Acute sinusitis is a type of sinusitis caused by an upper respiratory tract infection or fungal invasion. Symptoms include congestion, headaches, and malaise. Over-the-counter medications and saline solution can help, but antibiotics and corticosteroids may be needed for severe cases.
Acute sinusitis is a form of sinusitis that usually begins with an upper respiratory tract infection or some type of fungal invasion of the system. Fortunately, this type of sinusitis is often easier to treat than other types, such as chronic sinusitis. Often, over-the-counter medications are helpful with this condition when caught in the early stages.
While it’s not unusual for acute sinusitis to start in the respiratory tract, the impact on the sinuses is very similar to other forms of the condition. Inflammation of the nasal passages is common and can make breathing through the nose difficult. Because the condition can be triggered by bacteria or a viral infection, it is sometimes difficult to determine the exact subset of acute sinusitis. However, a general rule is that if the condition persists for less than seven days, it was most likely viral. Any time interval greater than seven days indicates that the origin is most likely a bacterial infection.
There are several basic symptoms associated with the presence of acute sinusitis. Headaches and a sense of fullness or congestion in the nasal passages or upper respiratory tract are common. A general feeling of malaise may also be present, combining fatigue with a general feeling of pain in the chest and throat area. While the severity of symptoms varies from person to person, they all tend to be present at some point during the progress of the infection.
In terms of the right type of sinusitis treatment to use with cases of acute sinusitis, using certain over-the-counter medications can help relieve some of the symptoms. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are likely to help ease the headache and some of the general discomfort. Irrigating the nasal passages with a saline solution is one of several time-honored sinusitis remedies. Many people who prefer to try a home remedy before going to the doctor make their own saline solution using a mixture of table salt and warm water. While this homemade solution may bring some relief from symptoms, there is still a good chance the individual will need something stronger to help keep the condition under control.
Antibiotics are normally one of the first things a healthcare professional will use to begin healing acute sinusitis. If antibiotics prove ineffective, it is likely that corticosteroids will be needed. These can be used alone or in combination with antibiotics, based on the severity of the condition.
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