Sinus infection is a nasal infection caused by a virus or bacteria. It is also called rhinosinusitis or sinusitis. It is the swelling or inflammation of the sinuses that starts from a simple cold and can easily be transferred to another person. It can become contagious if the infection source is a virus, but if it’s a bacterial infection, then it is not as infectious.
How sinus infection is transferred
The virus can spread from one person to another through aerial transfer once a person with sinus infection sneezes or coughs. The mucus gets trapped in the sinuses and a trapped mucus can cause germs to spread and grow. When germs spread, it can lead to a sinus infection. To prevent the risk of spreading the infection, observe proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
The virus can also spread through touch. When the person with infection sneezed or coughed directly to their hands and touched an object, the next person who touches it may get the virus. This is why it is important to regularly wash hands when sick or to sneeze at the crook of your elbow instead of your hands.
It is also important to note that different bodies have different reactions to the infection. Some who directly caught a virus will only develop a cold, while for other people, this cold can turn into a sinus infection.
How to know if you have a sinus infection
Here are the symptoms a person with sinus infection experience:
- Headache
- Cough
- Fever
- Stuffy or runny nose which leads to an inability to smell
- Thick and cloudy nasal discharge of colors yellow or green
- Pain in the following area: sinus, forehead, sides of the nose, between the eyes, upper jaw
- Postnasal drip or the feeling of mucus going down your throat
- Fatigue
- Bad breathe
For acute sinusitis, the symptoms can last from seven to ten days. For chronic sinusitis, symptoms may be from 12 weeks or more and can also reoccur.
You may experience these symptoms for other viral infections too, so it is best to have a check-up with your doctor to confirm if you have a sinus infection.
How to treat sinus infection
There are home remedies to treat a sinus infection. It is important to get enough rest and allow your body to recover. You can also take over-the-counter decongestants, pain relievers, or fever reducers to manage the pain. Saline nasal sprays also help for some people.
If these methods are not enough, however, it is always best to consult a doctor who can recommend other treatments. Depending on your case, a doctor might recommend taking some antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids and sprays, oral or injected corticosteroids, nasal antihistamine sprays, immunotherapy, or sinus surgery.
When is the best time to see a doctor?
The best time to seek professional advice from a doctor is when you start to feel unwell or when the home treatment is no longer helping.
If you also experience any of the following, stop self-medicating and immediately set an appointment with your doctor:
- Fever above 102 degrees Farenheight
- Having double vision
- Swollen forehead
- Stiff neck
- Intense headache
- Swelling and redness around the eyes
- More than 12 weeks of sinus symptoms
Conclusion
Knowing and understanding why a viral infection occurs or how it happens will help you learn how to avoid it or prevent it from getting worst. As always, when feeling sick, it is best to consult a professional to get the best and accurate treatment possible.
Get your daily dose of healthcare by subscribing to our site at Dose of Healthcare today!
