Are you suffering from frequent coughs and sneezing? Are these symptoms of the common cold? As time goes on, you might wonder whether it is a sinus infection. Usually, prolonged colds result in a sinus infection.
Therefore, proper diagnosis lets your doctor prescribe the best treatment for you. You can access the best and most experienced doctors through the platform of Express Tele Doc.
What is a sinus infection:
Sinus infection (sinusitis) is when the paired cavities in the face (sinuses) get inflamed and filled with fluid. It blocks the sinuses and allows germs to grow inside. It may be caused by a cold or allergies.
Symptoms of a sinus infection:
You may experience the symptoms mentioned below;
- Frequent release of thick, yellowish, foul-smelling discharge from your nose
- Presence of pressure and pain around eyes and face
- Severe headache
- Nose blockage
- Chest congestion
- Worsen and the prolonged common cold
- Fever
- Cough and sneezing
Causes of a sinus infection:
Anything (either bacteria, allergens, or disease) that blocks the drainage system of sinuses will cause a sinus infection. For example,
- Common cold
- Allergies (e.g., hay fever)
- Non-allergic rhinitis
- Formation of nasal polyps (small painless growths in the lining of sinuses)
How to diagnose a sinus infection?
Your doctor will physically examine your throat and ask for your medical history. A CT scan may also confirm that it is a sinus infection.
Treatment of sinus infection:
Most of the time, doctors recommend antibiotics if the infection persists for more than ten days. Antihistamines and decongestants may also be given with antibiotics to lessen the symptoms.