Types Of Sinus Infections: Chronic Vs Acute
There are four types of sinus infections. These classifications depend on the length and frequency of the infection:
- Acute sinusitis.This type of sinus infection lasts only for a short time, defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology as less than 4 weeks. This short-term infection is usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection .
- Subacute sinusitis. A subacute sinus infection lasts between 4 and 12 weeks .
- Recurrent acute sinusitis. An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting 7 days or more.
- Chronic sinusitis.Chronic sinus infections last for more than 12 weeks or continue to recur.
Many sinus infection symptoms are common in both acute and chronic forms. Seeing a doctor is the best way to learn if you have an infection, find the cause, and get treatment.
For cases of acute bacterial sinus infections, these symptoms last at least 10 days without improving, or they worsen within 10 days after seeming to improve. In this case, its important to talk with a doctor, such as a general practitioner or an ear, nose, and throat doctor , to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Learn more about the symptoms of a sinus infection below.
What Causes A Sinus Infection
A sinus infection is generally caused by a bacterial invasion, which comes with a respiratory virus-like a cold, and oftentimes by fungal or viral infections. Furthermore, sinus infections can sometimes occur in individuals that suffer from seasonal allergies.
Statistics reveal that over 37 million Americans are infected with sinusitis every year. However, people suffering from drainage ducts blockage, common cold, nasal polyps are more likely to develop a sinus infection.
When a sinus infection sets in, swelling blocks the openings of the sinus, which keeps mucus from draining and causes other sinusitis symptoms and facial pain, swelling of the eye and nose area, and headaches. Sinus infections mostly occur due to upper respiratory infections and colds, where the infection may become more complicated by a bacterial invasion that usually inhabits the throat and nose, and sinus cavity.
Irritation in the nasal passage from swimming, smoking, fatigue, allergies, and harsh sneezes with the mouth closed can cause a sinus infection.
During the winter months, we tend to stay indoors in the heat a perfect breeding ground for bacteria where fresh air doesnt circulate. It is important to go out and get sun exposure or supplement with a high absorbency quality Liquid Vitamin D3.
It is very rare to find a great vitamin D-3 supplement in an olive oil base as most of them especially the OTC ones are made in a soybean oil base. GMO Vitamin D-3 anyone?
Should You Have Sinus Surgery
Chronic sinus problems can be linked to problems with your nasal passages, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. If there is a specific structural issue that is causing your chronic sinusitis or sinus headaches then an ENT specialist may be able to correct it surgically. In order to find out if sinus surgery is a good idea, youll need to be assessed by an ENT specialist. The doctor will check that surgery is possible and then discuss the risks and benefits with you in detail. Having the procedure could permanently improve your breathing and prevent sinus problems.
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Sinus Infection Or Allergies
Sinusitis Symptoms , Allergies, and Common Cold are almost identical.
How can you tell which one is responsible for your misery?
Well, apparently a bacterial sinus infection lasts longer than the common cold. The mucus tends to thicken and discolor, and pressure and pain are involved in the horror story too.
Allergy Signs and Symptoms:
- Sneezing & stuffy or runny nostrils
- Clear or whitish nasal drip
- Itchy watery eyes
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Pressure or pain in upper cheeks, top of the nose, between eyes or forehead
- Stuffed nose, mucus is thick and yellow, greenish or grayish
- Symptoms last more than 10-14 days
But whatever it is, the following remedies can help either.
So How Do I Address My Sinusitis
As any physician is taught in medical school, the key to eliminating a localized infection is not antibiotics, but rather to drain it or wash it away. The billions of bacteria you wash down the sink save your immune system a lot of work.
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Managing Your Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
If you have chronic sinusitis, your doctor may ask you to see an allergist, an ENT, or both.
They can help you get started with treatment, but there is a lot you can do to manage sinus problems on your own:
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mucus thin and flowing
- Use steam or hot compresses to loosen up thick mucus secretions
- Keep you environment moist by using a clean humidifier
- Use over-the-counter saline nasal sprays or irrigations to open nasal and sinus passages
- Avoid overuse of over-the-counter decongestant sprays that can cause rebound congestion
Remember that sinusitis symptoms could be due to a sinus infection, but they also might be the result of an allergy or fungus.
Your doctor can help you find out the true cause and get you to the right specialist for treatment.
How To Relieve Sinusitis Quickly
The symptoms of sinusitis are always very unpleasant.
They associate respiratory discomfort with a very specific headache.
Traditional medicine cannot treat its cause when it is viral and is sometimes hesitant in the face of a chronic form.
Yet there are natural remedies for sinusitis, whether viral, bacterial, or fungal.
Chances are when you try a new method to treat your condition, you will finally find the relief you have been looking for.
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First Line Of Defense Against Sinusitis: Nasal Irrigation
One of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to prevent and treat sinus problems is nasal irrigation. Using a homemade solution, you can often relieve sinusitis symptoms, reduce reliance on nasal sprays and antibiotics, and improve your quality of life. At least once a day, follow these steps:
How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Naturally
Sinus sufferers who want real relief without pharmaceutical side effects have discovered that natural home remedies for sinus infections are safe and highly effective. These solutions target the underlying inflammation, promote natural sinus drainage, and help prevent additional infections.
The safest and most effective natural solutions involve the use of water in the form of liquid, vapor, or mist. Water penetrates the blockage allowing mucus to drain naturally so that the sinuses can begin the healing process. These solutions have the added benefit of helping to reduce the intensity and duration of sinus symptoms and improving quality of life.
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What Can I Do To Find Relief From A Sinus Infection
- Place a warm compress over your face to help relieve pressure.
- Breathe in steam by placing a towel over your head and leaning over a bowl or sink full of hot water to allow the steam to relieve congestion. WARNING: Make sure that the water is not too hot because steam can cause burns.
- Rinse the sinuses. Dr. Takashima recommends using the squeeze bottle over the neti pot for effective nasal irrigation.
- Keep the nasal passages moist by using a saline nasal spray.
- Rest.
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When Natural Remedies Fall Short
Natural home remedies are a safe and effective treatment for sinus infections however, you may find that the results are not meeting your expectations. Have you successfully used natural methods and find that you still struggle with chronic or intense sinusitis? If so, there is a safe and minimally invasive solution known as balloon sinuplasty. This simple procedure is done from the comfort of the doctorâs office and gently dilates the sinus cavity to return the body to its natural condition. Once the sinuses are free of blockage, normal flow resumes and the body continues the natural healing process. Imagine a life free of sinus infections and symptoms. Schedule an appointment today with one of our sinus care professionals.
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This Is The Ultimate Natural Treatment Chronic Fungal Sinusitis
What This Fungal Sinusitis Natural Treatment Will Do For You
- IT KILLS THE FUNGUS IN MINUTES
- Sinusitis Congestion released within minutes
- Sinusitis Mucous cleared instantly
- Sinusitis Headaches are gone within 2 hours
- Sinusitis Pressure stopped first day
- Teeth, Jaw and Ear Pain stopped first day
- Nasal Drip drys up within 48 hours
- Stuffy Nose stopped within 12 hours
- Forehead, Temple and Facial Pain gone in 18 hours
- Unlike Drugs will not harm your Immune System
- 100% Organic plant extracts and homeopathic treatment
How Is Sinus Infection Diagnosed
Diagnosis depends on symptoms and requires an examination of the throat, nose and sinuses. Your allergist will look for:
- Redness
- Discolored nasal discharge
- Bad Breath
If your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working, a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Your allergist may examine your nose or sinus openings. The exam uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end that is inserted through the nose. It is not painful. Your allergist may give you a light anesthetic nasal spray to make you more comfortable.
Mucus cultures: If your sinus infection is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics, a mucus culture may help to determine what is causing the infection. Most mucus samples are taken from the nose. However, it is sometimes necessary to get mucus directly from the sinuses.
Knowing what kind of bacteria is causing the infection can lead to more effective antibiotic therapy. A fungus could also cause your sinus infection. Confirming the presence of fungus is important. Fungal sinus infection needs to be treated with antifungal agents, rather than antibiotics. In addition, some forms of fungal sinus infection allergic fungal sinus infection, for example do not respond to antifungal agents and often require the use of oral steroids.
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Grapefruit Seed Extract For Treating Digestive Issues
Grapefruit seed extract can help treating H. pylori infection. Helicobacter Pylori is bacteria that may aggressively attack the lining of the stomach. Some of the symptoms of H. pylori infection are stomach ulcers, pain, and general digestive upset. There are other proven natural remedies that can help treat Helicobacter Pylori infection.
Grapefruit seed extract can help to protect your stomach from damage caused by stress and alcohol consumption.
A study found that grapefruit seed extract was effective in treating intestinal infections caused by Candida, Geotrichum sp and hemolytic E. Coli. The participants in the study who received the GSE had a definite improvement in digestive issues such as constipation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort.
There are no exact guidelines on how much GSE you need to use in order to improve your digestive health. However in the last study I mentioned, participants consumed 2 drops of grapefruit seed extract mixed with 200 mL water twice daily for one month.
Complications Of Chronic Sinusitis
Serious complications of chronic sinusitis are rare, but may include:
- Vision problems: If your sinus infection spreads to your eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or blindness that can be permanent
- Infections: People with chronic sinusitis may develop inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord
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Home Remedies To Treat Sinus Infections Without Prescription Antibiotics
Sinus infections are otherwise known as that annoying sickness that plagues your life for days at a time. But theres a solution, well there has always been a solution. However, there are home remedies that can rid your body of the garbage that is tormenting your sinuses.
There are a number of common symptoms for sinus infections including facial tenderness, pain, pressure, headaches, nasal stiffness, discolored nasal discharge, sore throat, cough, and fever. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms you may be suffering from a sinus infection.
Here are 4 of the best sinus infection natural treatments. Dont wait around in doctors offices all day waiting to hear what you already know.
Treat your sinuses with this antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory spice. You may have used this for cooking and what not but you can also use it to clear your sinus infection. Turmeric is very good for congestion because it has an active compound called curcumin that can help heal swelling in your sinus cavity, as well as clear your airways.
Mix turmeric powder in a glass of warm water and gargle it a few times a day for a few days. Or you can try and mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk and a little honey, drink this daily for about a week.
Use any of these sinus infection natural treatments to get rid of infections that have been holding you back.
What Is The Best Natural Antibiotic For Sinus Infection
Natural antibiotic options include antibacterial foods and plant-based remedies that can support the body in fighting the infection. But its important to note that adding antibacterial foods to your meal plan isnt an acceptable solution to clear up the infection. Instead, many patients focus on a combined approach of modern medicine and natural remedies at the same time.
Foods with antibacterial properties include:
- Garlic
- Oregano oil
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Essential Oils For Sinus Infection
There are many essential oils that have antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties, including:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Thyme oil
- Rosemary oil
Combining a few drops from different oils may be the best route to obtain maximum benefit from their different properties. Components of eucalyptus oil help to clear the air as well as break up mucus, while oregano oil is a potent antibacterial and antifungal oil. Eucalyptus is commonly found in cough drops and other medicines, but using it as an essential oil will yield a pure and more concentrated dose. There are a few ways to reap the benefits of these oils when you have a sinus infection.
- Steaming add a few drops to a pot of boiled water and hold your face over the steam.
- Sinus irrigation add a few drops to your neti pot solution for sinus irrigation.
- Homemade vapor rub or massage oil combining a few drops of essential oil with a base oil such as coconut oil or olive oil will yield a mixture that you can massage onto your throat to soothe and break up congestion.
- Oral consumption put one drop of food grade essential oil on the roof of your mouth. Careful not to consume much more than this, as essential oils are highly concentrated.
How An Ent Treats A Sinus Infection
If you have a lingering sinus infection after antibiotics, an ENT doctor often elects to be more aggressive in treatment than a primary care physician. They may prescribe longer courses of antibiotics, stronger medications, or recommend a procedure to open the sinuses.
If you have persistent sinus problems, the sinuses must first be unblocked. Sometimes, thats done through a simple balloon sinuplasty and irrigation. Other times, unblocking the sinuses requires a more aggressive procedure like endoscopic sinus surgery. We opt for this procedure when the sinuses become so blocked, tissue and bone need to be removed to create a wider opening.
If youre dealing with a lingering sinus infection, dont let it progress to a more serious issue. Call your ENT so they can discover whats at the root of your problem and find a treatment to bring you relief.
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