If reading this, you might be worried about your sinusitis problem. Maybe, a loved one or friend has been diagnosed with sinusitis. In both scenarios, it is important that you get a clear insight into what sinus infection is all about to better deal with it. Fret not since that’s what this post will help you unearth today before booking an appointment with your healthcare provider.
In a nutshell, sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining your sinuses. Sinuses are structures inside your face that are normally filled with air. Bacterial infections, viral infections and allergies can irritate them, causing them to get blocked and filled with fluid. This can lead to pressure and pain in your face, nasal congestion and other symptoms.
Sinusitis comes in different types and they are based on how long it’s been going on (acute, subacute, chronic, or recurrent) and what’s causing it (bacteria, fungus, or virus). Acute sinusitis lasts less than four weeks and is usually caused by viruses like the common cold while subacute sinusitis symptoms last four to 12 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis symptoms, on the other hand, last at least 12 weeks with bacteria being the main cause. Recurrent acute sinusitis symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.
You need to clearly understand the signs and symptoms of each type of sinusitis to better handle it. Well, acute sinusitis symptoms include nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain and decreased sense of smell.
As mentioned earlier, chronic sinusitis symptoms last four to 12 weeks, while chronic sinusitis symptoms last at least 12 weeks. Recurrent acute sinusitis symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.
Of course, bacteria can also cause sinusitis, or they can infect you after a case of viral sinusitis. If you happen to have a runny nose, stuffy nose and facial pain that doesn’t go away after ten days, you might have bacterial sinusitis.
At times, it appears as if you symptoms are getting better with each and every day, only for them to return and are worse than the initial symptoms. The good news is antibiotics and decongestants tend to work well on bacterial sinusitis. Remember, sinus infections caused by fungus are usually more serious than other forms of sinusitis.
