Sinus infection or sinusitis affects more than 37 million Americans each year. Many people are not even aware of the fact that they are suffering from this condition.
However, certain groups of people may predisposed to this condition due to some factors. Some of these factors include:
1. Genetic makeup of the individual. Our genetic makeup has a great influence on what kinds of food and environmental factors that will trigger an allergic reaction within the body.
2. Internal shape of our nose. People with a deviated septum has a greater chance of suffering from sinus infection as well as those with enlarged turbinates.
3. Accidents resulting in changes to the structure of the nose.
Common causes of sinus infection
Most people who suffer from their very first case of sinusitis usually get it from the common cold or viral influenza. Nasal congestion is very much the culprit because it prevents proper ventilation and air-exchange within the clogged up sinuses and nasal passages.
This provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to proliferate leading to sinusitis. Increased abnormal production of mucus is caused by inflammation of the mucosal lining brought upon by the above-mentioned illnesses.
The common cold causes congestion in the nasal passages and this inhibits the drainage of the sinuses. When we have the flu, our nasal passages are filled with mucus. Generally, a common flu stays for a maximum period of one week. After that we usually recover, but it leaves our sinuses inflamed.
So how do we tell the difference between a common cold, viral influenza and sinusitis since nasal congestion is a common symptom?
In order to gauge if you have a possible sinusitis, you need to be aware of the following:
Top 10 symptoms of sinusitis
1. Puffy eyes and a persistent low-grade headache in the forehead usually in the morning.
2. Pain or discomfort in the areas between and around the eyes which is especially worse in the morning.
3. Facial pain. Soreness usually felt in the areas of the bone structure below the eye sockets.
4. A sore throat which does not heal.
5. Tooth ache in the upper jaw area, usually affecting the molars.
6. Persistent nasal congestion.
7. Eyes are sensitive to bright lights, especially in the morning.
8. Thick, opaque or yellowish/greenish nasal discharge, sometimes foul smelling.
9. Otitis Media(infection of the inner ear).This is caused by eustachian tube dysfunction when sticky mucus finds their way into the tubes.
10. A persistent cough. This is caused by thick, nasal mucus continuously flowing down the back of the nasopharynx.
Be familiar with these top 10 most common sinusitis symptoms. Early treatment is key to eliminating this often painful condition. This is so because if the mucosal lining within the sinuses is allowed to be continually inflamed, chronic sinusitis will take place and treatment at this stage may prove to be difficult even with today's modern drugs.
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