Nasal infections, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, can be acute or chronic and have various causes. Symptoms include a thick, foul-smelling discharge, facial tightness, warmth, and swelling. Treatment options include rest, fluids, steam, medication, and surgery. Patients should discuss risks and goals with a reputable surgeon.
A nasal infection is an infection in the nose and sinus passages. Sometimes referred to as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, nasal infections can be acute or chronic and have a variety of causes. The classic symptoms of a nasal infection include a thick, foul-smelling discharge from the nose, a feeling of tightness around the face, warmth around the nose, and a constant sense of feeling swollen and smelly.
The nose is one of the body’s first lines of defense against infection. It is very skilled when it comes to trapping bacteria, allergens and other invaders. Sometimes, however, infectious or irritating material makes it past the nose and can cause infection. Nasal infections occur when bacteria begin to colonize the nose and sinuses; this warm, humid environment is a haven for bacteria once they take hold.
Nasal infections can also occur when people with allergies develop inflammation and the inflammation goes untreated. In this case, people may feel flushed or unwell for several days before unpleasant discharge from the nose begins. Nasal infections also sometimes accompany viral respiratory infections, with the viruses settling in the nose and sinuses and causing infections.
Some sinus infections can be treated at home. Rest, drinking plenty of fluids to promote drainage, inhaling steam or eating hot soup, and taking over-the-counter expectorant medications can sometimes clear up the infection. In other cases, prescription drugs may be needed to eliminate the agent causing the infection. If a nasal infection persists or becomes recurring, medical treatment should be pursued to resolve the issue.
For a chronic nasal infection, surgery may be recommended. The shapes of the sinuses are very different from person to person and sometimes small irregularities can predispose someone to infection. A surgeon can address the problem, reducing the risk of future infections. Surgery may also be used to remove infected and dead material if it has started to block the nose and sinuses.
If a patient opts for surgery for a chronic nasal infection, it is worth talking to the surgeon about the goal of the surgery, the length of recovery, and the risks. Facial surgery may carry some special risks that patients should carefully consider before making a commitment. A reputable surgeon can provide information about success rates, procedure risks, and field experience to make a patient feel more comfortable with a proposed procedure.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
