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 basic cold, it’s a sinus infection.
For individuals who suffer recurring sinus infections (known as Chronic sinusitis), taking sick days home from work, miserable and in bed is a normal experience. Sinus infections are really unpleasant, and they can’t always be managed with antibiotics.
What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?
Sinus infections can begin with a virus, a fungus, or bacteria, or it can be the result of a clogged nose. Antibiotics will only treat a bacterial infection (sometimes steroids are used to manage the symptoms) and this is one reason why sinus infections are hard 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 linger.
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 showing up include:
Nasal Polyps: Typically, these little growths in your nasal passages aren’t a problem. However, nasal polyps can block drainage from your sinuses. That means, fluid is more likely to accumulate and could lead to recurring sinus infections.
In-home heating: Sinus infections are more widespread in winter. That’s partly because your in-home heating system tends to dry out your air. The mucus membranes, which are your body’s first line of defense against infection, can be diminished by this dry air.
Deviated nasal septum: You may have problems draining your sinuses if you have a deviated septum. Chronic, severe sinus infections can be the result of this trapped fluid.
Allergies and infections: Frequently, congestion comes before a full-blown infection. Congested sinuses provide optimal conditions for a sinus infection to thrive. So you’re more likely to get chronic sinus infections if you are dealing with persistent respiratory infections or allergies.
Other conditions: There are a number of other conditions which could result in chronic sinus infections, like problems with the immune system, Cystic fibrosis, and others.
If you’re going through persistent sinus infections, call us about your treatment and prevention possibilities in addition to identifying the underlying causes.
How to Avoid Chronic Sinus Infections
There are a few basic things you can do around the house to stop sinus infections from developing at all. Some of the easiest and most common include the following:
- Regularly wash your hands. It’s good hygiene, and it can help stop the spread of germs (for example, cold germs) that cause infections.
- Take a warm shower with plenty of steam! This will help replenish or alleviate those mucus membranes when you’re dealing with that dry air.
- Drink a lot of water. This is for the same reason: when you’re hydrated, your mucus membranes are less likely to be dry.
- When you can, use a humidifier. This will help keep that dry out.
- Regularly wash clothing and surfaces completely.On the one hand, this helps get rid of germs. But perhaps, more importantly, vacuuming, washing your sheets, and all that can help keep allergens away. Breathing will be a lot easier if there’s minimal pet dander or dust on your sheets. So your sinuses won’t get plugged as often.
Sinus Infections Treated Medically
Not everyone will have a positive response to these home remedies. For some, no matter how moist the air is, they can’t shake chronic sinus infections. A medical procedure named balloon sinuplasty is the solution for many.
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure where a catheter is put into the sinuses through the nose. Once inside the sinus area, a special, little balloon is inflated, which helps the sinus passages to open more completely. Next, the balloon is deflated and extracted. This minimally invasive surgery, performed under general anesthesia, has a lot faster recuperation time than other surgical procedures.
Finding The Solution That’s Right For You
Practical solutions, including prevention, are available if you are dealing with chronic sinus infections. We can help figure out what solution is best for your situation, so come see us.
You don’t have to go through another winter filled with constant sinus infections. Call us for a consultation.