Sinus Infection

A Sinus infection happens when a virus or bacteria grows in the sinus and causes blockage of the sinus ostium. A sinus infection causes inflammation, swelling of the tissue, and discomfort. The most common symptoms are headaches, fever, sore throat, chills, cough, and fatigue. Pain is a common symptom of a sinus infection, as well. You may feel pain on the side of your nose, in your teeth, jaws, and forehead. Inflamed sinuses also restrict how well you can breathe and affect the way you smell and taste everything.

During the winter months, a sinus infection can develop because the bacteria are transmitted through sneezing and coughing. In the summer, this infection is common due to increased mucus production in people with allergies.

Typical medical treatment includes antibiotics that kill bacteria that are causing the infection, oral antihistamines, decongestants, nasal spray, and steroid medications. Patients usually feel relief within two days, while the whole treatment takes ten days.