Why Do I Get Sinus Infections Often

You Have Nasal Polyps Now What

First-line treatments for nasal polyps are typically saltwater rinses and nasal steroid sprays, Dr. Roxbury says.

These approaches can offer benefits in the short term by reducing symptoms, but they typically only last a matter of weeks, he says.

If those approaches dont work, more powerful anti-inflammatory medications and surgery may be the next steps. First, a computed tomography scan is used to see if other issues, including a deviated septum, are causing the problem.

Because the sinuses are so close to the eyes and brain, sinus surgery is usually guided using CT scan and navigation technology.

Even when theyre removed surgically, polyps may come back. Thats why follow-up treatment tends to include measures to reduce the swelling that may have caused the polyps in the first place.

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What Are The Treatment Options

Sinusitis is treated differently based on the cause. Most cases of acute sinusitis, about 98 percent, are caused by a virus, not bacteria, and should not be treated with antibiotics. Acute viral sinusitis may be treated using pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, steroid nasal sprays, or salt water irrigation in the nose. These treatments are also good options for acute bacterial sinusitis. Most people get better naturally from acute bacterial sinusitis, called watchful waiting, but some patients with acute bacterial sinusitis may get better faster with an antibiotic.

Chronic sinusitis is treated differently than acute sinusitis. Because chronic sinusitis is caused more by inflammation than infection, the treatments for chronic sinusitis aim to control the inflammation. Salt water nasal irrigation and/or nasal steroid sprays are the main treatments for the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Antibiotics may sometimes be helpful but not always.

Other factors, including allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, and problems with the bodys ability to fight infections, can go along with sinusitis and make it worse unless they are also treated.

X-rays or CT scans of the sinuses are not necessary to diagnose uncomplicated sinusitis if you have the symptoms of sinusitis . If your doctor suspects a complication or if you have repeated episodes or prolonged sinus symptoms, a CT scan of your sinuses may be needed.

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Are Sinus Infections Contagious

A sinus infection caused by a virus is contagious. When you sneeze or cough, the virus can travel in droplets of moisture through the air. If another person breathes in the virus, they might develop a cold that turns into a sinus infection. In order to limit the spread of sinus infections, remember to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. And wash your hands frequently to avoid leaving the virus on objects that you touch.

If your sinus infection is caused by a bacteria or fungus, its not contagious. But you should still wash your hands frequently and cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze.

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Sinus Trouble: Consider The Causes

Not only can seasonal allergies or chronic allergies impact the sinuses, but humid air can cause a clogged or stuffy feeling in the nose. An infectioneither brief or long-lastingcan also take hold.

Sinusitis ailments are not only a burden for allergy sufferers, they can be a challenge for doctors, too, especially as patients and doctors alike are on high alert for warning signs of a possible COVID-19 infection. Three of the most common causes of sinus symptoms are allergies, viral infections and bacterial infections. But these can be tough to tell apart because of overlapping symptoms.

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.

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What Are The Causes Of Sinusitis

The sinuses are lined with membranes that produce mucus. When someone has a cold or allergies, the nasal passages as well as the sinus tissues become swollen and make more mucus. As a result, mucus that normally flows smoothly can get blocked and become trapped in the sinuses. It becomes a breeding ground where bacteria, viruses, and fungi can thrive, resulting in sinusitis.

Physician Diagnosis Of Sinusitis

Physicians can conduct several tests to confirm a diagnosis of sinusitis.5 They may use transillumination, in which a light is placed against the sinus to see signs of infection. They may employ nasal endoscopy or rhinoscopy, in which a fiberoptic scope is used to directly visualize the sinus cavities. CT scanning of the sinuses allows the physician to view the bones and tissues of the sinuses, and an MRI can visualize tumors or fungal infections. The physician may also simply tap the area overlying the sinuses to locate sites of infection.

Several conditions mimic sinus infection, including the common cold, influenza, nasal polyposis, sarcoidosis, neoplasia, acquired and congenital immuno-deficiency, allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, Wegeners granulomatosis, and fungal infection.1 To identify these, physicians might check the nostrils for nasal polyps and recommend such examinations as allergy testing, blood tests for HIV and/or immune status, sweat chloride analysis or blood work for cystic fibrosis, nasal ciliary function tests, nasal cytology, and nasal culture.2,4

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How Do You Get A Sinus Infection The Top 7 Underlying Causes Of Sinusitis

You may be surprised to learn whats causing your sinus headaches, sinus pressure, sinus congestion and post-nasal drip. If you learn what leads to a sinus infection, you can usually manage to never get one if you take the right preventions steps.

The bones that make up the sinus cavities around the eyes, cheeks and nose are lined with a membrane that produces mucus, its function is to filter germs and pollutants to the stomach while warming inhaled air correct for the correct oxygen exchange to the lungs. When the sinuses become inflamed by numerous causes, the normal flow is restricted, sinus congestion leads to sinus blockage, the mucus accumulates leading to sinus pressure and sinus infection. This leads to fatigue with less oxygen to provide life to the body, heavy discolored yellow green mucus and numerous symptoms.

Think of a mountain stream, when its moving the water is vibrant and jumping with life. Stop the flow and the water becomes murky, becomes toxic and lifeless, like a cesspool. Nasal passages or sinuses provide life to the body, like the running water to the stream. Add a number of inflammatory factors and the right environment is created for a sinus infection.

What Are the Causes of a Sinus Infection?

1). Hot Dry Air, Cold Dry Air 2). Airborne Environmental Pollutants and Irritants Positively Charged Ions:

• Pollen, Dust, Pet Dander
• Fumes from building products: Formaldehyde, glues etc.
• Electronics, Computers, lights .

To your great sinus health!

What Is The Best Treatment For Sinus Infection

For those who suffer chronic sinusitis, the symptoms of sinus infection are easily recognizable. Viral, fungal, and bacterial sinus infection symptoms can feel very similar. Because we share common symptoms, it is easy to believe that all sinus infections are the same and all sinus infections have similar treatments. The truth is, your sinus infection is unique and your treatment should be customized to meet your specific needs, achieve your individual goals, and fit within your budget.

The best treatment for your sinus infection is the one that is designed specifically for you. The most successful physicians understand this and take a comprehensive approach to design a treatment plan that makes use of a wide variety of tools. Depending on your health condition and your unique needs, these tools may include:

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Untreated Sinus Infection Risks

Sinus infections often start to improve on their own after about 10 days. If your symptoms last longer without improving or if they worsen, a doctor may need to treat the underlying cause of the infection.

If a sinus infection affects a sinus cavity close to the brain, it can spread to the brain if left untreated. Though rare, an infection can also pass into the eye socket and cause vision changes or blindness. These types of infections are more common in kids.

While uncommon, a serious fungal sinus infection left untreated may pass into the bones.

Make an appointment with a doctor if you have severe symptoms, or if the following symptoms last longer than 10 days or keep coming back:

• fever
• congestion
• facial pain

Because the cause of your sinus infection can affect your treatment options, its important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if youre looking for a doctor.

If you believe you have chronic or recurring sinusitis, consider asking for a referral to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat specialist. You may need imaging and other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

An ENT specialist can take a culture of nose drainage to better understand the cause of an infection. The ENT specialist can also examine the sinuses more closely and look for any problem in the structure of the nasal passages that could lead to chronic sinus problems.

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What Are Sinus Infections

A sinus infection occurs when swelling in your nose and sinuses prevents mucus from draining as it usually does. About a quart or two of mucus is produced by your nose and sinuses each day, and the substance helps to cleanse and humidify your nasal passages. Normally, it drains down the back of your throat and is mixed with saliva and swallowed without you noticing. Inflammation, however, causes it to become backed up.

If a sinus infection lasts for less than four weeks, its classified as acute sinusitis. If it lasts for more than 12 weeks or continues to recur even after treatment, you have chronic sinusitis.

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What Are Recurring Sinus Infections

Sinusitis is diagnosed in nearly 30 million Americans every year, making it one of the most common health conditions in the United States.

Struggling with frequent sinus infections is known as recurrent sinusitis. Recurrent sinusitis is defined by four or more acute infections in a year.

Untreated acute sinusitis further damages the mucous membranes, making you more vulnerable for another infection.

Allergens, a weakened immune system or structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, are also big contributors to recurrent infection.

Acute Sinusitis is temporary inflammation of the sinuses, usually either bacterial or viral, following a cold or allergies.

Swelling of mucous membranes causes congestion and prevents mucus drainage. This allows pressure to build in the face, causing pain, discomfort and inflammation in the sinuses.

In acute sinusitis, symptoms usually worsen, peak and eventually vanish. Acute infections last up to four weeks, subacute infections last four to 12 weeks, and chronic sinus infections last 12 weeks or longer.

What Causes A Sinus Infection

In most cases, acute sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which means it usually develops after youve had a cold or the flu. 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

Certain health conditions are also known to accompany chronic sinusitis. These include:

• Asthma
• Primary immune deficiency disesase

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Why Do I Keep Getting Sinus Infections

Did you know that almost 12% of American adults suffer from recurring sinus infections? If your sinus infections just dont quit, you may have chronic sinusitis, a condition that occurs when your sinuses are inflamed for more than three months.

At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, board-certified internist Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, has extensive experience helping patients who struggle with sinus infections. If you keep getting them, you might wonder why. In this blog, Dr. Zaidi explains what causes sinus infections and why you may be getting them over and over.

How Can You Tell The Difference Between Chronic Sinusitis And Other Issues Like Migraine Headaches

You probably cant tell the difference between all of these things. So, in cases where you have a constant headache, or facial pain, or tooth pain, you should call your healthcare provider to get a diagnosis. This is especially true if you have tried different therapies and have not been able to find relief. Your primary healthcare provider might even find it difficult to diagnose you properly and might suggest you see a specialist. This would be an otolaryngologist, commonly called an ear, nose and throat doctor.

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You Have Nasal Allergies That Are Causing Your Nasal Tissue To Swell

Millions of Americans deal with nasal allergies each year. Ordon said that allergens can cause nasal tissue to swell, causing sinus infections. He recommended talking to your doctor about how to manage your allergies and keep sinus inflammation at bay.

According to Daneshrad, treatment can be as simple as avoidance of the offending allergen, such as avoiding cats, taking allergy pills or nasal sprays, or it may require allergy testing and allergy immunotherapy .

How Can I Tell If I Have A Sinus Infection Cold Or Nasal Allergy

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection. The common cold typically builds, peaks, and slowly disappears. It lasts a few days to a week. A cold can transform into a sinus infection. Nasal allergy is inflammation of the nose due to irritating particles . Symptoms of a nasal allergy can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and post nasal drip . Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can happen at the same time as a common cold.

If you are fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergy, see your healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history.

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How Is Sinusitis Treated

Sinusitis is treated in several ways, each depending on how severe the case of sinusitis is.

A simple sinusitis infection is treated with:

• Drinking fluids .

If symptoms of sinusitis don’t improve after 10 days, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics .
• Oral or topical decongestants.
• Prescription intranasal steroid sprays. .

Long-term sinusitis may be treated by focusing on the underlying condition . This is usually treated with:

• Intranasal steroid sprays.
• Topical antihistamine sprays or oral pills.
• Leukotriene antagonists to reduce swelling and allergy symptoms.
• Rinsing the nose with saline solutions that might also contain other types of medication.

When sinusitis isn’t controlled by one of the above treatments, a CT scan is used to take a better look at your sinuses. Depending on the results, surgery may be needed to correct structural problems in your sinuses. This is most likely to happen if you have polyps and/or a fungal infection.

Do I Need Antibiotics For Every Sinus Infection

Many sinus infections are caused by viruses, the ones that cause the common cold. These types of infections are not cured by antibiotics. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection unnecessarily puts you at risk for side effects related to the antibiotic. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which may make future infections more difficult to treat.

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How Is Chronic Sinusitis Treated

Chronic sinusitis is not usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it can be. If your healthcare provider really thinks that you have a bacterial infection, they might give you a prescription for something like amoxicillin. Antibiotics only help for bacterial infections. Other ways to treat non-bacterial chronic sinusitis include:

• Avoiding triggers .
• Using intranasal corticosteroid sprays and leukotriene antagonists or antifungal medication to get rid of a fungus.
• Treating the underlying condition, such as allergies, asthma, and/or immune deficiency conditions, with medications such as topical antihistamine, or steroid, sprays or antihistamine pills.
• Having surgery . Fungal balls are clumps of fungal infection that block sinuses.
• Having a procedure called balloon sinus ostial dilation, which inserts a balloon into a sinus cavity to open it further and make more room.

Best For Neti Pot: Sinus Plumber Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection

The Sinus Plumber Nasal Spray For Sinus Infections superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The sinus plumber nasal spray for sinus infection bought for nasal polyps and it is great for home remedies. . Also, it is highly effective and it is great for chronic sinusitis.

The spray is all natural and made with non-gmo organic ingredients. Further, this can get with active ingredients and it is great for nasal allergies. Most importantly, the sinus plumber nasal sprayfor sinus infection provides relief in 30 seconds for congestion and other symptoms related to allergies, sinus infections and headaches.

Almost all customers agree that the spray is worth the sinus relief, but many may not be able to take the initial burn. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the spray is used to it pretty quickly. Also, they also found that the neti rinse clears out the sinuses so that the cayenne pepper can then come in and coat the walls of the sinus cavities, at which point the cayenne pepper s antibacterial properties will take effect and help the body to fight off the infection. To sum up, for almost all customers, the spray was most suitable.

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