Sinus Infections and What to Do About Them
By Roxanne Poon, RN, BS, CPHQ
The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment conducted in 2009 found that sinus infections were among the top three reasons college students missed class in the previous 12 months.
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in your skull that are lined with mucus membranes. Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other germs and mucus is able to drain. When sinus openings become blocked, bacteria and other germs grow more easily. Sinus infections are most often viral infections that are a result of an upper respiratory infection. This kind of sinusitis is called acute and lasts between 1 and 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis refers to long-term inflammation caused by a bacteria or fungus and can last three months or longer.
Colds and allergies play a role as they cause the build up of mucus which blocks the sinuses and sets the stage for sinusitis to develop.
Signs and Symptoms
Swelling or inflammation in the sinuses can cause:
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Sore throat and cough
• Bad breath
One of the most common symptoms of sinusitis is pain, and the location of that pain can indicate which sinus is affected.
ROXANNE M. POON IS A REGISTERED NURSE WHO WORKS AS A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST AT A MAJOR TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NEW JERSEY.
Find Out More
Click for more about sinusitis from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Click for more on your sinuses - and sinusitis from Healthfinder.gov.
“Where are my sinuses?” To find out, CLICK HERE.
How to Treat Sinusitis
Sinusitis caused by a virus or irritants will almost always get better by itself. If you find your symptoms are lasting longer than 10 days, you have a temperature higher than 1oo.4 F, or your symptoms are not relieved by over-the-counter medication, see a healthcare provider. He or she can determine if you have sinusitis and if treatment is necessary, including prescribing antibiotics. Remember, only your healthcare provider can determine if you require antibiotics. Taking antibiotics when not indicated may cause the bacteria normally living in your body to become resistant to antibiotics, thus causing a domino effect, making common antibiotics ineffective against infections caused by these newly resistant bacteria.
Symptom relief can include pain relievers to reduce pain, decongestants to help decrease the inflammation making it easier to breathe, and saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages moist and help thin thick mucus.
Although there are no proven ways to prevent sinusitis, the following tips can help:
• Use saline nasal sprays frequently to keep your nose moist.
• Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air from being too dry.
• Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and other irritants.
• Avoid known allergens.
• Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
