Knowing just what causes sinus infections is the key to finding lasting relief through relevant treatment, especially for a condition that affects over 30 million Americans a year. While the most common symptoms are short term, they can eventually evolve into long-term complications if not treated correctly.
Our experienced McAllen otolaryngologist, Dr. Frank R. Glatz, and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group firmly believe that sinus health is important to your overall wellbeing and it is their responsibility to share their knowledge with you on how your sinuses properly function, what the most common causes of sinus infection are, and how they can be treated.
How Your Sinuses Function and Become Infected
Your sinuses are an intricate system. There are eight total sinus cavities that lie behind your nose, cheeks, and lower forehead. These air-filled cavities are responsible for producing mucus, which helps defend you from unwanted particles such as dirt, pollen, and dust while keeping your inner nasal passage moist.
So whenever there’s something interfering with the mucus production, your sinuses are unable to drain out, leading to a number of temporary, or even long-term, health issues.
When the sinuses are blocked, they eventually become clogged up with fluids, which then leads to unwanted bacterial grow within these chambers.
Some of the symptoms may include:
- Unusual-colored nasal discharge
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Facial Tenderness
- Post-nasal drip
- Headaches
- Congestion
- Irritation
- Fevers
Individuals that have a weaker immune system are more likely to develop sinus infection from bacteria or mold.
Types of Sinus Infections and Recommended Treatment
The causation of sinus infections varies depending on its root cause. Listed below are several variants with recommended treatment options:
- Acute sinusitis – The most common type of nasal infection, Acute sinusitis is usually temporary, lasting anywhere between 10 days to up to 8 continuous weeks. It can be treated with over the counter medication.
- Chronic Sinusitis – More severe than acute sinusitis. This type of infection becomes “chronic” after symptoms last more than 3 months. It is generally recommended to seek medical attention if the condition worsens.
- Viral Infections – Viral infections within the sinuses are caused by exposure to a virus, typically a cold virus. It lasts less than 2 weeks on average and is treatable with over the counter nasal sprays or oral capsules.
- Bacterial Infection – This type of infection is usually caused by personal allergies and irritation. Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat this upon visiting our specialists if need be.
Other potential factors may also include:
- Deviated Nasal Septum – A condition where the middle wall of the nose in between nasal passageways is disjointed. It can lead to drainage difficulties, congestion in between nostrils, physical pain, postnasal drip, and in some instances nosebleeds.
- Nasal Polyps – Non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses.
It can be caused due to allergies, repeated infections, or immune disorders. Nasal polyps may affect your ability to breathe and smell and may even lead to more nasal infections.
Seek advice from Dr. Glatz if any of these affect your way of living. Surgery might be required if necessary.
McAllen Sinus Relief Specialists Working for You
Upon scheduling an appointment with our McAllen otolaryngologist at the Glatz Group, Dr. Glatz and our staff will carefully evaluate your symptoms in order to diagnose your condition and recommend applicable treatment designed to provide maximum sinus relief.