Sinus Infections: Causes and Treatment

 

Causes of Sinus Infection

 

Acute and chronic sinusitis are two types of sinus infection. Acute can extend up to a month while the chronic sinusitis can last up to many weeks and even years. The causes of this kind of sinus infection is most of the times hard to identify and difficult to cure. But more often than not, sinusitis begin from simple allergies or colds.

 

Fungus may also make people prone to sinus infection, particularly those who do not have a strong immune system. In some instances, sinusitis is called by a problematic structure of the nasal passages. A condition called nasal polyp where is a growth is occurring in the sinuses area can also prevent the sinuses from draining in a normal way and causes chronic sinus infection. The  sinus infection symptoms and signs of acute and chronic sinusitis are usually identical. For instance, congestion, thick discolored mucus and facial pain and pressure.

 

Treatment of Sinus Infection

 

The best treatment for chronic sinusitis can determined only if the cause of the condition is identified first. For example, if the condition is a result of exposure to allergies, the use of decongestants may prove to be a sufficient treatment. Doctors often review the statements of the patients before giving any kind of medication or treatment methods. Sinusitis symptoms that persist for more than two days can already be a warning for patients to go and seek a physician. Tests like Ct scans, X-rays and MRIs may be conducted in order to pinpoint what's causing the problem.

 

In some cases, sinus infection is treated through different approaches combined together. For instance, some employ self-care in combination with doctor-prescribed

medication. When it comes to medicines, most doctors let their patients take in antibiotics. If through check-up the doctor is able to identify that the condition is caused by bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be the best to prescribe. The use of antibiotics may last from 10 to 14 days or much longer depending on the condition being experienced. For example, acute sinus patients can take the antibiotic with a duration of two weeks. For chronic sinus patients, on the other hand, the intake duration might have to be longer.

 

It is important to know that antibiotics only work when the cause of the condition is bacterial infection. But they won't provide a good help when it is otherwise, like in the case of virus-caused infections. The intake of antibiotics may produce a harm to a patient when it is taken incorrectly or when it is overused. For more facts and info regarding sinusitis, you can go to  http://www.britannica.com/science/venous-sinus.