Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
This information is important to you if you are searching for a sinus specialist in Hyderabad.
A sinus infection is a common condition that affects millions of people not only in India but across the globe every year. The infection causes your nasal passages and sinuses to become inflamed. This inflammation is known as sinusitis.
What are sinuses?
Small air pockets located behind your forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes are called sinuses. Mucus forms naturally in the sinuses. Excess mucus formation in the sinuses can block the openings of your sinuses.
Excessive mucus formation is common during colds, the flu, or allergic infections. When mucus builds up in the sinus cavity, it encourages bacterial or viral growth, which may lead to a viral or bacterial infection. Sinus infections, which are viral most of the time, can go away in a week or two without treatment. However, bacterial infections can persist for a long time and cause severe symptoms and recurrent infections. In some cases, secondary bacterial infections can occur following viral infections. Persistent bacterial infections can lead to chronic sinusitis, for which you should consult a sinus specialist doctor in Hyderabad.
Types of Sinusitis
Sinusitis can be of three main types, which are:
- Acute sinusitis: This type of sinus infection has the shortest duration, typically lasting for around one or two weeks. The symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, cold and facial pain. Acute sinusitis may last for up to 15 days to a month if it is due to bacterial infection.
- Subacute sinusitis: Symptoms associated with subacute sinusitis can last for up to 1 to 3 months. The symptoms could be due to seasonal allergies or bacterial infections.
- Chronic sinusitis: This type of sinusitis is often less severe, but symptoms can last for more than 3 months. Chronic sinusitis might occur with persistent structural nasal problems or allergies. Recurrent sinusitis can occur several times a year.
Symptoms of Sinus infection
Sinusitis symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a common cold
- Fever
- A decreased sense of smell
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cough
Acute, subacute and chronic sinus infections and their symptoms are similar, though the length and severity of your symptoms may vary.
Treatment for Sinusitis
Treatment for sinus infection or chronic sinusitis: Those who often get cold and allergy attacks or recurrent cold or flu-like infections that are accompanied by a stuffy or runny nose, facial pain, facial pressure, sneezing, and red nose – should see their ENT specialist. Sinusitis symptoms often mimic cold or allergic symptoms, owing to which many people tend to neglect seeking an appointment with a specialist doctor. It is better not to miss a consultation with a specialist doctor if you have recurrent cold infections, as your risk of getting sinusitis is high. In time, diagnosis can ensure prompt treatment.
If the symptoms that you are experiencing do not improve within 1 to 2 weeks, you should immediately schedule an appointment with a sinus specialist doctor in Hyderabad.
Read More – Sinusitis – Which is the best Treatment?
Our doctor can diagnose a sinus infection in most of the cases based on your symptoms and the result of a physical exam. The doctor may recommend imaging tests in the case of chronic infection to examine your nasal passages and sinuses.
To help reduce the pain from the sinus pressure apply warm, damp cloth on your face and forehead several times a day. Stay hydrated and drink lots of water to help thin the mucus.
Sinus infection might trigger pressure in your forehead and cheeks or sinus headache. OTC medications can also help if you are in pain.
Within a few weeks if your symptoms are not improving, you should immediately book an appointment with us.
Our doctor might prescribe you antibiotics to treat symptoms like runny nose, cough, continue facial pain.
You may also need to schedule another visit with our doctor to monitor your condition.
Surgery can be an option for you, if your chronic sinusitis is not improving with time and medications.
Sinus infections are treatable, we at Dr Neetu Modgil with 15+ years of experience in treating sinusitis by providing treatment which are specially crafted based on your condition and symptoms.