Here comes the sneezing, runny nose, and headaches…..again. You can tell that it’s probably a sinus infection by that inflamed clogged feeling behind your nose.
Repeated sinus infections (also called chronic sinusitis) can be a considerable problem for people that cope with them, resulting in miserable days in bed (and plenty of sick days). As unpleasant as a sinus infection is, it can’t always be treated with antibiotics.
Why do People Have Chronic Sinusitis?
Sinus infections can start with a virus, a fungus, or bacteria, or it can develop from. Antibiotics will only treat a bacterial infection (sometimes steroids are used to manage the symptoms) and this is one reason why sinus infections are difficult to treat.
That leaves your immune system to do the heavy lifting. That’s usually not an issue. But when sinus infections are presented with favorable conditions, symptoms can persist.
In most cases, sinus infections prosper when there’s an excess of fluid accumulation in your sinuses. Here are a few reasons why sinus infections may be chronic:
Nasal Polyps: Normally, these little growths in your nasal canal aren’t a problem. But sometimes, drainage of your sinuses can be blocked by nasal polyps. This excess fluid can cause a sinus infection.
In-home heating: Sinus infections are more widespread during winter. In part, that’s because your in-home heating system has a tendency to dry out your air. That dryness can decrease the mucus membranes that normally are the first line of defense against infection.
Deviated nasal septum: If your nasal septum is deviated, you might have trouble thoroughly draining your sinuses. Chronic, significant sinus infections can be the result of this trapped fluid.
Infections and allergies: In many instances, you get nasal congestion first and a sinus infection next. That’s because congestion can create the ideal conditions for sinusitis to establish itself. So you’re more likely to experience chronic sinus infections if you have chronic respiratory infections or allergies.
Other conditions: There are a number of other conditions which might result in chronic sinus infections, like issues with the immune system, Cystic fibrosis, and others.
If you’re going through chronic sinus infections, contact us about your treatment and prevention possibilities as well as identifying the underlying causes.
Avoiding Persistent Sinus Infections
In order to stop the development of a sinus infection from developing, there are some things you can do around the house. Here are some of the most common and easiest:
- Drink a lot of water. Again hydration is key here: your mucus membranes won’t dry out as easily when you’re hydrated.
- Regularly clean clothing and surfaces completely.On the one hand, this helps eliminate germs. But perhaps, more importantly, vacuuming, washing your sheets, and all that can help keep allergens away. You’ll breathe a lot easier if there’s a minimum of pet dander or dust on your sheets. So your sinuses won’t get plugged as frequently.
- Run a humidifier when you can. This will help keep that dry air away.
- Wash your hands regularly. It’s good hygiene, and it can help counter the spread of germs (for instance, cold germs) that are responsible for infections.
- Take a warm shower with plenty of steam! This will help rejuvenate or relieve those mucus membranes when you’re coping with that dry air.
Sinus Infections Treated Medically
Not everybody will have a positive result from these home remedies. For some people, regardless of how moist the air is, they can’t get rid of chronic sinus infections. For many, the answer is a procedure known as balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure where a catheter is inserted into the sinuses through the nose. Once inside the sinus area, a specialized, tiny balloon is inflated, which helps the sinus passages to open more completely. The balloon is then deflated. This all takes place under general anesthesia, and because it’s minimally invasive, there’s much less recovery and discomfort following this procedure than there would be with other surgical techniques.
Identifying The Solution That’s Right For You
Practical solutions, including prevention, are obtainable if you are dealing with persistent sinus infections. Come see us – we will be able to help you determine which therapies and treatments will be the right fit for your symptoms and condition.
Continuous sinuses infection don’t need to be your fate this winter. Give us a call.