Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Can A Sinus Infection Make You Cough

Hallmark Symptoms Of Covid

Cure A Sinus Infection FAST – 7 Natural Home Remedies

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving virus. As of the writing of this blog, omicron is the dominant variant, but we have also seen others like Delta, and each has its own predominant symptoms. Symptoms often include dry cough, chills, fever, body aches, muscle pain, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and loss of smell and taste.

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Can A Sinus Drainage Cause Cough

A chronic non-productive cough with history of nasal congestion might intuitively indicate a respiratory problem. However, it could well be something as uncomplicated as a ‘post-nasal drip’. Let’s understand how a sinus drainage causes chronic cough.

A chronic non-productive cough with history of nasal congestion might intuitively indicate a respiratory problem. However, it could well be something as uncomplicated as a post-nasal drip. Lets understand how a sinus drainage causes chronic cough.

The most common diagnosis associated with signs of cough and trickle behind the throat is sinusitis. Heres the why and what about it. A respiratory infection causes excessive secretion of mucus on the inner membranes of nasal mucosa. This accumulated mucus tends to aggravate the mechanism of sinus drainage. The slow and constant nasal trickle caused by draining sinuses causes symptoms like sore throat and coughing.

Medications For A Sinus Infection

Sometimes, your sinus infection wont go away without care from your primary care doctor or otolaryngologists . Most bacterial sinus infections can be cured with the help of antibiotic medicines a type of medicine that kills bacteria. Antibiotics will help you feel better after a couple days, but its important to finish the entire amount that your doctor prescribed.

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Tips To Help You Feel Better Now

With respiratory symptoms, there are some things you can do to start getting some immediate relief, according to Dr. Buzzard.

The first tip I have is to take make sure you are getting an adequate amount of rest, as well as fluids. Secondly, over-the-counter medicines for cold symptoms can be helpful for symptoms like sore throat, fever, congestion, and cough. Check with your doctor if you have questions about what is safe and effective, says Dr. Buzzard. My third tip is if you are smoking, stop. Smoking will make your symptoms worse and can increase your risk of secondary infections like sinus infections or pneumonia. Finally, if you are getting worse or youve gone longer than a week without feeling better, come in to see us.

If you think you might have a COVID-19, a sinus infection, or another respiratory illness, a visit to one of Physicians Immediate Cares convenient locations in Illinois, Indianaand Wisconsin couldprovide the relief you need. In addition to caring physicians and staff who have been serving patients for more than 30 years, Physicians Immediate Care also offers evening and weekend hours, and no appointment is needed.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please let us know before you arrive so we can keep you safe with our enhanced health and safety protocols.

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Can You Have A Cough After A Sinus Infection

13 Symptoms Of A Sinus Infection And When To See A Doctor?

You may notice that even after the core symptoms are gone, you still have a cough after a sinus infection clears up. Thats most likely because there is still lingering inflammation in your sinuses causing post-nasal drip the backed-up drainage that runs down the back of your throat, often prompting a natural coughing reflex to clear your airway.

When sinuses are just doing their everyday job, they produce mucus to help protect your system from dust, allergens, and pollutants but that mucus has to drain to keep irritants out. Sinus infections occur when that drainage gets blocked, causing mucus to back up and become more susceptible to bacteria or viruses.

Discover why you may have a cough after a sinus infection and learn what remedies are available.

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Pain Tenderness Or Pressure Around The Face

Some people believe that our sinuses are only in the nose. However, these sacs spread out around the entire nasal area and cover the space from the lower forehead all the way to the front of the cheekbones.

Because they cover a good portion of the face, you could feel pain all over this area. As mucus accumulates in the nasal passages, it may push on your nerves. As a result, you may feel tenderness, pressure, or heaviness in your face.

But Is It Still A Cold Flu Allergies Or Even Covid

Sinus infections do share symptoms with colds, the flu and COVID-19. The key thing to remember about sinusitis is that it usually doesnt happen without something taking place first. A sinus infection is caused by inflammation that plugs up your sinuses and causes a backup of fluid the kind of situation that can only really happen as the result of a cold, allergies or other similar condition.

So, if you do find yourself having symptoms of sinusitis but havent been sick with anything else recently, its worth it to see if youre tracking with other signs of a cold or the flu. You should also take a quick inventory to see if you have any early symptoms of COVID-19. If so, get tested and get treatment as soon as possible. With early detection, you can get the medications necessary to have the best chances of getting better faster.

If youve been sneezing with a stuffy or runny nose along with irritated, watery eyes and itchy ears all without a fever you might be dealing with seasonal allergies. If that sounds more like what you have, especially if theyre symptoms that only happen during certain times of the year, check in with your primary care doctor. They can help confirm if youre dealing with allergies, prescribe medications and connect you with an allergist.

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When Is It An Allergy

If your child is having an allergic reaction, he/she might also have nasal discharge, but it will probably be different than a sinus infection. Rather than green or yellow nasal discharge, allergies often cause a runny nose where the discharge is more watery and clear in color. Sneezing, itchy nose and itchy/watery eyes might also be present. Allergies also do not cause a fever. Childrens allergies will be affected as long as they are exposed to the allergen, so its helpful to avoid those triggers. However, your child might need oral medications, nasal sprays or eye drops to help relieve the allergy symptoms.

Regardless of the reason for your childs nasal congestion, cough or other symptoms, he/she deserves to feel better. If there is no relief of symptoms within a week or so, a visit to a doctor is appropriate and can be very helpful.

When To Suspect A Sinus Infection

What is Sinusitis?

How do you know if you have a sinus infection? The best way, of course, is to see a doctor. Because there are a wide variety of sinus infection symptoms and they may mimic the signs of other respiratory illness or seasonal allergies, the best way to be certain is to pay a visit to your doctor. However, first put on your detective hat and check for the following common signs. If you have a cold, you can also have an accompanying sinus infection, but they both should clear within a week.

Here are the most common complaints:

  • Dull Pain: It can radiate from one or both sides of your nose, extend to the middle of your head between your eyes, or appear as dagger-like flashes along your upper jaw and teeth. You may only feel a kind of generalized pressure in your face and head, and it may feel worse when lying down, or when you first get up in the morning.
  • Congestion: Swollen nasal passages make it difficult to breathe, and if the inflammation is combined with any kind of discharge, a sinus infection causes a lot of discomfort.
  • Nasal Discharge: There are only two ways to eliminate nasal discharge: by blowing your nose, or by allowing it to drain down the throat. Either can be problematic. If the mucous is thick, cloudy, or tends toward green or yellow, you most likely have a sinus infection. Itâs time to call your doctor.
  • Hoarseness: Postnasal drip causes irritation and, if allowed to continue, it usually gets worse.

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Suffering From Chronic Sinus Infections Give Kaplan A Call

If this isnt your first time wondering whether or not a sinus infection can make you cough, it may be time to explore your treatment options. Whether you have recurring sinus infections or a chronic post nasal drip, we can help.

Dr. Michael Kaplan of Kaplan Sinus Relief has over two decades of experience helping Houstons with sinus-related issues, including sinus issues that affect the respiratory system, snoring, and sleep apnea. We offer a variety of safe and effective sinus treatment options and are considered leaders in balloon sinuplasty.

If youd like to learn more about these treatment options or simply find relief from a chronic sinus infection, give us a call or contact us online.

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Other Remedies For Symptom Relief

Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.

Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.

If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.

Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.

damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.

If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.

Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.

Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.

Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.

You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:

Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.

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How Do Doctors Treat Sinus Infections

One the diagnosis is made, the typical treatment for sinus infection is antibiotics to clear up the bacteria causing the sinus infection. Although, the overuse of antibiotics is a cause for concern, so many doctors will prescribe these medications if your symptoms extend beyond seven to 10 days.

Your doctor may also prescribe a topical nasal corticosteroid to reverse the swelling in the sinuses. Finally, over-the-counter medications to help you cope with the daily symptoms of a sinus infection while the medications begin to do their work.

Some of the typical over-the-counter symptom relievers include:

  • Antihistamines can block the inflammation that swells your sinus passages
  • Nasal decongestant sprays can be used on a limited basis
  • Nasal saline washes can clear out heavy mucus
  • Topical nasal corticosteroids

Sinus infections can last for several weeks, or if they are chronic, for even longer. If youre feeling ill, its a good idea to reach out to your doctor for treatment. Your clinical team can diagnose, and treat your illness to make you more comfortable and help you heal.Oviedo Medical Research specializes in Phase II through IV clinical trials designed to yield the medications and vaccines that doctors depend on. If youre interested in joining us for a clinical trial, contact us.

What Treatment Options Are Available For A Cough Caused By Sinus Drainage

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The treatment your doctor gives you will depend on what causes the post-nasal drip, and can include different medical advice as well as various solutions:1,4

  • antibiotics, if the cause is a bacterial infection.
  • antihistamines, decongestants and other medicines, where appropriate.
  • avoiding the source of any allergies that may be causing post-nasal drip.
  • elevating the head during sleep and changing eating habits, if you have GERD.

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How To Tell The Difference Between Covid

Allergy and sinus symptoms can be similar to COVID-19 symptoms. An otolaryngologist explains how to tell them apart and when you should seek treatment.

Allergy season has become more complicated since the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have allergies or sinus problems, you may not be sure how to tell the difference between those symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms. Jessica Southwood, MD, otolaryngologist, offers expert guidance to help you better understand these three conditions.

Since sinus and allergy symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms can seem similar and have some overlap, it is important to familiarize yourself with the differences. That way, you and your provider can manage your health care appropriately.

Signs And Symptoms Of Sinus Infection

An uncomfortable full or feeling of pressure in your face is an easily identifiable symptom of sinus infection. Sinus infection may be the result of a cold that has become infected or may be caused by another underlying medical condition. Some common symptoms to look for to know if you have a sinus infection are:

Stuffy nose and face

One of the first signs of sinus infection is tenderness of your face. Youll feel most of the pain under your eyes or at the bridge of your nose. This happens because your sinus cavities are full of mucus that isnt draining properly. You may also experience nasal stuffiness or congestion. Pain in the teeth and frontal headaches are also common symptoms.

Postnasal drip

A post nasal drip is a common symptom of sinus infection. It can lead to sore throat because your excess mucus is full in your sinus cavity and draining down your throat. This irritates the back of your throat, causing it to feel sore and painful.

Cough

A persistent cough can be a sign of sinus infection. Your cough may be wet and feel mucusy. This is your bodys way of trying to clear your throat from mucus drainage.

Low-grade fever

A low-grade fever is another common symptom of sinus infection. It happens because your body is fighting an infection in your sinuses. If your fever lasts longer than four days and becomes very high, seek immediate medical attention.

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Night And Morning Coughing Fits

As a sufferer of chronic sinus infections myself, I can let you in on a little secret. If you have a sinus infection, you will have coughing fits at night when you are trying to sleep. These will be pretty violent, and will cause you to lose a few hours of sleep. The chronic coughing is also terrible in the morning, but any doctor will tell you this. So, if you are having horrible coughing episodes at night and in the morning, then you most likely need a medical expert to assist you.

Postnasal Drip: What You Need To Know

Ask Dr. Mike: What is a sinus infection and how do I treat it?

Most of the time, you dont notice mucus production in the nose and sinuses because it drips into the back of the mouth, where it mixes with saliva and then moves down the back of the throat. This function is known as postnasal drip. You are swallowing this mucus throughout the day without a conscious thought about what is happening.

This process becomes more noticeable when the mucus production is increased. For example, a bacterial or viral infection can cause a runny nose and sinus congestion. As a result, the mucous might start to bother you because of the amount and thickness of it. Common symptoms can occur, including coughing, a sore throat, or frequently clearing the throat.

Postnasal drip is caused by a variety of health conditions that trigger increased mucus production:

  • Environmental irritants

Another reason that you might notice postnasal drip is because the mucus isnt being cleared away properly. Your body might be producing the right amount of mucus, but then it builds up because of a blockage or other health concern that is interfering with the normal function.

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Sinus Infection Or Covid

Overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to determine if you have a sinus infection or COVID-19. These issues are compounded when we spend long hours indoors due to the weather or quarantines.

While both can cause fever, headache, nasal congestion and sore throat, there are some differences between the two, said Melinda Cooling, vice president of Advanced Practice for OSF HealthCare and chief clinician executive for OSF OnCall.

You Have Frequent Colds That Can Cause Bacterial Growth

If you spend most of the cold season blowing your nose, you might be one of the many people who get frequent sinus infections from the common cold.

Celebrity plastic surgeon and ear, nose, and throat specialist, Dr. Andrew Ordon told INSIDER that most acute cases of sinus infections are caused by bacterial growth that occurs due to a common cold, which causes sinus inflammation that can block nasal passages.

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