For people who suffer recurring sinus infections, there is nothing more annoying than the constant sniff and snort associated with the problem. Along with the obvious nasal issues, there are also accompanying complications such as pain behind the eyes, watery eyes, headache, and a general feeling of being run down.

Sinus infection symptoms

A bad cold is often mistaken for a sinus infection. Many symptoms are the same, including headache or facial pain, runny nose and nasal congestion. Unlike a cold, a sinus infection symptoms may be caused by bacterial infections. It often requires treatment with antibiotics (drugs that kill the germs causing the infection).

Sinus infection diagnosis

If you think you have a sinus infection, see your allergist for proper diagnosis. In most cases, sinus infection treatment is easy. By stopping a sinus infection early, you avoid later symptoms and complications.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. It is often caused by bacterial (germ) infection. Sometimes, viruses and fungi (molds) cause it. People with weak immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial or fungal sinus infection. Some people with allergies can have “allergic fungal sinus infection.” Acute sinus infection lasts three to eight weeks. A sinus infection lasting longer than eight weeks is considered chronic.

The sinuses are air-filled cavities. They are located:

• Within the bony structure of the cheeks
• Behind the forehead and eyebrows
• On either side of the bridge of the nose
• Behind the nose directly in front of the brain

An infection of the sinus cavity close to the brain can be life threatening, if not treated. In rare cases, it can spread to the brain.

Normal sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs and other particles in the air. Tiny hair-like projections in the sinuses sweep the mucus (and whatever is trapped in it) towards openings that lead to the back of the throat. From there, it slides down to the stomach. This continual process is a normal body function.

A sinus infection stops the normal flow of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat. The tiny hair-like “sweepers” become blocked when infections or allergies cause tiny nasal tissues to swell. The swelling traps mucus in the sinuses.

Some people have bodily defects that contribute to sinus infection. The most common of these defects are:

• Deformity of the bony partition between the two nasal passages
• Nasal polyps (benign nasal growths that contain mucus)
• A narrowing of the sinus openings

People with these defects often suffer from chronic sinus infections.

Speaking to your healthcare provider should be your first port of call when it comes to dealing with symptoms that continue or worsen. Your GP will often recommend a treatment that suits the severity of the disease. Often, over the counter treatments can help in relieving the problem and this should be something you speak to your pharmacist about.

Another option is to explore complementary  such as herbal medicines or remedies. A number of herbs both singularly and in combination demonstrate effectiveness in assisting the body to deal with sinus problems. Always speak to your healthcare provider when thinking of or choosing any complementary therapies.

Saying bye bye to sniffs means treating the problem in its earliest of stages..