Friday, March 29, 2024

Why Do I Constantly Get Sinus Infections

Must read

How Can I Prevent A Sinus Infection Naturally

Your Health: Sinus Infections

The good news is that some individuals are able to get rid of their recurrent sinus infections by modifying aspects of their lifestyles. To help minimize your risk of sinus infections, you can:

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Keep the inside of your nose moist with nasal saline sprays
  • Keep your allergies under control with OTC or prescribed medication
  • Maintain and allergen-free home
  • Avoid nasal irritants such as pollution and smoke

Unfortunately, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping away from allergens, and promoting healthy nasal passages may not solve the problem of how to prevent sinus infections for everyone. Some people are simply more susceptible to sinus infections, regardless of any preventative measures they may take.

However, those unable to prevent sinus infections with traditional methods can come to Sinus Solutions of South Florida for the innovative balloon sinuplasty treatment.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include nasal obstruction or congestion that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.

Treating Your Sinus Infection At Scottsdale Sinus And Allergy:

At Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy, our team is dedicated to finding the right treatment for all of our patientsâ sinus infection needs. No one should have to feel the miserable symptoms that chronic sinus infections bring. Our team of experts understand that all patients are different and require a unique treatment plan.

Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take To Cure A Bladder Infection

Is Your Sinus Infection Acute Or Chronic

A short-term sinus infection is often referred to as acute sinusitis. Most cases of acute sinusitis last about a week, but this type of short-term sinus infection can last up to four weeks. If you suffer from a sinus infection that lasts longer than 12 weeks despite treatment from your doctor, its considered chronic sinusitis.

You Have Asthma Which Might Be Connected To Sinus Infections

" Why do my nostrils close when I inhale with my nose ...

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , one in 13 Americans has asthma. And several studies have shown a connection between asthma and reoccurring sinus infections.

Ordon said that more than half of those who have asthma also have chronic sinusitis . If you have allergies and frequent sinus infections, he said steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines are typically recommended.

Don’t Miss: B12 Shots For Sinus Infection

What The Treatment For Sinus Infections

In order to eradicate the infection, youll need an antibiotic.

Some people continue to experience a lingering sinus infection even after antibiotics. Sinuses are considered a closed cavity. Removing infection from a closed cavity can require more prolonged antibiotic usage compared to infections that occur in an open cavity .

A sinus infection might require 2-4 weeks of antibiotics plus additional methods to encourage drainage of the sinuses. For a sinus infection to clear completely, we often recommend saline sprays, topical steroid sprays , and decongestants in addition to an antibiotic.

What Is Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting sinus inflammation and infection. It can linger over a period of time, typically longer than 12 weeks. The sinuses are four paired cavities in the head. These spaces are connected by narrow channels. The four spaces are named for the bones they are near: ethmoidal, sphenoidal, frontal and maxillary. The sinuses make thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. This drainage works as a filtration system, keeping the nose clean and free of bacteria.

The sinuses can become infected when they are blocked and filled with fluid. This is called sinusitis. There are several kinds of sinusitis: acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent. Unlike chronic sinusitis,acute sinusitis typically lasts only a few days, but can last up to four weeks, before going away with minimal or no treatment. Chronic sinusitis may require different types of treatment. Surgery is sometimes needed in severe cases of chronic sinusitis that do not respond to other methods.

Chronic sinusitis is different than recurrent sinusitis because chronic sinusitis symptoms never really go away for long periods of time. In recurrent sinusitis, you have 4 or more bouts of sinusitis in one year, but you also have symptom-free periods in between.

You May Like: Can Tooth Infection Cause Diarrhea

Sinusitis Wont Go Away Consider Balloon Sinuplasty

Whether this is your first bout with sinusitis that wont go away or you experience sinus infections on a regular basis, you should know that getting rid of sinusitis is well within reach.

At Sinus Solutions of South Florida, Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer has provided hundreds of patients with relief from chronic sinusitis using the balloon sinuplasty procedure. So if you have sinusitis that wont go away, contact us online, call us at 561-790-7744, or take our sinus quiz today to see if youre a viable candidate for balloon sinuplasty.

Related Resources:

How Do Sinus Infections Start

Why You Keep Getting Sinus Infections, Colds, Urinary Tract Infections, & Other Recurrent Infections

Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinus or nasal cavity becomes inflamed. What can start as inflammation in your sinuses from a respiratory infection, allergies or environmental pollutants can spark a sinus infection when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, causing mucus to become trapped and germs to grow.

“Once you have a cold or upper respiratory tract infection, that virus can then settle into the sinuses and cause inflammation as well,” said Dr. Mas Takashima, an otolaryngologist and chair of Houston Methodist ENT Specialists. “About 95% of sinusitis is caused by a virus making it much more common than bacterial sinusitis. Viral sinusitis is also much more infectious as well.”

Certain conditions, such as having allergies, asthma or a respiratory infection, can make people more susceptible to getting chronic sinus infections, and it is important that these patients be evaluated to address the cause and not just the sinusitis symptoms.

“There are many causes of chronic sinusitis. “Patients with a weakened immune system are more prone to getting recurrent acute sinusitis,” explains Dr. Takashima. “Sometimes, however, the issue may be anatomy, such as a deviated septum , scarring from previous sinus surgery, or nasal polyps, which result from chronic inflammation in the nose. Once the polyps get to a certain size, they rarely regress on their own and they narrow the sinus drainage pathways.”

Recommended Reading: Bladder Infection Bleeding Like Period

Lingering Sinus Infection Or Chronic Runny Nose

A lingering sinus infection is different from a chronic runny nose. Chronic runny nose typically comes from allergies or other irritants in the air. However, this can turn into an infection over time.

When the sinuses become infected, the allergies, irritants, or viral cold have caused swelling in the nose thats blocked the drainage pathways. Consequently, fluid and mucous accumulate in the sinuses, where it has become infected with bacteria.

If youve been sick more than 10 days and begin to experience other symptoms like facial pressure, headache, and fever, youre dealing with more than a chronic runny nose.

What Triggers Chronic Sinusitis

Sinus infections can start with a virus, a fungus, or bacteria, or it can be the result of a clogged nose. That makes a sinus infection hard to treat via medication because antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, though sometimes youll be prescribed a steroid to help control symptoms and swelling.

This means that your immune system has to do all the work. Most of the time, thats not a problem. But when conditions are ideal for a sinus infection, symptoms can persist.

Normally, sinus infections prosper when theres a surplus of fluid accumulation in your sinuses. Some of the reasons why sinus infections might keep showing up include:

Nasal Polyps: Usually, these little growths in your nasal passages arent an issue. However, nasal polyps can block drainage from your sinuses. This extra fluid can lead to a sinus infection.

In-home heating: Sinus infections are more likely during winter. Thats partly because your in-home heating system has a tendency to dry out your air. The mucus membranes, which are your bodys first line of defense from infection, can be reduced by this dry air.

Deviated nasal septum: You may have problems draining your sinuses if you have a deviated septum. This traps fluid in the sinuses and can lead to persistent, prolonged, or more significant sinus infections.

Other conditions: Chronic sinus infections can also be the result of some other conditions including Cystic fibrosis, compromised immune system, and more.

Don’t Miss: Antibiotics For Sinus Infection And Ear Infection

Sinus Infection & Sinusitis Have Different Causes

Despite being commonly known as a sinus infection, the symptoms of sinusitis are not always caused by an infection. Repetitive sinus infections can be a sign of seasonal allergies or structural problems that make the sinus and nasal lining swell. Therefore, recurrent or persistent sinus infections dont usually respond to antibiotics.

If youre suffering from a persistent or recurrent sinus infection, dont wait! The earlier you reach out for help, the earlier youll be able to breathe freely again. Confirm an appointment with Dr. Pasha today!

What Is A Common Cold

Here Is How You Can Minimize The Risks Of Sinus Infection ...

It’s an illness caused by many different kinds of viruses, which are tiny infectious particles.

You can’t miss the symptoms:

You may also get a cough and a mild fever. The symptoms usually build, peak, and slowly disappear. Some medications can ease symptoms. For example, may decrease drainage and open the nasal passages. Pain relievers may help with fever and headache. Cough medicine may help, as well.

Colds typically last from a few days to about a week or longer.

Sometimes, a cold may cause swelling in the sinuses, hollow spaces in your skull that are connected to each other. The swelling can prevent the flow of mucus.

This can lead to a sinus infection. If you have pain around your face and eyes — and thick yellow or green mucus for more than a week — see your doctor.

Recommended Reading: Do Ear Infections Always Hurt

Excessive Inflammation Of The Nasal Passages

Contrary to what most people think, the sinuses consist of far more space than just the nasal passages and behind the cheekbones. There are four sets of sinuses located in the head, and all of these drain mucus through the nasal passages, which act as one of the bodys sinus exit points. Your throat also acts as a drain for the sinuses. This is why people with sinusitis often experience discomfort in the throat, resulting from post-nasal drip.

If the nasal passages become inflamed, they get stopped up and the body has a hard time draining all of that backed up, infected, and often thickened mucus. This exacerbates the sinus infection, causing it to settle in even more.

There are several things you can do to relieve and reverse swollen and sensitive sinus passages:

Dr. Hester may prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray or even an oral steroid to provide more immediate and dramatic inflammation relief. These meds should be used as directed. NEVER use corticosteroid nasal sprays or oral steroids for longer than advised. You can wind up doing more harm than good. If the sinus symptoms persist, contact your doctor to schedule a follow-up appointment.

What Happens If A Sinus Infection Is Left Untreated

For some lucky people, sinus infections may go away if left untreated. Rest and hydration will certainly help with this.

For others, however, sinusitis wont go away until you seek treatment. If this is the case, a sinus infection left untreated may cause further complications .

When sinusitis spreads to areas around the eyes, you may experience redness and swelling, which can reduce vision. The most severe form of sinusitis reaching the eye is called cavernous sinus thrombosis and can actually cause blindness. It is treated by antibiotics and drainage of sinus fluids.

Sinusitis that reaches the brain may cause meningitis and brain abscesses.

You May Like: Do I Need Meds For A Sinus Infection

Causes Of Chronic Sinusitis

Your sinuses are small, air-filled pockets located behind your nose, forehead, cheekbones, and eyes. Theyre constantly producing mucus to help keep your airways clear and healthy. However, viruses and allergens can cause an overproduction of mucus, which leads to sinus headaches, congestion, and other symptoms. This is known as sinusitis.

Sinus infections can be difficult to treat, especially if you have cramped sinuses that are prone to infection. Many people with chronic sinusitis suffer from one or more of the following:

  • Nasal polyps
  • A deviated septum
  • Bone growths within the nose

Any one of these issues makes it easy for your sinuses to become congested and infected over and over again.

How To Avoid Catching A Cold On A Plane: Three Strategies

Chronic Sinus Infections And Allergies? Why Do I Sick Every Time I Travel? Hear Will’s Story

To reduce your risk of getting a respiratory infection while on a flight, here are three specific actions you should take:

  • Irrigate your nose with a saline solutionboth before and after the flightby using a dropper or small squirt bottle. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution helps clean out at least some of the allergen, fungal, and viral pathogens from the nose and thus can help to reduce the risk of getting a sinus infection after flying. Keeping the nasal cavity moist in the dry atmosphere of an airplane cabin is also most beneficial.
  • Drink lots of water throughout the flight.
  • Don’t Miss: Frontiers In Cellular And Infection Microbiology Abbreviation

    Your Sinusitis Wont Go Away Heres What You Need To Know

    Sinusitis also known as a sinus infection is, for the most part, a bacterial infection caused by inflammation of the sinuses. Chronic and recurring long-lasting sinusitis can render you incapacitated and quickly eat up your sick days.

    But when your sinusitis wont go away, what options do you have? This guide walks you through how to identify a sinus infection, what happens if you ignore it, how to treat your chronic sinusitis, and more.

    Avoiding Chronic Sinus Infections

    There are some simple things you can do around the house to stop sinus infections from happening at all. Some of the easiest and most common include the following:

    • Take a warm steamy shower. This will help replenish or relieve those mucus membranes when youre coping with that dry air.
    • Run a humidifier when possible. The dryness of the air will be eliminated in this way.
    • Drink a lot of water. Again hydration is key here: when youre hydrated, your mucus membranes are not so likely to dry out.
    • Wash your hands regularly. It can reduce the spread of germs like cold germs and its just good hygiene.
    • Regularly wash clothing and surfaces thoroughly.This gets rid of germs, on the one hand. But perhaps, more importantly, vacuuming, washing your sheets, and all that can help keep allergens at bay. Youll breathe a lot easier if theres minimal dust or pet dander on your sheets. And that means your sinuses are not so likely to become clogged.

    Read Also: Eye Infection In Dogs Medication

    Balloon Sinuplasty Can Provide Long

    Patients of Pittsburgh Sinus Centers often try multiple forms of treatment before visiting us for long-term relief. They try medications, nasal sprays, therapies, and may even be considering endoscopic sinus surgery. Medication and nasal sprays can ease individual symptoms, but they are not likely to prevent future sinus infections and solve the issues that are causing your pain and suffering.

    Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure that helps remove blockages in your nasal passages, bringing you long-term relief from chronic sinusitis. Through a simple in-office procedure, a small balloon is inserted, inflated, and removed, opening up a previously closed pathway and restoring drainage to your sinuses.

    Nasal Polyps Or Other Soft Tissue Obstructions

    Endoscopic Sinus Surgery To Remove Nasal Polyps, A ...

    Sometimes, for reasons that are unclear, the thin tissue lining the nasal passages develop small, benign tumors. We call these nasal polyps. As you know, it does not take much to obstruct the airway, so even a single polyp can lead to significant airway and breathing issues including chronic snoring as well as recurring sinus infections. Most often though, people with polyp-related sinusitis have multiple polyps obstructing the nasal passages.

    Fortunately, we can remove nasal polyps or other soft tissue obstructions using minimally-invasive procedures such as nasal airway remodeling.

    Read Also: How To Tell If Tooth Infection Has Spread

    Manifestations Of Sinus Infection

    Sinus infections cause numerous problems for patients. These include pain or tenderness in several places. The specific locations of the pain and/or tenderness help identify which sinuses are infected.6 If the frontal sinuses are infected, the pain location is the forehead. Maxillary sinus infection produces pain in the upper jaw and teeth the cheeks may also be tender to touch. Ethmoid sinus infection causes pain between the eyes, perhaps with inflammation of the eyelids and periorbital region, accompanied by tenderness when the patient touches the sides of the nose. Finally, infection of the sphenoid sinuses causes pain in the neck, earaches, and deep pain at the top of the head.

    In addition to pain and/or tenderness, patients with sinus infection also complain of rhinorrhea or nasal congestion. Nasal secretions are abnormally thick due to having spent a longer time in the sinuses prior to expulsion, which decreases their water content. Nasal discharge is often discolored to white, yellow, or green, and it may be blood-tinged. Other symptoms of sinusitis include loss of smell, postnasal drip , sore throat, fever, cough , fatigue, general malaise, and/or halitosis.4,5

    Why Do I Always Get Sinusitis

    Its possible for an acute sinus infection to develop into a chronic infection over time. However, most chronic sinus infections are caused by: Problems with the physical structure of your sinuses such as nasal polyps, narrow sinuses, or a deviated septum. Allergies such as hay fever that cause inflammation.

    Recommended Reading: Can A Kidney Infection Clear Up On Its Own

    More articles

    Popular Articles