Types of Sinus Infections
Sinusitis can be classified in different categories such as viral sinusitis, bacterial sinusitis, allergic sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis.
Viral sinusitis
If a patient is experiencing cold-like symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing, then he might have a viral sinusitis. Besides, in the case of viral sinusitis, mucus may be clear, or slightly colored. Antibiotics do not work against viral infection, so the best treatment is to get rid of the symptoms of sinusitis is by getting as much rest as possible. A patient can consume fluids, use saline nasal sprays, and take over-the-counter pain relievers and oral decongestants. In general, sinusitis caused by a virus is cured in 7-10 days.
Bacterial sinusitis
If a patient has bacterial sinusitis, he may experience thick nasal discharge, swollen nasal passages, and dripping mucus from the back of the throat. Some patients of bacterial sinusitis also experience facial pain and pressure. These patients should immediately consult a doctor. The ENT doctor or sinus specialist may prescribe amoxicillin. Most patients of acute bacterial sinusitis respond to antibiotics with symptoms resolving in 10-14 days.
Allergic sinusitis
Allergic sinusitis can cause inflammation that leads to nasal congestion and swelling of the mucus membranes. The mucus can block normal sinus drainage. In most cases, allergic sinusitis leads to chronic sinusitis as symptoms are seasonal but may last for a year. A patient of allergic sinus infection complains about:
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, throat, or eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Runny (clear mucus) nose
The allergic sinusitis can be treated with antihistamines. A person can avoid allergic triggers, and, in some cases, allergy shots.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis generally causes symptoms that last for months. Nasal congestion and post-nasal drainage, cough during the night or morning are common symptoms. A patient who has nasal polyps is more susceptible to this type of infection.
Prevention
The best way to avoid sinus infection is by maintaining good hygiene. If you are more susceptible to a sinus infection or experience sinus headaches from time-to-time, you can begin with frequently washing your hands. Another thing you can do is keep your nose moist with nasal saline sprays and manage your allergies well. One of the most important factors is to avoid sinus headaches is to avoid nasal irritants such as pollution, smoke. You can cover your nose when you cross an area where there is high-pollution or smoke. Some patients of acute sinus infection find relief by irrigating sinuses regularly with a saline sinus wash. Besides, avoid taking antibiotics if possible. Lastly, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a strong immune system. This can help keep viral infections at bay.
experiencing symptoms from the last 10 days and they’re not getting worse, you might have a viral infection. It will go away on its own with time. The doctor may suggest over-the-counter treatments, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen or nasal decongestants. If you begin to use nasal decongestants, you have to read the directions carefully.
Sinusitis Treatment in Homeopathy
Homeopathy treatment aims to increase the immunity of the body so it can fight the infection on its own. It helps improve immunity and the natural healing process of the body. Here the most recommended homeopathic medicines for sinus cure. In some cases when the patients are in a lot of pain, homeopathic medicines are not the best choice as they take time to build complete immunity. Belladonna: Sinus pain or sinus headache can come suddenly and tend to leave suddenly. You can take this medicine for sinus infection cure but you have to adhere to its dosage. Hepar Sulphur: This medicine helps relieves sinus pressure and cure the infection.
Sinusitis Treatment in Allopathy
Antibiotics aren't needed to treat acute sinusitis as they don't work on viral or fungal sinus. Besides, cases of bacterial sinusitis improve without antibiotics on their own. If an ENT specialist prescribes antibiotics, it's critical to take the entire course of medication. Furthermore, the ENT doctors may also prescribe antifungal medications, or suggest immunotherapy.
Diet After Sinus Surgery
It is important to consume a lot of liquids. This will help you heal faster and reduce the risk of bleeding. Follow a liquid diet or soft diet for a few days after the surgery. Do not consume citrus or tangy food. Eat plain food such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, ice cream. You can consume solid food after a few days. Avoid milk and dairy products.
Complications after Sinus Surgery
Though modern surgery involves fewer complications, the surgical procedure may involve some problems. Dehydration and too much activity after the surgery can also increase the chances of bleeding.