Sinus Infection Turned Into Bronchitis

How To Feel Better

Below are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off acute bronchitis:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
• Use saline nasal spray or drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
• For young children, use a rubber suction bulb to clear mucus.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness.

What Causes Acute Bronchitis

Yes, acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. The infection typically begins in the nose, the sinuses, or the throat and spreads to the bronchial tubes, where it causes inflammation when the body tries to fight the infection, Dr. Holguin explains.

So is it possible to stop the flu or a cold from turning into bronchitis? Not necessarily, Carlos Picone, MD, chairman of the pulmonary medicine division at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC, recently told Everyday Health.

Its common for a cold or flu to be caused by an infection in the upper nasal respiratory epithelium, and theres nothing you can do to prevent that infection from spreading into the lower airways , because those airways are so close to one another, Dr. Picone explains. The two areas are very connected, he says.

Viruses can be spread through physical contact, for instance if an infected person touches an object, like a light switch or an office coffeepot, and then an uninfected person touches that same object and then touches her eyes, mouth, or nose. They can also be spread via germ-laden droplets of moisture that spread through the air as much as six feet away when an infected person sneezes or coughs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Exposure to irritants, like tobacco smoke, pollutions, dust, and fumes, can cause or exacerbate acute bronchitis, too. And in less common cases, bacteria can lead to acute bronchitis.

Sniffling Coughing Maybe A Fever Whatever It Is You Feel Miserable But Is It Just A Cold Or Something More

Colds are among the most common health problems, collectively accounting for 40% of all lost work time in the U.S. The average U.S. adult catches two or three colds every year, most often between September and April.

While most colds are minor and go away on their own with rest and fluids, symptoms overlap with more serious ailments, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. For example, all three can cause fatigue, but only pneumonia might include a high fever, chills or nausea.

How do you know if you should see your physician?

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How Is Sinus Infection Diagnosed

Diagnosis depends on symptoms and requires an examination of the throat, nose and sinuses. Your allergist will look for:

• Redness
• Discolored nasal discharge
• Bad Breath

If your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working, a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Your allergist may examine your nose or sinus openings. The exam uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end that is inserted through the nose. It is not painful. Your allergist may give you a light anesthetic nasal spray to make you more comfortable.

Mucus cultures: If your sinus infection is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics, a mucus culture may help to determine what is causing the infection. Most mucus samples are taken from the nose. However, it is sometimes necessary to get mucus directly from the sinuses.

Knowing what kind of bacteria is causing the infection can lead to more effective antibiotic therapy. A fungus could also cause your sinus infection. Confirming the presence of fungus is important. Fungal sinus infection needs to be treated with antifungal agents, rather than antibiotics. In addition, some forms of fungal sinus infection allergic fungal sinus infection, for example do not respond to antifungal agents and often require the use of oral steroids.

Does Sinusitis Lead To Bronchitis Or Asthma

Sinusitis, both acute and chronic, if not adequately treated can lead to bronchitis and sometimes pneumonia. Although it is not the cause for asthma, it can lead to asthma exacerbations. Sinus infections are infections of the upper respiratory tract, and generally lead to symptoms that include headaches, sinus pressure, discolored nasal mucus, and nasal congestion. In certain patients, however, the infection can result in lower respiratory symptoms such as cough and chest congestion, eventually turning into bronchitis, sometimes even pneumonia.

This typically occurs from infected post nasal drainage entering the lungs. While this method of spread can happen in anyone, it is more common in patients with underlying comorbidities and the immunocompromised. While acute sinusitis is common and easily treated by your primary care physician, chronic sinusitis often requires specialized treatment for resolution.

At CCENT & Sinus we specialize in treating patients with chronic sinusitis.

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Could Bronchitis Form From A Sinus Infection

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Understanding Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

As you may have guessed, upper respiratory tract infections are infections that impact the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, mouth, throat, and voice box. Types of upper respiratory infections include:

• Fatigue
• Headache

Similar to lower respiratory infections, most upper respiratory tract infections can be treated at home by getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking over-the-counter medications to reduce symptoms. Most infections resolve on their own within two weeks, although sinusitis may last longer. Individuals should consult with a medical professional if symptoms:

• Worsen or do not improve with self-care methods
• Go away and then return
• Include sinus pain or a severe sore throat
• Include a low-grade fever that persists for more than five days
• Include a fever higher than 101.3 degrees fahrenheit

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Get The Relief You Need

Recognizing common signs of a sinus infection can be helpful, but there is no substitute for getting a proper diagnosis and treatment from trusted specialists. At the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, our Board Certified specialists have extensive experience treating patients withsinus issues and a range of other conditions. You can learn more about finding the best treatment for you by booking an appointment online orcontacting us today. We serve the Atlanta metro area and beyond from multiple office locations.

Can Sinusitis Be Prevented

Simple changes in your lifestyle or home environment can help lower the risk of sinusitis. For example, during the winter, use a humidifier to keep home humidity at 45%50%. This will stop dry air from irritating the sinuses and make them less of a target for infection. Clean your humidifier often to prevent mold growth.

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Should You Visit A Specialist

If your sinus infection just wont go away or keeps coming back, it may be time to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist. An ENT treats conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, face, and neck. It may be time to see an ENT if:

• Youve completed several courses of antibiotics without success
• Your doctor suspects nasal polyps or another blockage of the nasal cavity
• You have chronic sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks

Living with a sinus infection is miserable and living with a sinus infection for weeks on end is worse. Contact your doctor or an ENT to get the treatment you need.

Treatment For Sinusitis And Bronchitis

You can treat a sinus infection at home with a combination of medications such as antihistamines, nasal decongestant sprays, topical nasal corticosteroid sprays, and nasal saline washes. All of these methods can help address the inflammation and swelling that occur in the nasal passages and sinus openings due to a sinus infection.

However, topical nasal decongestants should only be used for three or four days, as overuse can result in dependency. Likewise, over-the-counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines may contain drying agents that can thicken mucus and should be used sparingly and with caution so as to not cause additional congestion.

Home remedies for bronchitis include increasing the amount of fluid you consume and using a cool-mist humidifier. Drinking more fluids can help to thin the mucus in the lungs. Using a humidifier can soothe irritated airways.

The most common medications that can assist with bronchitis are bronchodilators and decongestants.

Bronchodilators can provide relief by opening tight air passages in the lungs. If you experience any wheezing, a doctor may prescribe one for you. Decongestants may relieve some of the symptoms associated with bronchitis. Because bronchitis is generally caused by a virus, antibiotics are not helpful in its treatment.

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Think You Have A Sinus Infection

Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial in nature. If your symptoms arent improving after 10 days or are getting worse, your infection could be bacterial. A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.

How do you know if you have a sinus infection and not just a bad head cold? It can be tricky to tell. In general, if youve had a cold for more than a week that wont go away or seems like its getting worse, you could be dealing with a sinus infection.

Common sinus infection symptoms

Can You Have A Sinus Infection And Bronchitis

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Also know, what can I take for sinus infection and bronchitis?

Treatments include rest, fluids, and aspirin or acetaminophen to treat fever. A humidifier or steam can also help. You may need inhaled medicine to open your airways if you are wheezing. Antibiotics won’t help if the cause is viral.

Also, can a sinus infection turn into pneumonia? If mucus drainage is blocked, however, bacteria may start to grow. The most common viruses and bacteria that cause sinusitis also cause the flu and certain kinds of pneumonia. Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose. These infections most often happen after a cold or an allergy flare-up.

Similarly, you may ask, can you have upper respiratory infection and bronchitis at the same time?

Infectious bronchitis can also be due to bacteria, especially if it follows an upper respiratory viral infection. It is possible to have viral and bacterial bronchitis at the same time.

How long does it take to get over bronchitis and sinusitis?

It may start with a dry cough, then after a few days the coughing spells may bring up mucus. Most people get over an acute bout of bronchitis in two to three weeks, although the cough can sometimes hang on for four weeks or more.

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‘my Sinus Infection And Runny Nose Turned Out To Be A Brain Fluid Leak’

CSF leaks are rare, but theyre often misdiagnosed.

I was a nursing supervisor in my 40s working at a methadone clinic in Baltimore, Maryland, when I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and bronchitis. It was the first week of October 2019, and I was prescribed antibiotics, as you’d expect. But after I finished the round of medication, I still had a very runny nose.

At first, I thought nothing of itId dealt with plenty of sinus infections before, and maybe I had developed another one already. But one month later, my nose was still running nonstop, and it was noticeably worse whenever I leaned forward. Even stranger? The clear, slightly salty liquid coming from my nose only came out of my right nostril.

A few weeks later, I decided to visit my primary care doctor again. She, too, suspected that I might just have another sinus infection. So to help dry up my sinuses, I started taking over-the-counter decongestants. Still, nothing changed. I felt horrible.

I would stuff my nose with tissues until they were soaked. Then, I tried to make a contraption that I could wear to let my nose drain while I slept upright, but that didnt work either. Eventually, I just started sleeping with a towel on my pillow and letting it run, which was a little more comfortable.

Listening To Your Breath

Our breath allows us to live breathing well allows us to live well. Learning to listen to our bodies through the symptoms they present to us is an important piece of the picture of good health. All of the breathing problems we have discussed here affect our lives to some degree, and appropriate and timely responses to our symptoms can be found in the urgent care facility. Is it a cold? Alternatively, is it something more, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or an acute asthma attack? A timely visit to urgent care can speed a cure and prevent something more serious from affecting your ability to breathe.

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How To Avoid Getting Bronchitis

Its not always possible to prevent acute bronchitis, particularly cases that can follow a viral infection like a cold, but you can take steps to minimize your risk. Heres how:

• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face to reduce your exposure to viruses and bacteria. The germs that cause colds, the flu, and other respiratory infections are highly contagious. The best way to reduce your risk of getting bronchitis is to avoid getting sick in the first place. Of course, when you are sick, take care not to spread the illness to other people. Stay at home, wash your hands frequently, and always cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.
• Avoid standing near people who are coming down with an illness or are visibly fighting cold or flu symptoms.
• Avoid cigarette smoke. Stop smoking, and be sure you are not exposed to secondhand smoke.

Can A Sinus Infection Turn Into Bronchitis

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Considering this, can a sinus infection go into bronchitis?

Yes, acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. The infection typically begins in the nose, the sinuses, or the throat and spreads to the bronchial tubes, where it causes inflammation when the body tries to fight the infection, Dr. Holguin explains.

Secondly, what can I take for sinus infection and bronchitis? Treatments include rest, fluids, and aspirin or acetaminophen to treat fever. A humidifier or steam can also help. You may need inhaled medicine to open your airways if you are wheezing. Antibiotics won’t help if the cause is viral.

Beside above, can a sinus infection turn into pneumonia?

If mucus drainage is blocked, however, bacteria may start to grow. The most common viruses and bacteria that cause sinusitis also cause the flu and certain kinds of pneumonia. Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose. These infections most often happen after a cold or an allergy flare-up.

Can an upper respiratory infection turn into bronchitis?

Both children and adults can get acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Often a person gets acute bronchitis after having an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or the flu. Acute bronchitis also can be caused by breathing in things that irritate the bronchial tubes, such as smoke.

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Acute Bronchitis Symptoms May Be Annoying But Theyll Help You Heal

Symptoms of acute bronchitis coughing, a sore throat, and excess mucus and phlegm may be irritating, but theres a reason for them. Coughing is the bodys way of clearing irritants out of your airways to prevent infection, Holguin explains. Though annoying, it will help stop the infection from getting worse, as well as get rid of irritants that are attacking your body in the first place.

What about mucus and phlegm? When were healthy, mucus normally functions by trapping and preventing dust, bacteria, and other foreign invaders from entering the body. So, when we have an infection such as a cold , the sinuses, mouth, throat, and lungs make extra mucus in an effort to expel more germs out of the body.

When I See Patients With Chest Colds They Usually Dont Need Antibiotics Instead I Tell Them About Some Simple Treatments They Can Do At Home

You probably know the feeling of having cold symptoms that move from your head into your chest. Many people call this a chest cold. The medical term for it is acute bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways. Airways are the tubes in your lungs that air passes through. They are also called bronchial tubes. When these tubes get infected, they swell. Mucus forms inside them. This narrows the airways, making it harder for you to breathe.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or the flu. In these cases, the virus may affect your nose, sinuses, and throat first. Then, the infection travels to your bronchial tubes. A bacterial infection or an irritant in the air can also cause acute bronchitis.

The early signs of acute bronchitis often seem like the symptoms of a cold. That was the experience my patient Susan had. Susan is a 35-year-old woman. About two weeks before she came in for an office visit, she had started using over-the-counter cold medicine and saline nasal spray to treat a stuffy nose, a sore throat, and sinus pressure. Her sinuses had started to feel better, but then she developed the following symptoms:

• Persistent cough that brought up yellowish-green mucus
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Occasional low-grade fever

When these symptoms had not gone away after a week, Susan decided to make an appointment to see me.

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