Sinus Infection Treatment

Ever get a sinus infection following a bad cold? It’s called sinusitis. After a cold, you are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection, because a cold can cause an inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. While common cold symptoms can make you miserable, they are common problems and affect millions of Americans each day. Sinusitis though a common condition, should be treated more seriously. Here is some information that will help you make a distinction between the two.

What Is a Sinus Infection? A sinus infection is inflammation or swelling of your sinuses. Normally, your sinuses are filled with air. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause infection. This infection is sinusitis.

What Causes a Sinus Infection? Any condition that blocks off the sinus drainage channels can cause a sinus infection. Such conditions include colds, allergies, such as hay fever, non-allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps, which are small, benign growths in the lining of your nose. A sinus infection may be exacerbated by anatomic problems such as a deviated septum, which refers to a shift in the nasal cavity. If not treated, a sinus infection can last for weeks.