Here comes the sneezing, runny nose, and headaches…..again. Because of that overstuffed feeling behind your cheeks, you can tell it’s likely more than a simple cold, it’s a sinus infection.
For individuals who suffer repeated sinus infections (known as Chronic sinusitis), taking sick days home from work, miserable and in bed is a regular experience. Sinus infections are especially uncomfortable, and they can’t always be managed with antibiotics.
What Causes 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 (occasionally steroids are used to treat the symptoms) and this is one reason why sinus infections are hard to treat.
This means that your immune system has to carry the load. Usually, that’s not a problem. But when conditions are favorable for a sinus infection, symptoms can persist.
If there is an excess buildup of fluid in your sinuses, sinus infections can flourish. a few of the reasons why sinus infections might keep happening include:
Nasal Polyps: These growths in your nasal passageway are typically non-hazardous. However, nasal polyps can obstruct drainage from your sinuses. This extra fluid can lead to a sinus infection.
In-home heating: Sinus infections are more likely in winter. In part, that’s because your in-home heating system tends to dry out your air. The mucus membranes, which are your body’s first line of defense from infection, can be reduced by this dry air.
Deviated nasal septum: You may have difficulty draining your sinuses if you have a deviated septum. Chronic, significant sinus infections can be the result of this trapped fluid.
Allergies and infections: In many instances, you’ll have nasal congestion first and a sinus infection next. That’s because congestion can produce the ideal conditions for sinusitis to establish itself. So if you have allergies or persistent respiratory infections, for example, you’re more likely to develop chronic sinus infections also.
Other conditions: Persistent sinus infections can also be the outcome of some other conditions including Cystic fibrosis, compromised immune system, and others.
We can help you identify underlying causes and offer a treatment plan, so if you’re experiencing chronic sinus infection call us.
Avoiding Chronic Sinus Infections
There are a few basic things you can do around the house to prevent sinus infections from developing in the first place. Some of the simplest and most common include the following:
- Regularly clean clothing and surfaces completely.This eliminates germs, on the one hand. But maybe, more importantly, vacuuming, washing your sheets, and all that can help keep allergens away. You’ll breathe much easier if there’s minimal dust or pet dander on your sheets. And that means your sinuses are less likely to become clogged.
- Wash your hands regularly. It can reduce the spread of germs like cold germs and it’s just good hygiene.
- When possible, run a humidifier. The dryness of the air will be prevented in this way.
- Take a warm shower with plenty of steam! This will help replenish or relieve those mucus membranes when you’re coping with that dry air.
- Drink plenty of water. Again hydration is key here: when you’re hydrated, your mucus membranes are not so likely to be dry.
Medical Prevention For Sinus Infections
Obviously, these home remedies aren’t going to work for everybody. For some individuals, the sinus infections may just keep happening, regardless of how moist the air in your home is. A medical procedure named balloon sinuplasty is the answer for many.
Balloon sinuplasty is an operation where a catheter is inserted into the sinuses through the nose. Once in the sinus area, a specialized, little balloon is inflated, which helps the sinus passages to open more completely. Next, the balloon is deflated and removed. This minimally invasive surgery, carried out under general anesthesia, has a much faster recovery time than other surgical procedures.
What Treatment is Right For You?
If you are going through chronic sinus infections, there are solutions that bring relief, particularly via prevention. Come see us – we will be able to help you determine which therapies and treatments will be best for your symptoms and condition.
You don’t have to endure another winter going through continuous sinus infections. Call us for a consultation.