Everything to Know about Sinus Infection Treatment

Drsheetusingh
4 min readOct 5, 2023

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Sinuses are air-filled cavities between the eyes, behind the eyebrows, and in the cheekbones; they filter and humidify the air you breathe.

This membrane secretes and transports mucus into the nasal and sinus cavities to trap and filter out allergens and pathogens. Cilia, which resemble tiny hairs, move the mucus to the passageways in the back of the throat from where it can be swallowed.

Sinus infections are caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections that cause inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes lining the sinuses. Both short- and long-term infections are possible. You should consult with sinus infection treatment specialist in Jaipur if you have sinus infection.

What is sinusitis (sinus infection)?

The sinus lining becomes inflamed, a condition known as sinusitis. The sinuses are hollow cavities typically stuffed with air that is located inside of the face. Blockage and fluid buildup can result from bacterial infections, viral infections, and allergies. In addition to other symptoms, this might produce pressure and pain in the face. Sometimes, people will refer to sinusitis as rhinosinusitis.

What are the types of sinus infections?

The duration and frequency of your sinus infections determine the specific type you have.

Acute sinusitis

The American Academy of Otolaryngology states that this type of sinus infection typically lasts under four weeks. It’s typically part of a respiratory ailment like a cold. Bacterial infections (acute bacterial sinusitis) are another possible cause.

Subacute sinusitis

Between 4 and 12 weeks is the duration of a subacute sinus infection.

Recurrent acute sinusitis

If you have four or more episodes of acute sinusitis within a year, and each episode lasts 7 days or more, you have recurrent sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis

Infections of the sinuses that last longer than 12 weeks or keep coming back are considered chronic.

Treatment

Antibiotic

Common treatments for bacterial sinus infections include the use of antibiotics. The typical duration of antibiotic treatment ranges from three to twenty-eight days. Longer courses of treatment may be recommended for those with chronic or severe cases due to the limited blood supply to the sinuses deep within the bones.

Due to improper and excessive use, antibiotic resistance has increased. Therefore, only after 7–10 days have passed should individuals with sinus symptoms (including discoloured nasal discharge) consider taking an antibiotic.

Sinus infections can be cured with antibiotics by killing off the offending bacteria, but the symptoms will persist until the meds take effect. Certain over-the-counter drugs can help alleviate the symptoms.

Nasal decongestant sprays

Topical nasal decongestants are most effective when limited to three or four days. These drugs alleviate sinus pressure by reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The rebound phenomenon occurs when nasal passageways swell shut due to prolonged usage of topical nasal decongestants.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines prevent the release of histamine, a chemical that triggers the body’s inflammatory response to allergens.

Nasal decongestants and antihistamines

Use caution when taking combo medications purchased over the counter. Mucus can be thickened by the drying agents found in some of these medications. Use these only if sinus infection treatment specialist in Jaipur tells you to.

Topical nasal corticosteroids

The most common sinus infection symptom, pain and pressure in the face, can be avoided and even reversed with prescription nasal sprays. Nasal polyps can be reduced and kept at bay with the help of topical corticosteroid sprays. Because these sprays would not enter the bloodstream when used as recommended, prolonged use would not pose a risk of “addiction.”

Nasal saline washes

Thick nasal secretions can be flushed out with a nasal rinse.

Surgery

Surgery may be suggested when other treatment options, including medication, have failed. An otolaryngologist is the typical doctor to carry it out. Surgery is often done to fix physical flaws in the body.

The sinus infection treatment specialist in Jaipur can remove polyps from your nose, repair broken bones, and free up blocked channels. Patients can usually go home the same day after sinus surgery under either local or general anaesthesia.

Can sinus infection be avoided?

Sinus infections can be avoided in several methods, some of which vary according to the underlying cause:

• Performing a saline (salt water) nasal rinsing as your healthcare provider recommends.

• Taking anti-allergy measures is a must. Medication, allergy injections, and minimising environmental factors (such as dust, pollen, and tobacco smoke) can all help.

• If sinus infection treatment specialist in Jaipur suggests it, try using steroid nasal sprays.

• Developing healthy routines, such as frequent handwashing, that lower your vulnerability to infectious diseases.

• Trying not to smoke.

When should you see a doctor for a sinus infection?

In most cases, you can treat a sinus infection on your own. But if your worrying symptoms persist or you become sick, it’s best to consult a doctor. They’ll provide light on what to do next.

Conclusion

In most cases, a sinus infection won’t even require medical attention. Viruses and germs, nasal polyps, and allergies are only some of the possible triggers. Self-care at home usually entails rest, over-the-counter medication, and fluids. If your symptoms persist, your sinusitis is chronic, or you have any other concerning symptoms, you should make an appointment with Dr Sheetu Singh, sinus infection treatment specialist in Jaipur.

Treatment Procedure By Dr.Sheetu Singh

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Drsheetusingh
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Dr. Sheetu Singh, a nationally renowned pulmonologist, Director ILD & Pulmonary Rehab Clinic, is an expert in chest-related conditions.