Can A Sinus Infection Cause Meningitis

When Antibiotics Are In Order

The main reason to prescribe antibiotics is for patient comfort, Dr. Sindwani says. The medical field used to be more convinced than it is today than untreated sinusitis would inevitably become a chronic issue, he says.

We dont think that way as much, he says. We dont know that an untreated acute sinusitis, if left untreated, will grumble along and cause people to have a chronic sinus infection.

Some people think thats two separate things, with chronic sinusitis more likely due to underlying issues like allergies or immune problems.

Chronic Sinusitis & Depression

Sinusitis occurs when the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. It is deemed chronic when symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in Mechanicsburg experience cold-like symptoms that include facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, headaches, postnasal drip, and loss of smell. Additional symptoms range from ear pain and sore throat to nausea and fatigue. Because of its unrelenting nature, people diagnosed with chronic sinusitis often experience a lower quality of life and have problems with physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning. A recent study of 16,224 patients in South Korea suggests that depression and anxiety are also common in chronic sinusitis sufferers.

The study looked at patients treated forchronic sinusitis between 2002 and 2013, alongside a comparison group of 32,448people of similar demographic who did not suffer from sinus issues. None of theparticipants had a history of depression or anxiety. Researchers discoveredthat the patients with chronic sinusitis were over 50 percent more likely todevelop depression or anxiety. Those with the worst symptoms were the most likelyto experience mental health problems.

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Is Your Sinus Infection Bacterial Or Viral

Contrary to what people may think, all sinus infections are not the same, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A sinus infection can be due to a bacterial infection or a viral infection.

A doctor can take a nasal swab culture and send it to the lab for testing it to see if a sinus infection is viral or bacterial. This is usually unnecessary unless a sinus infection lasts longer than 10 days. Viral sinus infections typically clear up within that time frame.

Sinusitis that lasts longer than 10 days may a sign of a bacterial infection, which would necessitate a trip to the doctor. If the doctor determines that the sinusitis is in fact due to a bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be in order.

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When To Call Your Healthcare Provider

• Your symptoms are severe or they are getting worse after seven days.
• Your headache is severe and over-the-counter pain relievers don’t put a dent in it.
• You are running a fever of 100.4 degrees or more.
• You finished a course of prescribed antibiotics, but you still have symptoms.

If you have been having frequent bouts of sinusitis, you should see your healthcare provider to get a full diagnosis and check for problems that might be contributing to your episodes.

Sore Throat And Cough

The fluid trickling down your throat can cause irritation and produces a cough. When you lie down at night, youâll experience more flow of fluid down the back of your throat, making your cough worse. Post-nasal drip could also make your voice sound hoarse and possibly cause a sore throat and bad breath.

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Sinusitis Wont Go Away Consider Balloon Sinuplasty

Whether this is your first bout with sinusitis that wont go away or you experience sinus infections on a regular basis, you should know that getting rid of sinusitis is well within reach.

At Sinus Solutions of South Florida, Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer has provided hundreds of patients with relief from chronic sinusitis using the balloon sinuplasty procedure. So if you have sinusitis that wont go away, contact us online, call us at 561-790-7744, or take our sinus quiz today to see if youre a viable candidate for balloon sinuplasty.

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How Is Meningitis Diagnosed In A Child

The healthcare provider will ask about your childs symptoms and health history. He or she may also ask about your familys health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. Your child may also have tests, such as:

• Lumbar puncture . This is the only test that diagnoses meningitis. A needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain is measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid is removed and sent for testing to see if there is an infection or other problems.

• Blood tests. These can help diagnose infections that cause meningitis.

• CT scan or MRI. These are tests that show images of the brain. A CT scan is sometimes done to look for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as meningitis. An MRI may show inflammatory changes in the meninges. These tests give more information. But meningitis cant be diagnosed using these tests alone.

• Nasal, throat, or rectal swabs. These tests help diagnose viral infections that cause meningitis.

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Antibiotics Used For Uncomplicated Utis

If you are a healthy individual whose urinary tract is anatomically and functionally normal and you have no known heightened UTI susceptibility youve got whats dubbed an uncomplicated UTI, according to guidelines published in August 2019 in the Journal of Urology. For these individuals, antibiotics are considered the first-line of treatment.

The type of antibiotics you are prescribed and for how long is contingent on the type of bacteria detected in your urine, your current health status, and whether your UTI is uncomplicated or complicated. Depending on which antibiotic your doctor prescribes, women may need a single dose or up to a five-day course. For men, antibiotics are usually given for a slightly longer period of time, notes UpToDate.

Typically, if you are diagnosed with an uncomplicated UTI, one of the following will be prescribed as first-line treatment:

The following antibiotics are considered second-line treatments for UTI. They are generally chosen because of resistance patterns or allergy considerations:

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Which Specialties Of Doctors Treat Sinus Infections And Sinusitis

• Sinusitis is often first diagnosed by a general practitioner, primary care physician, or internal medicine physician. A pediatrician may diagnose sinus infections in children.
• If sinusitis is chronic or severe, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist, also called an ear, nose, and throat specialist . If your sinusitis is caused by allergies, you may be referred to an allergist.
• If you experience an emergency due to your sinusitis, go to the Emergency Department at the nearest hospital.

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When A Sinus Infection Goes Untreated

A sinus infection can drag on for weeks or months if you dont talk to a doctor. Sometimes, the infection will clear up on its own. But if the symptoms linger, then you could be facing rare complications from the ongoing infection:

• Eyes: The infection can spread to other parts of the face and affect the eyes. You might notice swelling, redness, and vision disruptions. Severe cases could result in blindness.
• Brain: Its rare, but there are times when the infection spreads to the brain. This problem can cause meningitis or a brain abscess, which can both be life-threatening conditions.
• Treatments: Early sinus infection treatment might include a prescription or minimally-invasive services. If the infection spreads, then it might be necessary for you to have a CT scan and receive IV antibiotics.
• Recurring: Some people notice that the symptoms get better, then quickly return with a vengeance. Chronic sinus issues can result in a need for surgery if not improving with medication.

Most sinus infections dont result in serious complications. But the possibility of an eye or brain infection should be enough to motivate someone to talk to a doctor about the infection.

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What Problems Can Happen

Complications of bacterial meningitis might need extra treatment. Someone with shock or low blood pressure might get more IV fluids and medicines to increase blood pressure. Some kids may need extra oxygen or mechanical ventilation if they have trouble breathing.

Bacterial meningitis complications can be severe and include neurological problems, such as hearing loss, vision problems, seizures, and learning disabilities. Because impaired hearing is a common complication, those who’ve had bacterial meningitis should have a hearing test after they recover.

The heart, kidneys, and also might be affected, depending on the cause of the infection. Although some kids develop long-lasting neurological problems, most who get a quick diagnosis and treatment recover fully.

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How Does A Sinus Infection Cause Dizziness

During a sinus infection, fluid buildup and blockages in the sinus cavities can cause fluid to build up in the ears as well. This is because theres nowhere for it to drain into. This puts pressure on the inner parts of the ear, the eardrum and the Eustachian tube, which in turn creates feelings of dizziness and vertigo.

The vestibule labyrinth is the part of the ear responsible for helping us maintain our sense of equilibrium and balance. The fluid buildup that occurs in the ear puts pressure on this part of the ear. This causes dizziness, which can in turn lead to nausea.

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Your Sinusitis Wont Go Away Heres What You Need To Know

Sinusitis also known as a sinus infection is, for the most part, a bacterial infection caused by inflammation of the sinuses. Chronic and recurring long-lasting sinusitis can render you incapacitated and quickly eat up your sick days.

But when your sinusitis wont go away, what options do you have? This guide walks you through how to identify a sinus infection, what happens if you ignore it, how to treat your chronic sinusitis, and more.

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What Causes Meningitis And Encephalitis

Infectious causes of meningitis and encephalitis include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. For some individuals, environmental exposure , recent travel, or an immunocompromised state are important risk factors. There are also non-infectious causes such as autoimmune/rheumatological diseases and certain medications.

Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease. Several types of bacteria can first cause an upper respiratory tract infection and then travel through the bloodstream to the brain. The disease can also occur when certain bacteria invade the meninges directly. Bacterial meningitis can cause stroke, hearing loss, and permanent brain damage.

Other forms of bacterial meningitis include Listeria monocytogenes meningitis Escherichia coli meningitis, which is most common in elderly adults and newborns and may be transmitted to a baby through the birth canal and Mycobacterium tuberculosis meningitis, a rare disease that occurs when the bacterium that causes tuberculosis attacks the meninges.

Fungal infections can affect the brain. The most common form of fungal meningitis is caused by the fungus cryptococcus neoformans . Cryptococcal meningitis mostly occurs in immunocompromised individuals such as those with AIDS but can also occur in healthy people. Some of these cases can be slow to develop and smolder for weeks. Although treatable, fungal meningitis often recurs in nearly half of affected persons.

Encephalitis

Dont Let Sinusitis Stuff Up Your Life

If youre suffering from chronic sinusitis, dont try to tough it out. Chronic sinusitis can leave you fatigued, congested, and downright sick. Luckily, at Kaplan Sinus Relief, its possible to receive lasting sinus relief and freedom from complications in as little as 25 minutes.

Kaplan Sinus Relief offers convenient, minimally invasive Houston Balloon Sinuplasty that expands your sinuses and provides relief from sinusitis. Balloon Sinuplasty requires neither incisions nor the removal of bone or tissue. As a result, recovery after Balloon Sinuplasty is quick and easy.

Are you ready to say goodbye to chronic sinusitis and its complications? Schedule a free appointment today.

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Can Having A Uti Affect Your Periods Lets Find Out

Most women have had a urinary tract infection or UTI at some point in their lives. The statistics are proof: one in two women have had a UTI. You know how painful it can get, right? For the unversed, UTI happens when bacteria enters the urinary tract. In most cases, it is E.coli which travels from the anus and vaginal area into the urinary tract. Ladies, sex is almost always the number one cause.

But did you know UTIs most commonly happen around your period? No kidding at all! We dont want to think the universe is being mean to us women, because well, dealing with UTI and periods at the same time is a test of endurance, or what wed like to believe.

Take your time to process this harsh fact until then, lets tell you why UTIs are common during your periods.

How are UTIs and periods linked?

Weve already established this before that UTIs are generally linked with sexual activity. The reason this happens around your period is because oestrogen is anti-inflammatory, and this hormone is at its lowest when you bleed, so you can be more susceptible to infections at this point.

Although those who are prone to UTI do everything from peeing after sex to wiping front to back, and all that stuff, but remember to do it even during your period. We understand juggling both at the same time might be hard, but ladies, wouldnt you want to be UTI-free during your period? We hear a big YES!

What are some of the common symptoms of UTI?

Can a UTI affect your periods?

How Are Meningitis And Encephalitis Diagnosed

Following a physical exam and medical history to review activities of the past several days or weeks , the doctor may order various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of infection or inflammation. Early diagnosis is vital, as symptoms can appear suddenly and escalate to brain damage, hearing and/or speech loss, blindness, or even death.

Diagnostic tests include:

• A neurological examination involves a series of physical examination tests designed to assess motor and sensory function, nerve function, hearing and speech, vision, coordination and balance, mental status, and changes in mood or behavior.
• Laboratory screening of blood, urine, and body secretions can help detect and identify brain and/or spinal cord infection and determine the presence of antibodies and foreign proteins. Such tests can also rule out metabolic conditions that may have similar symptoms.
• Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord can detect infections in the brain and/or spinal cord, acute and chronic inflammation, and other diseases. A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is removed by a special needle that is inserted into the lower back and the fluid is tested to detect the presence of bacteria, blood, and viruses. The testing can also measure glucose levels and white blood cells , as well as protein and antibody levels.

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Meningitis Rash Glass Test

Meningococcal meningitis is a form of bacterial meningitis caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium. Meningococcal meningitis can cause a person to develop septicemia, which is an infection of the blood. This form of septicemia is known as meningococcal septicemia, or meningococcemia.

Meningococcal meningitis can cause a rash in about 50% of people with the condition. Meningococcemia can result in a person bleeding into their skin. This causes a certain type of rash to develop within a persons skin, characterized by small, non-raised, purple-reddish lesions. The rash occurs due to bleeding outside the capillaries due to meningococcemia.

A person can test if a rash is from meningococcemia by pressing a glass tumbler against it. If the rash does not disappear, it means a person may have meningococcemia. However, a person should not take the glass test as a diagnosis of meningococcemia, as this form of rash can also result from other conditions.

If a person has a rash that does not disappear when pressed by a glass, they should contact their doctor immediately.

• speech, language, memory, or communication problems
• severe brain damage

usually spreads from person to person.

Common ways that bacterial meningitis can spread include:

available for pneumococcal meningitis. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for children ages 2 years and under and people who have certain medical conditions.

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What Is A Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, which is sometimes referred to as sinusitis, occurs when the tissues that line your sinuses become inflamed or swollen. Theyre usually filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, an infection can result.

This type of infection can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and in rare cases, by fungi. Although colds, allergies, and anatomical issues such as a deviated septum dont directly cause these infections, they can create blockages that create the right conditions for germs to grow and cause an infection.

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A More In Depth Explanation Of Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis causes the cavities around your nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up.

With acute sinusitis, it might be difficult to breathe through your nose. The area around your eyes and face might feel swollen, and you might have throbbing facial pain or a headache.

Acute sinusitis is mostly caused by the common cold. Unless a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days.

In most cases, home remedies are all thats needed to treat acute sinusitis. However, persistent sinusitis can lead to serious infections and other complications. Sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment is called chronic sinusitis.