A chronic sinus infection is a condition usually caused by allergens. When a person is suffering from a sinus infection, mucosal lining will become inflamed as though they are suffering from the common cold. They will also experience a runny nose because of the constant discharge of mucus.
There are however various symptoms which will help determine if you are suffering from just a sinus infection or a chronic sinus infection. Sinus infection(s) are generally classified based on the time span of the problem and the type of inflammation (either infectious or noninfectious). Acute sinus infection is usually defined as being of less than 30 days duration; subacute sinus infection as being over 1 month but less than 3 months; and chronic sinus infection as being greater than 3 months duration. Infected sinusitis is usually caused by uncomplicated virus infection. Far less frequently bacterial growth causes sinus infection. Noninfectious sinusitis can be caused by irritants and allergic conditions. Subacute and chronic forms of sinus infection usually are the result of incomplete treatment of an acute sinus infection.
Chronic post nasal drip
Post Nasal Drip also called PND occurs when the sinuses begin to produces excess mucus that over time accumulate in you nose and throat one of the possible culprits of this is chronic sinus infections. Chronic post nasal drip usually occurs when a person comes in contact with allergens such as pollen, dust mites and dust. PND sufferers will constantly feel the need to swallow constantly as they feel a tickling sensation in the back of their throat this is also one of the indications of chronic sinus infections. They will also suffer from congestion as well as a mild form of sore throat. A few other symptoms are bad breath, coughing as well as crystals that form on the tonsils commonly known as cryptic tonsils.
Chronic sinus headache
Many people that suffer from chronic sinus infections also suffer from chronic sinus headaches. Other symptoms that indicate that you are suffering from chronic sinus headache are irritated eyes, facial pressure, congestion and pain in various parts of your body. Pain relievers and decongestants become ineffective overt ime against relieving chronic sinus headache. Proper consultation with a physician is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Many doctors recommend nasal irrigation as a natural alternative to clear the nose an sinus of bacteria, allergens, and purulent material. The SinuPulse is an excellent nasal irrigation device that uses a gentle pulsating saline rinse to clear your nose and lower sinuses of aggravating allergens.
Chronic sinusitis symptoms
In addition to a running nose there are also many other common sinusitis symptoms which are mentioned below:
- The feeling of Chronic fatigue.
- Facial pain concentrated around the forehead, eyes and some times the cheeks.
- Headaches, which is concentrated around the eyes as well as the forehead region.
- Nasal congestion or blockage.
- The mucus could be a yellow or a greenish yellow color. In the case of chronic sinus sufferers the consistency of the mucus will mostly be thick and like glue.
- Pain in the molars as well as other sets of upper teeth.
- Sore throat.
- Your eyes will be sensitive to bright lights.
- Fever.
- You might also have a cough in some instances.
Chronic sinus infection remedy and home care
- Promote drainage through the use of a nasal irrigation device (i.e. SinuPulse)
- Drink plenty of water and hydrating beverages. Hot tea is often recommended.
- Inhale steam 2-4 times daily over a bowl of hot water or using a steam vaporizer.
- Taking a hot, steamy shower may also work.
- Mentholated preparations, such as Vicks Vapo-Rub, can be added to the water or vaporizer to aid in opening the passageways.
- Thin mucus: expectorants help expel mucus from lungs and respiratory passages.
- liquid cough medications can combine decongestants and cough suppressants to reduce symptoms as well as to eliminate the need for the use of many medications.
- Relieve pain: Pain medication such as ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil), aspirin, and acetaminophen (Tylenol is in this category) can reduce pain and inflammation.