A sinus infection usually requires a different set of treatments and approaches to recovery. It occurs when the sinus or air-filled cavities become inflamed due to bacterial, fungi, or viral infection. The sinuses present in the skull are affected, leading to symptoms like facial pain, discolored nasal discharge, or nasal congestion. So, the critical aspect of treating this condition is diagnosing it at the right time by recognizing the signs and symptoms.
Let’s learn more about the signs of this infection so you can book an appointment with the specialist at the right time.
What are the indicators of sinus infection?
Usually, this infection is mistaken for a common cold, which causes a delay in the treatment. Thus, it is essential to follow the critical indications of sinus infection, which are:
- Redness of the nasal passage, which also appears to be inflamed.
- The nasal tissues become swollen, leading to discomfort.
- The facial area around the nose and eyes becomes tender.
- There is a greenish nasal discharge along with persistent bad breath.
What are the diagnostic procedures to identify a sinus infection?
If this infection has exceeded more than eight weeks and the standard antibiotic treatment has failed, then a proper diagnostic procedure should be applied, such as –
- Sinus CT scan, which would help to understand the extent of the infection.
- A nasal examination is done where a camera is inserted inside the nose using a long, thin, flexible tube to understand the sinus condition, and openings are examined.
- Mucus culture is done where the causative agent of the infection is identified, be it viral or bacterial.
- A biopsy is done where the tissue from the sinus area is obtained to understand if there is any specific underlying condition or whether fungi have penetrated inside the bone.
What is the treatment process for sinus infection?
The primary treatment process for this infection is as follows –
- Antibiotics—This is the primary way of treating a bacterial sinus infection. Depending on the severity, the antibiotic has to be administered for 28 days. Strict monitoring is also done to prevent the chances of developing antibiotic resistance.
- Nasal decongestants—These are meant to provide short-term relief when the nasal passage becomes swollen and it becomes difficult to breathe. They also clear the nasal passage for proper drainage. However, prolonged use is not recommended.
- Antihistamine – These are given to reduce the inflammation due to allergic reactions.
- Nasal corticosteroids—These are prescribed natural sprays that prevent inflammation in the nasal passage and help treat sinus infections.
- Nasal saline washes—These help clear secretions from the nasal passages and provide relief during congestion.
- Surgery—When medical treatment or therapies are ineffective, surgery should be performed to remove the nasal polyp, open up the closed nasal passage, or correct the anatomical deformity within the nasal passage.
Conclusion
These details help you make an informed decision about treating sinus infections. Understanding the proper symptoms is necessary to get targeted treatment and minimize the recovery process. An ENT specialist at https://earnosethroat.com.sg/sinus-surgeon-sinusitis-treatment-surgery-specialist can help you with a personalized treatment plan based on the unique requirements of the patient to cure sinus infection.