I Keep Getting Sinus Infections

Theres No Cancer Connection

Dr. Roxbury says many of his patients know about the connection between colon polyps and cancer and ask whether the same is true of nasal polyps. The short answer is no.

Nasal polyps are benign and have no ability to change into cancer. That said, its a good idea to get growths in the nose and sinuses checked out because other less common and more dangerous conditions may mimic polyps.

Learning you have nasal polyps is the first step to finding relief.

Only Use Antihistamines If Necessary

Antihistamines are helpful for allergy symptoms, but they can also thicken mucus, making it harder for your sinuses and nasal passages to drain. If you can, lay off the antihistamines while youre recovering. While antihistamines can be helpful, they only provide short term relief from your allergy symptoms. An alternative to antihistamines are allergy drops, a form of immunotherapy, which trains your immune system to beat your allergy triggers without pills. Learn more about getting started with Wyndly allergy drops now!

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Chronic Sinusitis

Remember, your health is your business. You do not have to put up with feeling ill for long periods of time. Pay attention to how long you have sinus symptoms because this is something that your care provider will ask you. Keep track of things that you have done to make yourself feel better. If medications are prescribed, make sure you store them and take them as instructed.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/04/2020.

References

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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.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

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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Tips For Treating Chronic Sinus Infections

No matter the season, having a cold is never convenient. Its even worse when your cold turns into a sinus infection. A sinus infection will stick around long after symptoms of an upper respiratory infection are gone. You might even know its a sinus infection because you get sinus infections frequently. Perhaps your doctor diagnosed your sinus infection after you just couldnt seem to get better. After all, since almost 30 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, your doctor likely treats them a lot.

The question is, when do you need to see a specialist? If your sinus infection just isnt going away, or if you seem to get recurrent sinus infections, it may be time to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Avoid Chlorinated Pools And Spas

Many people with consistent sinus problems notice that their issues intensify when they swim in a chlorinated pool. Chlorine is a chemical found in bleach, and it can be very harmful to the skin and sinuses. The deeper you go in the water, the worse the problems tend to be.

The pressure changes when you go down deep. While it helps your body to feel weightless and able to do things you could never do on land, it wreaks havoc on your sinuses. The pressure can cause mucus to back up and plug your airways.

Have you noticed that you are blowing your nose and congested after a long swim? Dont fret as you can still swim. You need to opt for a pool that has a salt filtration system rather than one that uses chlorine. If you have a swimming pool, you can change your systems for a small price to avoid constant sinus infections in the summer.

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And It Won’t Hurt To Try These

Like many women, you may have memorized the following age-old advice for preventing UTIs:

• Wipe from front to back.

• Urinate before and after sex.

• Drink lots of water.

• Avoid tight underpants and jeans.

These suggestions are directed at flushing the bladder and keeping E. coli from spreading into the urinary tract. Although studies have failed to show that they prevent either primary or recurrent UTIs, there’s no harm in trying them, Dr. Gupta says. “They can’t hurt, and if they help, you’re ahead of the game.”

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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Routines To Avoid Getting Sinus Infections

Avoid over-exposure to household products

There are avoidance routines that you can carry out that may help prevent another sinus infection from reoccurring. Always try to avoid contact with cigarette and cigar smoke from people around you. Another way is avoiding common household products, like hairspray and cleaning products that give off fumes or strong odors. Fumes are known to be irritants to your sinuses and can make your sinus problems worse. You can also avoid exposure to very dry environments. If possible, try to avoid mass transportation, by bus, train and air. When traveling an enclosed area with many people, bacteria and viruses commonly spread and dry air increases the rate they enter your nose. Air travel can also cause significant pressure and blockage to your sinuses. Avoid extended periods of swimming pools with chlorine and activities such as diving if you are prone to sinusitis. Chlorine in the nose irritates the lining of the sinuses and nose. Diving may force water into the sinuses from the nasal passageways. These are some or the ways you can avoid the recurrence of sinus infections or from having the worsening of existing infections.

What Is A Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, medically known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection.

Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria or, rarely, fungus may cause a sinus infection.

Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.

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When To Seek Medical Care

See a doctor if you have:

• Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
• Symptoms that get worse after initially improving.
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement.
• Fever longer than 3-4 days.

You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:

• Seasonal allergies
• Colds

How Do I Prevent Chronic Sinusitis

You may be able to prevent infections and chronic sinusitis if you:

• Treat the underlying conditions behind chronic sinusitis, like asthma and allergies.
• Avoid allergens such as animal dander, dust, pollen, smoke and mold that trigger swelling in the sinuses.
• Quit smoking if you do smoke and avoid any secondhand smoke.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Rinse your nasal passages with saline solution, either purchased or with a neti pot.
• Eat healthy foods, stay hydrated and exercise regularly to stay healthy overall.
• Use a humidifier to keep nasal tissues moist.

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Accurate Sinus Diagnosis And Treatments Is Essential

The only way to stop recurring sinus infections once and for all is to have an evaluation by a specialist who has the specialized training and experience to accurately diagnose their cause. Once you have an accurate diagnosis, we can discuss the options. The goal is always to provide the patient with all the available options, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and help you find the best treatment plan for you.

How Can I Find Relief From Recurrent Sinusitis In The Dallas/fort Worth Area

While chronic cases of sinusitis can be frustrating and cause debilitating symptoms, the good news is that there are a number of treatments that can correct the underlying causes of recurrent sinusitis for effective, long-term relief. Patients with chronic sinusitis symptoms that dont improve after antibiotics or other medicinal treatments may be candidates for sinus surgery. DFW Sinus Select provides a wide range of procedures to combat various symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis, including the latest, minimally invasive procedures. Procedures for recurrent sinusitis offered at DFW Sinus Select include Balloon Sinuplasty, and .

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Excessive Inflammation Of The Nasal Passages

Contrary to what most people think, the sinuses consist of far more space than just the nasal passages and behind the cheekbones. There are four sets of sinuses located in the head, and all of these drain mucus through the nasal passages, which act as one of the bodys sinus exit points. Your throat also acts as a drain for the sinuses. This is why people with sinusitis often experience discomfort in the throat, resulting from post-nasal drip.

If the nasal passages become inflamed, they get stopped up and the body has a hard time draining all of that backed up, infected, and often thickened mucus. This exacerbates the sinus infection, causing it to settle in even more.

There are several things you can do to relieve and reverse swollen and sensitive sinus passages:

Dr. Hester may prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray or even an oral steroid to provide more immediate and dramatic inflammation relief. These meds should be used as directed. NEVER use corticosteroid nasal sprays or oral steroids for longer than advised. You can wind up doing more harm than good. If the sinus symptoms persist, contact your doctor to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Can Sinusitis Cause Death

Chronic sinusitis can spread to the eyes, blood, and brain, and, in rare circumstances, cause death. For that reason, its important to take instances of sinusitis that wont go away very seriously. If you have a persistent sinus infection, make sure you follow your doctors instructions regarding your antibiotics and of course, get plenty of rest.

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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.

How To Get Rid Of Sinusitis

If you want to get rid of your sinusitis, you and your ENT will need to work together to discover the source of your sinus infections. For example, your sinusitis might always be precipitated by a cold, or you could have a deviated septum and sinusitis or sinusitis and sleep apnea. Regardless, finding the root cause behind your recurrent or prolonged sinusitis will help determine treatment.

Once the source of your sinus infections is found, you and your ENT will need to discuss treatment options. For those with recurrent sinus issues, one treatment, in particular, has proven itself effective again and again. That treatment option is balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that takes less than 20 minutes to perform and requires little to no recovery time.

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You Have Nasal Polyps That Are Blocking Your Nasal Passages

Nasal polyps, growths in the sinuses, can trigger frequent sinus infections. Ordon said these growths of tissue can cause blockage in the nasal passages, resulting in an infection.

“Treatment for nasal polyps typically involves medications to shrink the polyps, but if drug treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary to remove them,” he told INSIDER.

Since polyps tend to reoccur, Ordon said that surgery might not provide a permanent solution.

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.

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Use Probiotics Instead Of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are inevitable in many cases. These medications clear the infection, but while taking out the bad bacteria, they take out the good ones too. A probiotic helps to restore the balance of good bacteria in the body. These herbal treatments have become very popular these days because they work.

They are used to treat many different types of infections from the urinary tract to the sinus cavities. Though they are a bit costly, do some research and find out the best type for your ailment. Certain strands help to treat specific problems better than others.

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

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Treating Your Sinus Infection At Scottsdale Sinus And Allergy:

At Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy, our team is dedicated to finding the right treatment for all of our patientsâ sinus infection needs. No one should have to feel the miserable symptoms that chronic sinus infections bring. Our team of experts understand that all patients are different and require a unique treatment plan.

Pain Or Pressure In Your Sinuses

Facial pain is a common symptom of sinusitis. You have several different sinuses above and below your eyes, as well as behind your nose. Any of these air-filled cavities can hurt when you have a sinus infection.

Inflammation and swelling can cause your sinuses to ache with dull pressure. This is because inflammation may alter the typical path of mucus from the nose to the back of the throat.

You may feel pain in:

• your forehead
• on either side of your nose
• in your upper jaws and teeth
• between your eyes

This may lead to a headache. Headaches caused by sinus infections can occur where the sinuses are or in other places.

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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.