Are your sinuses sending painful signals? It could be a sinus infection. We spoke to Warren Kitzmann, Pharmacy Manager at New Horizon Co-op in Grande Prairie, Alta., for advice on what to do when a sinus infection strikes.
What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when the spaces inside your nose—the sinuses—become inflamed and swollen.
“This swelling alters the natural drainage of the sinuses and can allow mucous to build up, leading to an infection,” said Kitzmann.
In healthy individuals, sinus infections are usually caused by a virus or bacteria.
What are the risk factors for contracting a sinus infection?
Risk factors include having a recent cold, seasonal allergies, smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Kitzmann told us that a deviated septum, facial bone abnormalities or nasal obstructions resulting from nasal polyps can also increase your risk, as can certain chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis or immune disorders.
What should I expect when I have a sinus infection?
Most viral sinus infections resolve within seven to ten days. However, if the viral infection is more severe or if a bacterial infection is present, sinus infections can last longer—sometimes as long as three to eight weeks.
Common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include these:
- Thick yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
- Stuffy nose or nasal congestion causing difficulty breathing through the nose
- Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
Less common signs and symptoms to watch out for include ear pressure, headache, toothaches, an altered sense of smell, cough, bad breath, fatigue or fever.
How can sinus infections be prevented and treated?
Kitzmann told us that main prevention measures include avoiding upper respiratory tract infections by limiting exposure to people with colds and ensuring proper hand hygiene. Managing your seasonal allergies and avoiding cigarette smoke and polluted air will help. If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier.
How are sinus infections treated?
Viral sinus infections are treated by managing and easing the symptoms until the body can fight them off. These treatments may include the following:
- Saline nasal spray to rinse nasal passages
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin
- Decongestants to help relieve severe congestion. Kitzmann advised that they should not be used for more than a few days, or they can cause the return of more severe congestion, known as rebound congestion.
- Antihistamines in allergy sufferers to help reduce inflammation caused by allergic reactions and reduce the swelling of sinuses and nasal passages
- Nasal corticosteroids to help prevent and treat sinus inflammation
Bacterial sinus infections require antibiotics. Since bacterial sinus infections are less common, your health-care professional will have to consider all of your signs and symptoms in order to ensure an antibiotic is necessary.
When you’re suffering from a sinus infection, your pharmacist can help you manage your symptoms. Get in touch with your Co-op pharmacist today!