Sinus Infection - What are its Symptoms and Treatment options?
A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis, is a condition whereby the mucosa is inflamed and swollen. The mucosa is a thin membranous tissue that lines the nasal passages and sinuses. It usually follows after one is about to recover from the common cold or viral influenza. Allergies do contribute to many incidents of sinus infection.
Sinus infection symptoms which are common:
1. Pain in the areas of forehead, cheeks and between the eyes.
2. Abnormal amounts of post nasal drip.
3. Coughing frequently even though the lungs are clear.
5. Blocked and clogged up nose.
6. Yellowish/green or thick glue-like mucus discharge
7. Toothache in the upper molars.
8. Persistent sore throat.
9. Sensitivity to light.
10. Fever.
Sinus infection medications
Most doctors would prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin or other broad-spectrum antibiotics for a period of 10 days when a mils sinus infection is suspected.
To reduce the severity of the other sinus infection symptoms, doctors may also prescribe one or more of the following medicines which can help in reducing congestion and inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses so as to expedite the healing process:
1. Pain-killers such as Ibuprofen are prescribed to those who suffer from unbearable sinus headache. Paracetamol may be prescribed for those with less severe pain.
2. Decongestants. These medicines are effective in reducing swelling of the mucosal lining by narrowing the blood vessels there. The reduction in blood supply causes the swollen membranes to shrink.
Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) is a commonly prescribed oral decongestant. The primary benefit of this drug is to clear up blocked nose so that natural ventilation of the sinuses is restored. Decongestants can cause rebound congestion if they are used for long periods. Continued usage of it for more than 5 days is not recommended.
3. Nasal Sprays containing steroids. Steroid sprays such as Nasonex and Rhinocort work by reducing inflammation to promote mucus drainage in the sinuses. Their efficacy will only appear after some period of use. These sprays are commonly prescribed to those who are chronic sinus infection sufferers.
4. Expectorants. These medicines help patients who have a persistent cough from post nasal drip. The main benefit of expectorant is to thin mucus so that it is easy to drain.
5. Antihistamines. These are drugs that block the action of histamine (a chemical released by the body after it has been exposed to an allergen, such as pollen) which is responsible for immediate hypersensitivity reactions such as sneezing and itching.
Sinus infection can affect a person’s productivity due to sinus pressure which causes an intense sinus headache in some individuals. With age, sinus infection symptoms seem to become more and more severe.
Having a sinus infection treated early is highly recommended so that it does not turn into a chronic condition.
