Sinus Infection
A miserable headache, stuffy nose, cough, and general bad feeling can signal that you have a sinus infection. Sinus infections are one of the most common afflictions today and can quickly make your life miserable. They can also be quite serious if not tended to quickly.
A sinus infection can range from a mild irritant to a life-threatening problem. Take care of a sinus infection and seek medical help if the symptoms are severe or don't go away with standard care and medications.
The sinus cavity includes four air-filled cavities in your head, including behind the cheekbones, in the forehead, between the eyes, and behind the eyes. These cavities have a natural defense against germs and bacteria, but sometimes the natural defense is broken down and these allow bacteria into your sinuses where they stick and cause a sinus infection.
Here are some sinus infection symptoms.
- Headache.
A headache alone may be just a headache, but when it accompanies other symptoms it may be a sign of a sinus infection. A sinus headache is normally concentrated in the temples or around the eyes. - Pressure.
Pressure or pain in the sinus areas at the corner of the eyes or down one or both sides of the nose can signal a sinus infection.. - Nasal congestion.
This can include a stuffy nose or a runny nose. In the case of a runny nose, the congestion may be green or yellow in color, which signals an infection. Congestion may also include postnasal drip that goes down the throat, making it irritated and sore.. - Cheekbone area pain or swelling.
Pain behind the cheekbones can signal an infection in the sinuses located behind the cheekbones. Swelling is also common in this type of sinus infection.. - Chronic toothache.
A toothache does not necessarily mean that you need to visit a dentist. It may mean that you have a sinus infection. If this toothache is accompanied by other symptoms, then consider that it is a sinus infection.. - Fever.
A low-grade or higher fever indicates some sort of infection in your body. When accompanied with these other symptoms, you probably are afflicted with a sinus infection.
What are some of the treatments for sinus infections? There are many different treatments you can use for a sinus infection. Home treatments includes drinking water to keep yourself hydrated, taking over the counter expectorants and/or decongestants depending upon your symptoms to help promote drainage, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and/or fever, and using saline nasal spray. If home treatments don't work, or you do not seem to be getting better, it may be necessary for more aggressive medical treatment. Your physician may recommend an antibiotic, a prescription nasal spray, and/or a prescription antihistamine. By following your physician's directions carefully, you can be back to well health in no time.
A sinus infection can decrease your energy and significantly slow down your life. By taking care of yourself by exercising, eating right, and getting all of your needed vitamins, you can help to prevent illnesses like a sinus infection from disturbing your life.
