You Have A Crooked Or Deviated Septum That Is Hindering Your Sinus Drainage Pathways
A crooked or deviated septum can cause a blockage of the sinus drainage pathway, which often results in an infection.
Dr. Payam Daneshrad, ENT specialist and facial plastic surgeon at Daneshrad Clinic, told INSIDER that although a course of antibiotics will treat the immediate infection until the underlying obstruction is surgically corrected, you’re at a higher risk of developing frequent sinus infections.
Give It Time And Treat As Needed
Acute sinusitis typically goes away on its own in seven to 10 days. If it lasts longer, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Your doctor may also perform an allergy test if they suspect your sinusitis is a result of allergies.
Chronic sinusitis is different and treating it requires more time and patience. A combination of medications including nasal steroid sprays, oral steroids and mucus-thinning drugs may help ease symptoms. Since its not usually caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics arent the go-to treatment.
To diagnose this common condition, your doctor may use an endoscope to see inside your nose or he or she may order a CT scan or MRI to see if you have a deviated nasal septum or growths .
Did Your Sinus Infection Really Go Away
Related to a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection, sinusitis is generally categorized as:
- Acute sinusitis, typically lasting 2-4 weeks
- Subacute sinusitis, lasting from 4-12 weeks
- Recurrent sinusitis that occurs several times a year
- Chronic sinusitis, diagnosed when your symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer
Its important to note that acute sinusitis can improve after a couple of days but then appear to return, sometimes with more severe symptoms. This, however, is a worsening of the original illness and not a new or recurrent sinus infection. Recurrent sinusitis is that which occurs four or more times a year without any symptoms between these episodes.
Your evaluation at Petoskey ENT Specialists starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms as your provider investigates the potential causes of your sinusitis and your best treatment options.
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How To Prevent Sinus Infections
This article was medically reviewed by . Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. She is a practicing Physician and taught as a Clinical Professor for 13 years, after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 93% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 51,126 times.
Studies show that sinus infections are caused by the inflammation of the cavities that surround your nasal passages.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source This inflammation leads to a buildup of mucus which can cause difficulty breathing, facial pain, headaches, and coughing. Sinusitis is often the result of catching the common cold, although it can also be triggered by or develop into bacterial and fungal infections. Experts agree that preventing a sinus infection involves practicing good hygiene, avoiding known risk factors, and keeping your immune system strong.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice
Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.
If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.
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Inhale Menthol And Camphor
Another inhaled odor that can help open up sinus passages is menthol, which is an ingredient in popular ointments that are used specifically to treat a stuffy nose. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth.
Visit Your Local Sinusitis Experts
Staying away from these common mistakes we all make when suffering from sinusitis can help your symptoms improve, but the best way to help yourself overcome sinusitis is to contact your local ENT specialists in Allen Park and Southfield. Our ENT specialists are always here to help you get through your sinus infection no matter how severe.
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A Previous Nasal Fracture
Nasal bones are the most commonly broken bones in the body. Sometimes they heal well on their own, or they seem as if they did. Over time, you may experience signs or symptoms that the nose didnt heal as well as youd hoped. In fact, your previously fractured nose may have set in a crooked position. Or, the break may have been worse than you knew, leading to fractures deeper in the sinus cavities that didnt heal well.
Anyone who has broken their nose in the past is at higher risk for chronic sinus infections, so make sure to mention your nasal fracture history when you make an appointment with our office.
Why Do I Always Get Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are responsible for 16 million doctor visits and $150 million spent on prescription medications. If you have continually wondered how to prevent sinus infections, you are not alone. Those who struggle most with chronic sinus infections also often have:
- Nasal polyps or a deviated septum
- Sensitivity to allergens
- Asthma
- A weakened immune system
One or more of these conditions can dramatically increase your likelihood of having a sinus infection. Additionally, patients who experience high levels of stress are also more susceptible to sinusitis and other sinus issues.
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What Is The Treatment For Sinusitis
Treatment for sinusitis is complicated and begins with accurate diagnosis as well as medications such as steroids, antihistamines and antibiotics. Surgery is reserved for more severe cases when medicines become less effective, says Dr. Farag.Depending on the patient, asthma control and immunotherapy can be very helpful as well.
How Coughing And Sinus Infections Are Related To Each Other
When you experience excess mucus draining into your throat, this is actually known as post nasal drip, and it is just one of the many cold symptoms also associated with chronic sinus infections. Post nasal drip doesnt just cause coughing, though. It can also bring about a sore throat, a hoarse voice, nausea, and even bad breath.
But why exactly does post nasal drip during a sinus infection lead to coughing? Well, imagine mucus running down your throat. Is your throat irritated? Probably. Do you feel a tickling sensation? Most likely. All of these sensations can trigger a reaction that reaction is coughing.
Unfortunately, all the nose blowing and coughing that youll continue to do as a result of the mucus drainage will only lead to more mucus and more irritation. This is why its important to understand the best way to stop a sinus infection and relieve post nasal drip.
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Youre Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body. It is especially important when you are suffering from a sinus infection or any other illness. Getting at least eight hours of sleep will help your bodys immune system fight against sinus infection. Furthermore, resting throughout the day and exerting as little energy as possible while youre fighting a sinus infection is going to help your body recover even faster too.
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:
- avoiding the allergen
- doing allergic immunotherapy
Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.
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What Causes A Sinus Infection
In most cases, acute sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which means it usually develops after youve had a cold or the flu. Its possible for an acute sinus infection to develop into a chronic infection over time. However, most chronic sinus infections are caused by:
- Problems with the physical structure of your sinuses such as nasal polyps, narrow sinuses, or a deviated septum
- Allergies such as hay fever that cause inflammation
Certain health conditions are also known to accompany chronic sinusitis. These include:
- Asthma
- Primary immune deficiency disesase
Tips How To Prevent Sinus Infection After Cold From Allergies
Sinus infection is an inflammation of sinus which is the cavity on the forehead and face. It has many different functions. One of these functions is producing mucus to enclose and eliminate pathogens and other foreign objects. Sometimes the sinus becomes inflamed and this prevents mucus from escaping in the right way. There are several ways to treat sinusitis depending on the cause of the disease. Sinus infection can be self-healing, but you can also apply some home remedies to help it get away quickly as well as to lessen the discomfort it causes. The article below will show you how to do that. But first, let’s find out some information about this disease.
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Birth Of A Sinus Infection
Most people dont give much thought to their sinuses. Yet these little air-filled facial chambers have an important job to do. When you breathe through your nose, your sinuses go to work filtering pollutants, allergens and other irritants. If your sinus cavities are swollen and inflamed due to a cold, mucus can become trapped and create a breeding ground for infection.
What Are The Types Of Sinusitis
There are two types of sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis is a temporary inflammation of the sinuses. The mucous membranes of your nose, sinuses and throat swell. This could happen when you have a cold or allergies. Swelling blocks the sinus openings and prevents normal mucus drainage. This causes mucus and pressure to build up.
Chronic sinusitis occurs when symptoms become more frequent or worse. Sinus infections may cause chronic sinus inflammation and symptoms. If you have more than three sinus infections in a year or have symptoms longer than 12 weeks, you could have chronic sinusitis. More than 50 percent of people with moderate to severe asthma also have chronic sinusitis.
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What Causes Sinusitis
Many factors can trigger the inflammation and swelling that blocks sinuses and causes them to fill with purulent drainage , which essentially leads to sinusitis.
The most common of these factors include:
- Upper respiratory infections, typically caused by cold viruses
- Seasonal and environmental allergies, such as pollen or mold allergies
- Noncancerous growths lining your nasal passages and/or sinuses
- Deviated septum or other structural abnormality
- Weakened immune system caused by illness and/or certain medications
Effective treatment for sinusitis requires an accurate diagnosis of which issue or combination of issues is causing your symptoms.
Thus, along with a physical exam, your Petoskey specialist may recommend further diagnostic workup, such as allergy testing as well as MRI or other imaging studies, to help identify the condition triggering your sinusitis.
When To See A Doctor
- Stiff neck
- Severe ear pain
- A fever over 104 degrees F . Note: A baby under three months of age who has a temperature over 100.4 degrees F is an emergency situation and needs immediate medical attention, even if no other symptoms are present.
- acts sluggish, looks or acts very sick, or is crying and cannot be soothed
- Walk is not steady
- Signs of facial weakness
- Bloody or pus-filled fluid draining from the ear
- You feel you or your child needs immediate medical attention
- Symptoms are not better or have gotten worse after two to three days
- You feel you or your child needs to be seen by a healthcare provider
- You have any questions or concerns
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How Can I Avoid Future Sinus Infections
Once youve had a nasty sinus infection, you wont want to relive the experience. To help prevent them from occurring again, get your annual flu shot and steer clear of people with colds or the flu. Use your humidifier. Live as healthfully as you can get sufficient sleep, reduce stress and eat a wholesome diet with plenty of whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and if you do smoke, take steps to quit. Last, but not least, always wash your hands.
Ultimately, sinusitis is a painful and revolting nuisance. But approaching them with these smart strategies could save you a world of hurt.
This content originally appeared on Sharecare.com.
What Happens When A Sinus Infection Goes Untreated
Although it may seem like it, your sinuses are not just contributing to your infections. They have many other functions like regulating air temperature, producing mucus to fight infections, and assist in communication. The sinuses are very important to your overall health and contribute to many different bodily functions.
Many sufferers are able to let their body clear up the infection on its own. They can suffer through their symptoms for a few days or even a week with only over-the-counter medication and feel better fairly soon. When sinus infections wonât seem to go away or continue to return, there may be a more serious problem going on. These particularly painful infections are known as chronic sinusitis and they need more attention and care than just over-the-counter medications.
Frequent sinus infections have been known to take a toll on all aspects of sufferersâ lives. When headaches, congestion, fatigue, facial pain, bad breath and much more continue, it can contribute to other serious issues such as:
- Relationship problems
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Home Remedies For Sinus Infection Treatment
1. Garlic
Chop up a few garlic cloves and drop them into boiling water. Inhale the steam from this garlic water repeat a few times daily for a few minutes each. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent, the pungent smell of which will help open up your congested nose, and kill the bacteria in your nasal cavity. You can also eat two or three crushed garlic cloves daily.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
This common kitchen ingredient has several beneficial properties it also helps in making easy home remedies for sinus pressure. Make a mixture of hot water, honey, lemon juice and water, and add two or three tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar to it. You can also mix apple cider vinegar to tea and drink the liquid three times a day. It will help flush out mucus from your sinus cavities. If you feel you are coming down with a flu or cold, you can immediately consume apple cider vinegar to avoid sinus infection.
3. Nasal Irrigation
Take boiled water and add a pinch of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt to it. Or, mix a teaspoon of sea salt and half a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in boiled water. Use either of these liquids as solutions for nasal irrigation. Use a bulb syringe and use it once a day it keeps the nasal cavity moist and clears out mucus.
4. Cayenne Pepper
6. Boost Your Immune System
7. Make a Super Smoothie
8. Oregano Oil
14. Horseradish
What To Expect At Your Appointment
Because the symptoms of sinusitis overlap with other conditions, seeing a doctor will help narrow down a diagnosis.
Write down all of your symptoms so you come prepared for your appointment. Your doctor will go over your medical history with you to further understand if you have a history of allergies or any past conditions.
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Can I Prevent Sinusitis
There is no sure-fire way to prevent sinusitis. But there are some things that might help.
- Donât smoke, and avoid other people’s smoke.
- Wash your hands often, especially during cold and flu season, and try not to touch your face.
- Stay away from things you know youâre allergic to. Talk to your doctor to see if you need prescription medicines, allergy shots, or other forms of immunotherapy.
If your sinus problems keep coming back, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses.