Sinusitis
What is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, or sinusitis (sine-uh-SI-tis), is a
swelling of the lining in the sinuses. Acute sinusitis lasts for less than four
weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks.
There are four pairs of hollow spaces in the bones of your
face. These are called sinuses. They are lined with tissue that makes thin,
watery mucus. The sinuses are connected to each other and drain through the
nose.
What are Sinuses?
There are four pairs of hollow spaces in the bones of your
face. These are called sinuses. They are lined with tissue that makes thin,
watery mucus. The sinuses are connected to each other and drain through the
nose.
What Causes Sinus Infections?
The most common cause is a virus, such as the common cold.
When you catch a cold, your mucus becomes thick and sticky, and doesn't drain
well. Bacteria can grow in the mucus trapped in your sinuses. This can lead to
a bacterial sinus infection.
Who gets them?
Anyone can get a sinus infection, but people with nasal
allergies, hay fever, or asthma have an increased risk. Other risk factors
include exposure to cigarette smoke, nasal polyps (POL-ips), and changes in
pressure (such as during flying or scuba diving). Sinus infections can also be
caused by a deviated septum, which is when the part of your nose that separates
the nostrils is out of place.
What are the Symptoms?
- Headache
- Pain or pressure in forehead, cheeks, or between the eyes
- Fever
- Nasal congestion and runny nose
- Cough that may get worse at night
- Sore throat
- Decreases sense of smell and taste
- Tiredness
- Bad breath
How are they Treated?
At Island Urgent Care we can see you right away to determine
is the best treatment to get you feeling better fast. Although, only a small
percentage of people with cold symptoms will get a bacterial sinus infection,
getting evaluated today may help you feel better sooner. Antibiotics can treat
bacterial infections, but not viral infections. Most people do not need
antibiotics. Having a green or yellow nasal discharge does not necessarily mean
that you need antibiotics.
For more information on Sinusitis call Island Urgent Care today or stop in at any of our four locations. No appointment is ever necessary.
Phone: (808) 735-0007 OR IslandUrgentCare.Com
Sincerely,
Docs at IUC
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