: While antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases of bacterial sinusitis, it’s important to note that many sinus infections are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotic treatment.
- Prescription medications: For persistent or severe sinusitis, your healthcare provider may prescribe:
- Intranasal steroid sprays
- Oral decongestants
- Leukotriene antagonists
- Allergy shots or immunotherapy (for children with nasal allergies)
- Consult a healthcare provider: If symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen, it’s important to seek professional advice.
When to seek medical attention
In-person care
If you or your child are experiencing severe symptoms of a sinus infection, such as high fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen, despite home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or a weakened immune system, should also seek medical attention for appropriate treatment.
AZOVA Virtual Urgent Care
Virtual Urgent Care can be a convenient option for mild sinus infections or follow-up appointments.
Don’t suffer through a painful and runny nose. Get treatment for sinus infections today.
References
1American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). (n.d.). Sinus Infection. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/sinus-infection/
2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024, April 17). Sinus Infection Basics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/index.html
3Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. (n.d.). Sinusitis in Children. Retrieved from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=sinusitis-in-children-90-P02063
4Nemours KidsHealth. Medically reviewed by Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD (2023, March). Sinusitis (for Parents). Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sinusitis.html
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