Overview
A sinus infection (or sinusitis) happens when the sinuses become inflamed due to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Common symptoms can include sinus pressure, nasal congestion, and facial pain. In many cases, the infection can be managed at home with remedies like salt water flush and over-the-counter medication. However, more persistent or severe cases should be treated by your GP or ENT doctor, as there could be an underlying cause.
What is a Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)?
Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull close to the nose that help with breathing and mucus production. When they become blocked or inflamed, it leads to a sinus infection (or sinusitis), which can be classed as:
- Acute sinusitis: It typically lasts for a few weeks and is often caused by a viral infection
- Chronic sinusitis: Its symptoms last for months and often need long-term treatment
- Recurrent sinusitis: If multiple acute episodes are happening throughout the year
A sinus infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi and can cause symptoms similar to the common cold. However, sinusitis symptoms tend to include facial pain, which isn’t typical for cold symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Sinus pressure and facial pain
- Nasal congestion and blocked nose
- Thick nasal discharge, often yellow or green
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cough, often worse at night
What Causes Sinus Infection?
The following factors can contribute to the development of a sinus infection:
- Viral infections: The common cold can lead to inflammation and block the sinuses.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial sinusitis can happen after a viral infection, especially if mucus becomes trapped in the sinuses.
- Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can cause inflammation and increase the risk of developing sinusitis.
- Nasal polyps: Growths inside the nose can block sinus drainage, leading to infection.
- Structural issues: Deviated septum or other anatomical issues can obstruct sinus passages.
- Weakened immune system: Conditions like diabetes or HIV can make it more difficult to fight off infections, increasing susceptibility.
How is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing sinusitis will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve had them for. During your consultation, your doctor or ENT consultant will ask you for your medical history and a list of your symptoms. Then, they might conduct a physical exam, checking for signs of sinus infection and nasal congestion. If necessary, several tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Nasal swabs may be taken to identify bacterial or viral infections. If allergies are suspected, allergy testing can be done to determine if they are contributing to inflammation. In more persistent cases, an endoscope (a small camera) is inserted into the nose to examine the sinuses for blockages or other issues. CT scans can be used but are often reserved for chronic or severe sinus infections where structural problems might be to blame.
What Treatments Are There For Sinusitis?
Medical treatments for sinusitis can include:
- Antibiotics: If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics can help treat the infection
- Steroid nasal sprays: These can reduce inflammation in the sinuses and help open blocked passages
- Surgery: For chronic sinusitis, sinus surgery may be necessary to correct anatomical issues like a deviated septum or remove polyps
How To Treat Sinusitis At Home
For many patients, they prefer to try treating infection at home before going to their doctor. To help manage sinusitis at home, you can try some of the following remedies:
- Saline solution: Irrigating the nasal passages with saline can help clear mucus and reduce inflammation
- Over-the-counter medication: Decongestants and pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms
- Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the face can relieve sinus pressure and facial discomfort
- Hydration and rest: Drinking plenty of fluids and resting can help your body fight and flush out the infection
These remedies are particularly helpful for acute sinusitis and can relieve mild symptoms.
When To Get Help For Sinusitis
You should speak with your doctor if your sinus infection worsens, your symptoms last longer than 10 days, or you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Severe facial swelling
- Vision problems
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Mental changes or confusion
How Can I Prevent Sinus Infections?
Here are a few tips to help you prevent sinus infections from happening or reoccurring:
- Use a humidifier to keep the air moist to prevent dry nasal passages
- Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and improve sinus drainage
- Avoid allergens and irritants like smoke
- Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
- Use saline sprays to clear the nasal passages, especially during cold or allergy season
Why Go Private with Mid Ulster Clinic For Sinusitis Treatment?
Choosing us for your sinus infection treatment offers you:
- Faster appointments: Skip the long waiting times and see a doctor quickly.
- Personalised care: Receive one-on-one attention and a treatment plan tailored to you.
- Quicker treatments: Get your treatments faster, helping to relieve painful sinus pressure and symptoms sooner.
- Expert care: Our team provides expert guidance on managing and treating sinusitis effectively.
If you’re experiencing sinus pain or discomfort, book an appointment with one of our GPs or ENT consultants today, or contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
- Medically Reviewed
