A study suggests that sinus infections, popularly known as sinusitis, typically affect 15% of Americans every year. Sinus infection side effects can be acute or chronic. Sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull connected from the nose to the brain. It serves as a passage for mucus and dust particles to move from the nose to the back of the throat. When these passages are affected by bacteria or viruses, they become inflamed. As a result, it prevents the normal flow of mucus. This condition is known as sinus infection or sinusitis.
Areas of Sinus Infection
A sinus infection can affect you in one or more of the following areas:
- Maxillary sinus area, which is located within the bones of the cheeks
- The frontal sinus, located between the eyebrows and forehead
- The sphenoid sinus, which is located behind the nose
- The ethmoid sinus, located on either side of the bridge of the nose
The most common sinus infections occur in the frontal and maxillary sinuses. Sinusitis can be treated both by steroids and antibiotics. Steroid shots for sinus infection side effects can be damaging to the body. The treatment is prescribed by the doctor depending on whether the infection is acute or chronic.
Sinus Infection Side Effects
Sinusitis is not a very pleasant experience. There can be numerous side effects of a sinus infection that may hamper a person’s daily lifestyle. Some very common symptoms that help to identify a sinus infection are:
- Headaches: Sinusitis causes the nasal passages to get blocked. As a result, the pressure built up in the sinuses can cause headaches. Headaches can take the worst forms during the mornings. The intensity can also vary with air pressure changes.
- Sinus discharge: Sinus infections often lead to runny noses. The discharge can be discolored or have a greenish-yellow color. A runny nose can be a very uncomfortable condition for a person.
- Congestion: Trapped mucus in the sinuses can lead to a stuffy nose and cause congestion. You may feel uncomfortable breathing through the nose, so you might have to do it through the mouth.
- Sore throat: The accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat can lead to irritation in the back of the throat. It can lead to a sore throat and a husky voice.
- Taste loss and bad breath: As the congestion blocks the sinuses, you might face difficulty in smelling and tasting things. The presence of bacteria and viruses in your sinuses can lead to unpleasant scents from your nose or mouth.
How long does a Sinus Infection Last?
In the case of a sinus infection, you might wonder how long the side effects from a sinus infection last. The answer to that can be varied. There is no particular period for which a sinus infection may last. It usually depends on the type and severity of the sinus inflammation. With proper medication and treatment, a sinus infection usually clears within a week. But side effects of untreated sinus infection can be severe.
What is a good Antibiotic to take for Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection can be treated through antibiotics. But the antibiotic should be prescribed by a doctor. Amoxicillin and Augmentin are antibiotics preferred by doctors. They are in first-line as a way to get rid of sinusitis pain. Zithromax or the Z-Pak is a 5-day course of azithromycin to treat sinus infections. Zpack for sinus infection side effects includes upset stomachs, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray prescribed by doctors to clear a blocked nose during a sinus infection. Flonase sinus infection side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and dryness in the nose.
What happens when you let a Sinus Infection go untreated?
You might be prone to letting go of your sinus infection without treatment. But that is strictly not advisable. Sinus side effects can worsen if you don’t take proper medications or visit a doctor. Sometimes, a bad sinus infection can also affect your lungs and lead to meningitis.
How to Treat a Sinus Infection?
If you think you have a sinus infection, watch your symptoms to get the right treatment for sinusitis. You can try antibiotics. Use steroids for sinus infections only if prescribed by a qualified doctor. You can also try home remedies like steam baths, essential oils, and gargling. If drug therapy doesn’t work for your sinusitis, surgery is the last resort. But first, a doctor must identify the root cause of your sinus infection.
Sinus infection side effects can be acute or chronic. Antibiotics and steroids can help to treat sinusitis. Each method has its side effects. If a sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, make a doctor’s appointment and get it checked. Always remember, ’Prevention is better than cure.’
Conclusion
Vigilant awareness is the key to treating sinusitis. Sinus infection side effects can be painful and frustrating. Sinus infection can be acute or chronic. But the right medication and a healthy lifestyle will ensure that the side effects get minimized. Don’t let sinusitis from having you a joyful life!
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