Cold and allergy symptoms can make it difficult to get through the day, but when those symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, more serious problems could occur including infection, blood clots and vision problems.
Symptoms of A Sinus Infection
The symptoms of a sinus infection are similar to cold symptoms (including thick, yellow mucus; headaches, fever and fatigue), and is caused by either bacteria, fungi or a virus growing in the warm environment of the nasal cavity. When the sinus cavity swells — be it from a cold, allergies or other irritants in the area — mucus cannot drain properly causing the infection.
How Long Will A Sinus Infection Last?
The duration of a sinus infection depends largely on its severity. For acute sinusitis, symptoms typically last less than four weeks while sub-acute sinusitis can last for up to 12 months.
In some cases, the symptoms of sinusitis are chronic, characterized by recurring symptoms that last 12 weeks or more. Chronic sinusitis affects roughly 15 percent of the population in the United States, and should not be confused with recurrent sinusitis which is characterized by frequent infections that last for less than a month at a time.
Treatment Options For Sinus Infections
Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotics or antihistamines might be recommended by your doctor. These will typically begin working within a few days to reduce swelling of the nasal cavity thus reducing pressure. Sometimes, however, this treatment may not be effective. In these cases, steroids may be used. In extreme cases, surgery could be required to remove blockage.
Home Remedies to Ease Sinusitis Symptoms
Though you’ll need to see a doctor to remedy your sinus infection, there are things you can do at home to ease the pressure. For example, drinking fluids will help thin the mucus allowing it to more easily pass.
You should also try to keep your nasal passages moist by breathing in warm vapor using a warm air humidifier, a hot shower or even a pot of boiling water. You can also use a saline solution to moisten nasal passages, and use a warm cloth on the face to reduce pressure.
Finally, remember to rest well. Resting is your body’s opportunity to repair itself which makes it especially important as your body tries to fight off this infection.
If you’ve been experiencing cold symptoms for more than 10-14 days, you might have a sinus infection.
For the best sinus infection treatment in Houston, contact Houston Sinus and Allergy. We use state-of-the-art technology to determine the cause of your discomfort so that we can administer the best treatment plan for each unique case.