Article by Cody Wilkerson

Sinus infection is the infection of the paranasal sinus. This leads to the inflammation of the sinuses, a condition commonly known as Sinusitis. The human skull houses four pairs of paranasal sinuses. These are located in the forehead (Frontal sinuses), at the back of the cheek bones (Maxillary sinuses), between the eyes (Ethmoid sinuses) and at the rear of the eyes (Sphenoid sinuses). Identifying these types of paranasal sinuses is very important as sinus infection symptoms, though some are present in all four, can have notable differences depending on the location of the infection.The Types of Sinus InfectionsAcute sinus infection occurs as a complication of upper respiratory tract infection. Acute sinusitis is often caused by a viral infection and is self-limiting. Viral infection period usually lasts less than 10 days. However, bacterias can infect the paranasal sinuses as well. Examples are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Moraxella catarrhalis, and, the most common of all,Haemophilus influenzae. Allergic reactions to dust, chemical fumes and particles from second-hand smoke which can trigger sinus inflammation, provide good medium from pathogenic growth. Acute sinus infection usually lasts less than 8 weeks. If sinus infection symptoms last beyond this time period, it is now considered to be chronic. Patients with immune-compromised conditions like AIDS, and those undergoing long-term steroidal therapy, as well as those with Diabetes Mellitus are at great risk for developing sinus infection. Opportunistic pathogens like funguses are common culprits as they can take advantage of the weak immunity.The Hallmark Signs and SymptomsThe dominating clinical manifestation for both acute and chronic sinus infections is the presence of an annoying, constant, dull and aching pain or headache. The location indicates which paranasal sinus is involved.Frontal sinus- Pain is located superior to the eyes and on the forehead. To reduce pain and discomfort, advise patient to position the head upright and discourage reclining. Maxillary sinus- Pain, accompanied with swelling, tenderness and redness are felt on and across the cheek, as well as below and around the eyes. Location of the pain can be felt either unilaterally or bilaterally. Toothache and headache are commonly reported. To lessen further pain and pressure, avoid putting the head in an upright position. Leaning or bending forward can aggravate symptoms. Encourage reclining for better comfort.Sphenoid sinus- Pain is felt at the rear and on the apex of the head, across the forehead, and at the back the eye or vertex. Discourage patient from bending forward and lying on his back. Visual instability like Diplopia or better known as Double Vision may occur when pain radiates to the nerves that are connected to the visual cortex of the brain.Ethmoid sinus- Pain is concentrated on the temple. Pain is also felt between and at the back of the eyes. Position of comfort is putting the head upright. Lying supine is not encouraged. Caution should be taken during coughing and straining.Other sinus infection symptoms that are common to all include fever and thick greenish nasal drip, which may be bloody or purulent.The Possible ComplicationsSinus infection can pose a significant danger especially when complications develop. Loss of sight occurs as infection spreads toward the ocular nerves. Patient is also febrile and feeble. More severe complications like infection of the bones or Osteomyelitis, particularly on the forehead and cheek bones are often observed from Frontal and Maxillary sinus infections, respectively. The worst complication involves the brain which can cause changes on the level of consciousness, as well as on the person’s personality, less severe symptoms include persistent headache and visual anomalies. If left untreated or if medical interventions are ineffective, episodes of seizures, which can progress to coma, and even death.The Prescribed TreatmentsTreatments can range from simple nasal irrigation, nasal decongestants such as Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and Naphazoline (Naphcon), as well as Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine oral decongestants. Caution should be taken when using nasal decongestants in a prolonged period of time. This can cause a phenomenon called Rhinitis Medicamentosum. For bacterial sinus infection, the first-line antibiotic of choice is Amoxicillin, a penicillin-derivative. If allergic reactions or resistance to penicillin occurs, the alternative choice is Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (Bactrim) or Co-trimoxazole. Drug sensitivity and bacterial resistance are possibilities that should never be ruled-out. If either of these occurs with Co-trimoxazole, new generations of antibiotic class like the Cephalosporins and Carbacephems, like Loracarbef (Lorabid) may be prescribed as replacement therapies.Nasal corticosteroids like Fluticasone and Beclomethasone, as well as oral corticosteroids such as Prednisone may used to reduce inflammation.Antihistamines are also useful against sinus infection. Allergic reactions such as nasal drip provides excellent medium for pathogens to thrive. To deprive microbes a base for accelerated growth, anti-allergy medications such as Cetirizine, Hydroxyzine (Atarax) and Loratidine (Claritin) are given as preventive measures.For fungal sinus infections, antifungal medication such as Amphotericin B is administered, usually by Intravenous route (IV).Important AdviceIdentifying sinus infection symptoms and treatments are important. Their early identification can enhance recovery process and prevent further complications from occurring. It is highly advised that self-medication is an unhealthy practice and can lead to undesired outcomes. It is always mandatory to consult professional medical help from a qualified healthcare provider.

About the Author

Cody is an Internet freak who loves writing about various topics (usually health related as he is a qualified nurse). We hope you’ve found this article informative and gained some in-depth knowledge of sinus infection and sinusitis, and it’s causes. If you’d like to know more about this or any other type of infection then visit http://www.infectionsandremedies.com where new health related articles and available are featured on a regular basis.

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