Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
By Bobbie Hasselbring
Your sinuses are hollow cavities located
behind your nose and above your eyes. When your nose
becomes swollen and congested with mucus, bacteria in the
mucus can get trapped in your sinuses. The bacteria
multiply, and an infection may develop.
What to Watch for.
A sinus infection can cause any of the following symptoms:
- headaches
- thick nasal or postnasal discharge
- pain in your cheeks, forehead, or around your eyes
- congested nose
- cough
- low fever
- dizziness
Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Acute
sinusitis may last for up to 2 weeks. Chronic
sinusitis can last from 2 weeks to many months.
How it is Treated.
Treatment differs for different types of
sinusitis. Talk with your doctor if you have the symptoms
described above or if you are receiving treatment for your
sinus infection and it doesn't clear up within the time
your doctor said. Sinus infections can be easily
treated. But they can also become a very serious problem.
In rare cases, untreated sinus infections can lead to an
infection of the brain, called
meningitis. That can cause brain damage. Untreated infections can also cause a blood clot to form in the veins around your
sinuses. That can affect the brain in a way similar to a
stroke. Contact your doctor right away if you develop a
fever or pain and stiffness in your neck.
The right treatment for allergies helps drain
your sinuses and prevents constant pain.
