Sinus Infection Treatment

Many times, a person will go to their primary care doctor or urgent care center complaining of a lingering cold and sinus pain that they cannot shake and make go away. Sometimes, it’s not a cold that’s the source of the discomfort. It may be sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses that can be caused by infections that are bacterial, fungal or viral.

A sinus infection can cause:

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue

Sinusitis can even affect your entire face and you might feel pressure in your head. Your eyes might hurt and sinus pain has even been known to be the source of a toothache.

So, how and why do sinuses cause all these problems?

Sinuses are empty areas within the nose in the bones of the forehead, cheeks and between the eyes. Sinuses produce mucus that helps to keep moisture inside your nose and guards the nose interior from allergens, dust and foreign matter. Colds, flu and allergies can bring throbbing congestion, inflammation and infection in the sinuses. They cause mucus to become backed up.  When mucus backs up, it does not drain properly, gets thicker and blocks the sinus airways. Then, you’ll feel the excruciating sinus pain and pressure.

Postnasal drip is an effect of sinus pain and pressure and occurs when excess mucus flows from the back of the nose to the throat. Postnasal drip often gives the sensation of a lump or thickening in the throat.