subject: Acute Sinusitis And Its Symptoms [print this page] If a person has the flu or even a cold, and it takes more than the normal amount of time to get better, then one can get a sinus infection. A cold and the flu involve nasal congestion which is the primary determinate of sinusitis. Oxygen to the sinuses is inhibited because the nasal canals are blocked. Bacteria grows prolifically in this kind of circumstance. When a person's immune system is not performing at its highest level then bacterial sinusitis is likely to occur.
Sinusitis categories
Level One: Mild
Level Two: Moderate
Level three: Severe
If typical signs of sinusitis are not harsh then it can be classified as moderate. The minor unpleasantness of the symptoms is annoying, but bearable. The majority of sufferers will bounce back with relative ease without the use of medical remedies.
When symptoms persist and do not get better on their own, then a severe infection has occurred. When the sufferer presents with the full scope of symptoms that make them feel extremely ill, they have what is considered a severe case of sinus infection.
Characteristics
* The sinuses and their surrounding regions result in severe discomfort.
When the sinuses in the forehead and around the eyes are infected then there may be a soreness or throbbing. Infection in the maxillary sinuses will present soreness in and around the cheeks.
* Stuffiness and difficulty breathing. Heavy mucus is produced (and does not drain very well) over the thin layer of the enlarged membranes of the nose.
* A cough that will not go away. A cough comes about when the sinuses drip persistently and slide down the throat. Mucus runs clear and has a thin consistency in a healthy person.
* Throat soreness. Soreness, redness, swelling and bacteria that comes with a persistent cough causes the throat to become infected.
* High body temperature. When bacteria is present, then often a fever follows.
How to combat sinusitis?
Usually a doctor's prescription is needed to alleviate the symptoms of an acute sinus infection. Pseudoephedrine is the most commonly recommended medication to unblock nasal passages.
If the doctor sees that a bacterial infection is also present, then he will also recommend an antibiotic. It's possible that the tubes that connect the ears to the throat are blocked as well. Doctors will usually prescribe a steroidal spray to be used in the nose when this occurs.
The usual remedies are not often effective with persistent and recurring sinus infections, however. There are effective homeopathic cures and preventative measures for fungal sinusitis.
