Sinus Infection Treatment and Causes
Chronic sinus issues don't have to control your life any longer!
Is sinus pain frequently making your daily life difficult? For some individuals, sinus infections can significantly impact daily activities, making tasks like going to work or household chores more challenging. Symptoms such as congestion, headaches, nasal drip, and facial pain can take a huge toll on both your physical and mental health. The good news is that you don't have to accept your chronic sinus symptoms as a way of life any longer.
Frederick Breathe Free is here for you no matter if you suffer from one mild sinus infection per year or chronic sinus pain all year long.
i am tired of fighting my sinus painWhat Causes a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the air-filled spaces in the face—known as sinus cavities—become infected. These four cavities, located on both sides of the nose and above the eyes, play a key role in breathing, vocal tone, and keeping you healthy. Normally, they produce mucus to filter out viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which are then drained from the body. However, when the sinus lining becomes inflamed or swollen, this drainage process is blocked, leading to infections. Conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or allergies can further increase the likelihood of sinus infections by making mucus drainage even more difficult.
Sinus infections have the potential to become serious when left untreated. So, if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms you should schedule an appointment with Frederick Breathe Free today.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
- Postnasal drip - The feeling of mucus running down the throat
- Nasal discharge - Green or yellow mucus coming out of the nose
- Congestion - When the nasal passages become swollen it may be difficult to breathe through the nose
- Fatigue - Sinus symptoms can make it hard to sleep, leading to fatigue
- Facial pain - Pain and pressure around the eyes, nose, jaw, teeth, and head
- Inflammation - Sensitive swelling around the top of the nose and eyes
- Other symptoms - coughing, fever, bad breath
Your sinus infections and symptoms will be unique to you because they can be impacted by things like allergies, viruses, and other medical conditions. This is one of the many reasons you should see an ENT professional when you are suffering from sinus symptoms. At Frederick Breathe Free our ENT professionals are well equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to diagnose and treat any unique sinus symptoms you may be suffering from.
Your sinus symptoms can impact your health in more ways than one.
You don’t have to accept that your sinus symptoms are just another fact of life. At Frederick Breathe Free, we can help solve your chronic sinus issues. Take our quiz now to see how your sinus symptoms are impacting your life.
Sinus Infection Treatment
Sinus infections can be easily recognized by painful symptoms. While symptom management is an important part of any sinus infection treatment plan, it is important to make sure that your doctor treats the underlying causes of your chronic infections. At Frederick Breathe Free, we design personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs—drawing from a range of proven clinical options. Our goal is to help you breathe easier and feel better with care that’s centered around you.
Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infections
If you suffer from mild or infrequent sinus infections, then you may be interested in finding out more about home remedies. Some individuals find that certain home remedies help manage mild sinus symptoms. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Home remedies for sinus infections have one focus and that is to clear the nasal blockage so that mucus can flow freely once again. Once the blockage is cleared, the body can begin the self-healing process. Natural home remedies are good to include in your treatment plan but do not come without risk, so it is important to consult your doctor before using them. A few natural remedies include:
Staying Hydrated
Our bodies are mostly made up of water and because of this they work best when properly hydrated. Being even moderately dehydrated can impact the healing process. If you're suffering from sinus symptoms make sure to drink plenty of fluids even if your symptoms make it difficult.
Using Vapor or Steam to Break Up Blockages
Water is an excellent solvent and, in the form of steam or vapor, it can penetrate blockages to help clear out the sinus cavity. Taking several deep breaths in through the nose while in the shower, over a bowl of warm water, or over a humidifier can allow for the water vapor to begin breaking up blockages so that mucus can flow freely.
Using a Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot
Using a sinus rinse or Neti pot can be an effective treatment when treating a sinus infection at home. Usually, they will instruct you to use a saline solution to rinse out the sinuses. It is important to follow all manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you don't make your infection worse or cause injury.
Sinus Medications
Sinus infection medications are a good choice when you need to control your symptoms or manage an infection. Medications can both control symptoms and reduce infection based on the type of sinus infection you have. Medications that may be in your treatment plan include:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a very effective short-term solution when it comes to treating bacterial infections only. They will not directly reduce infections that are caused by viruses or fungi. Also, they are not recommended for chronic sinus infections. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, you should seek a long-term solution.
Decongestants
Decongestants can provide short-term relief by reducing nasal swelling. However, prolonged use, especially of nasal sprays, can lead to rebound congestion. It's important to use these medications as directed and consult with a healthcare provider for long-term management strategies.
Corticosteroids
Like decongestants, corticosteroids are used to treat swelling in the nasal passage. However, some corticosteroids are safe to use for long-term symptom and infection control.
Most medications are just used for short-term treatment and are not recommended for long-term use. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, then the following treatment options may be right for you.
Traditional Sinus Surgery
Sinus surgery is recommended for people who are suffering from chronic sinus issues due to a physical abnormality in the nose including:
- Deviated Septum - When the cartilage in between the two nostrils falls to one side.
- Closed Passages - These may be caused by bones or tissue.
- Nasal Polyps - These are soft growths in the nose that block mucus from draining which leads to increased infection rates.
During sinus surgery, tissue and bone will be removed to open the sinuses. This involves cutting, bleeding, and a long recovery time. While traditional sinus surgery remains an effective option for certain conditions, balloon sinuplasty offers a minimally invasive alternative for eligible patients. The best treatment approach depends on individual circumstances, which we assess during your consultation.
Balloon Sinuplasty: A minimally invasive long-term sinus solution
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure approved by the FDA in 2005, designed to open blocked sinus passages without the need for cutting bone or tissue. Balloon sinuplasty has been performed on over half a million patients since its introduction over 15 years ago. Clinical studies have reported high success rates, with some indicating up to 95% improvement in symptoms. However, individual results may vary, and it's important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if this procedure is appropriate for you.
The procedure is done in the office and takes about an hour. During the procedure, a small balloon is placed in the nasal passage and then inflated so that the sinuses can drain easily. Many patients report significant relief shortly after the procedure, with recovery periods often lasting a few days.
Frederick Breathe Free is here to provide you with long lasting sinus relief.
Our professionally trained ENTs at Frederick Breathe Free are here to guide you to better sinus health. We take the time to listen to you, evaluate your problems, and develop a plan that will get you feeling better in no time. Schedule today to get on the track of breathing free again.
I am ready to scheduleFootnotes
¹ Levine HL, Sertich AP 2nd, Hoisington DR, Weiss RL, Pritikin J. Multicenter Registry of Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy Outcomes for 1,036 Patients. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2008;117(4):263-270.