INFECTIONS
Sinus Infection — Sinusitis
What is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection (sinusitis) is an infection in the sinus cavities in your face and head. People are susceptible to this kind of infection after they've had a cold and their sinuses have been all stuffed up. Sinusitis causes pain and pressure in your face and head.
An acute sinus infection is one that just started and can last up to 12 weeks.
A chronic sinus infection is when the infection lasts 12 weeks or more.
What Causes Sinusitis?
A sinus infection can be caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. Most sinus infections are viral. After being stuffy from a cold, your sinuses can get inflamed and swollen. This causes blockage of the normal drainage of your sinus plumbing leading to a buildup of fluid that just sits there causing pressure and pain. It is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria or fungus to set in – causing more pressure and more pain.
Allergic sinusitis is when your sinuses get inflamed and swollen because you are being exposed to allergens (things around you that you are allergic to).
What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
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Pain and pressure in the sinuses, or a sinus headache
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Runny or stuffy nose
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Nose feeling blocked but nothing comes out when you blow
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Yellow or green drainage from your nose or down the back of your throat (tastes very yucky!)
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Decreased sense of smell
*With allergic sinusitis, the drainage from your nose is usually clear and sometimes blood tinged.
Treatment of Sinusitis
You might not need treatment for your sinus infection. There are things you should try at home before seeing your doctor:
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Saline nasal rinses like Neti Pot or HydraSense can help clear out debris and lessen your discomfort
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Speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter medication to help with your symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications like Advil or Motrin can be particularly helpful at decreasing the swelling that is causing your pain.
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Use a vaporizer in your bedroom at night. You can also stand in a hot shower or lean over a sink of hot water to help loosen up the debris in your nose.
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Put a hot, wet towel/facecloth or a warm gel pack on your face 3 or 4 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes each time.
*In addition to the above tips, antihistamines are the best option for allergic sinusitis. Speak to your pharmacist if you are unsure which one is best for you. If you have stubborn allergic sinusitis, your doctor may advise you to have allergy testing to find out what your triggers are and to make more treatment suggestions.
You might need to see a doctor if your symptoms have not improved after 7 days or if your symptoms are worsening after 5 to 7 days. Treatment options include steroid nasal sprays +/- antibiotics. MOST people (9 out of 10) will feel better within 2 weeks whether or not they take antibiotics. This will be something to consider when making treatment decisions with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
If you have chronic sinusitis (lasting 12 weeks or more) your doctor may also choose to treat you with steroid nasal sprays +/- antibiotics. Sometimes when people don't get better with treatment they need a referral to a specialist called an Otolaryngologist (or ENT – Ears Nose Throat doctor) for further assessment.