Sinus infection is also known as sinusitis, which is a kind of swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining of the sinuses. Our sinuses are 4- paired cavities present in our head. Usually, they will be connected by certain narrow channels. You must consult Dr. Alexis Furze, MD, at Newport Beach sinusitis if you ever suffer from such an infection.
Our sinuses make thin mucus, which drains out of those channels present in the nose. This drainage can help keep the nose clean and also free of bacteria. The sinuses are generally filled with air and can get easily blocked and filled with fluid. If that condition ever happens, then bacteria will grow and create an infection.
This condition is also known as rhino-sinusitis, where a rhino will mean your nose. If your sinus tissue ever gets inflamed then your nasal tissue will always get swollen.
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What Causes Sinus Infection?
Whenever there will be fluid build-up in your air-filled pockets in your face (sinuses), then you will have a sinus infection, which will also allow various germs to grow. These viruses can cause most sinus infections. However, bacteria can also cause certain sinus infections too.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Several factors are responsible for increasing the risk of you getting a certain sinus infection. Some of them are:
- A previous cold persisting for a longer duration.
- Seasonal allergies.
- Smoking and also exposure to secondhand smoke.
- A weak immune system and sometimes even taking drugs that can weaken the immune system.
- Structural problems present within your sinuses (e.g. growths on your nose lining or sinuses, which is also known as nasal polyps).
What Are the Symptoms?
The common symptoms of such kind of sinus infection are as follows:
- Bad breath.
- Cough.
- Facial pain /pressure.
- Headache.
- Often mucus drips down your throat.
- Runny nose.
- Sore throat.
- Stuffy nose.
When You Must Seek Medical Care
You must see any nearby doctor if you notice the following few symptoms:
- Fever persists for more than 3 to 4 days.
- Severe symptoms, e.g., severe headache or also facial pain.
- Symptoms that may be lasting more than the last 10 days without any improvement.
- Symptoms that may even get worse after a little initial improvement.
You must also visit any specialist doctor and seek proper medical care in case you have a past history of having multiple sinus infections repeatedly. The above list is not a complete one. You may, however, consult a doctor when you notice severe symptoms.