Bacterial sinus infections cause inflammation and blockage of the sinuses, often following a cold or allergy attack. Symptoms include headaches, green nasal drainage, and earaches. Treatment includes medication, humidifiers, and occasionally surgery. Duration determines the type, with acute lasting up to a month, subacute lasting up to ten weeks, and chronic lasting beyond ten weeks. Treatment varies depending on the cause, with antibiotics commonly used for bacterial infections and surgery for chronic infections.
A bacterial sinus infection is a condition in which the sinuses, mucous membrane-lined cavities inside the head, are inflamed and blocked with mucus or pus. A sinus infection can cause symptoms such as a headache or green nasal drainage. It can also mimic a cold that doesn’t get better or goes away after more than a week. There are three main types of bacterial sinus infection: acute, subacute and chronic, and the duration of a sinus infection is an important factor in diagnosing its type. Treatment for a sinus infection traditionally includes medications and a humidifier, and surgery is occasionally needed to correct the problem.
A seasonal allergy attack or a bout with the common cold virus often precedes a sinus infection. When nasal secretions cannot drain from the sinus cavities and a buildup of mucus occurs, the nasal passages become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Some other possible causes of a sinus infection include a foreign body inserted into the nose, a drug that damages mucous membranes, and an infection from the root of a diseased tooth.
When bacteria invade the sinuses, it can cause a feeling of a stuffy nose, pain or pressure in the eyes and mouth, and headaches. Sinus infection drainage is often thick and green or yellow and may be stained with blood. An earache, fever or sore throat can also accompany a bacterial sinus infection. Swallowing infected drainage can cause stomach pain, and it’s not unusual to experience a sinus infection and nausea.
The duration of a bacterial sinus infection can be a factor in determining the type. An acute infection is one that has been present for about a month or less. Subacute infections can last from one month to about ten weeks. The diagnosis of chronic sinusitis is made when the infection continues after a period of about ten weeks. Chronic sinusitis can also refer to a condition in which bacterial infections occur often and repeatedly.
Treatment for a sinus infection varies depending on the type and cause. A fungal sinus infection is often treated with a steroid nasal spray, while antibiotics are commonly indicated for a bacterial sinus infection. Antihistamines and decongestants can be used sparingly and with caution, and a humidifier might help relieve discomfort and thin out infected mucus. In some cases, surgery may be needed to improve nasal drainage and relieve a chronic sinus infection.
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