Not long ago, the world was severely hit by the pandemic, Covid-19. A contagious virus that was deadly and easily transmittable. Sinus infections have different forms and Covid was a variant of it. But not all sinus infections are contagious. Some have a tendency to be caused by the common cold and others are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and allergies.
In this blog, we will dive deep into sinus infections and some remedies to treat them. Having some insights about an infection that may turn into a serious issue will come in handy at difficult times.
What Is Sinus Infection? – An Overview!
The sinus is an essential part of our senses which are found in the forehead, bridges of the nose, and cheeks. The medical term for it is Sinusitis, an inflammation in the air-filled sinuses. When exposed to an allergy, bacteria, or virus, these inflammations can cause a runny nose, stuffy nose, headaches, pain in the face, and reddening of eyes.
Sinuses have a narrow passage filled with air so that the mucous formed in there washes away the germs or bacteria. In simple terms, when you sneeze and a little yellow liquid comes out of your nasal passage, that is how your sinuses help you eliminate the germs in your body.
Types Of Sinus Infection
Sinus infections can be caused by various factors and affect differently. The reason behind this is that everybody’s immunity and response to external factors are different. Some may heal within 2-3 days and some might take 2-3 weeks to recover. Let us understand the types of sinus infections that are commonly found in people.
- Acute Sinus Infection
This infection is caused by the common cold and lasts less than four weeks. It is mainly due to changes in weather or moving to a new atmosphere. The symptoms of this infection include congestion in the nasal passage, discharge of mucus, loss of sense of smell, and pain all over the body.
Furthermore, it does not transmit itself from person to person, but only when there is close contact with an affected person. Like kissing or sharing the same utensils with the affected person.
- Subacute Sinus Infection
This sinus infection shows the symptoms from 1-3 months of time. It is caused by an acute sinus infection which does not recover in one month. Apart from the symptoms, there is swelling of the nose and puffiness in the face of the affected person.
Subacute sinus infection can also be caused by a virus but cannot be contagious in itself. Unless there is an exposure to nasal discharge or being intimate with the affected person. You will need medication and good hygiene practices to recover from this infection.
- Chronic Sinus Infection
This sinus infection is caused by bacteria and fungus. Here the symptoms and the swelling of the sinuses can last longer than 3 months. This long-term illness produces thick dense mucus which is also caused by an allergy or exposure to toxins.
- Recurrent Acute Sinus Infection
This type of sinus infection causes the symptoms of acute sinus infection to occur multiple times in a year. It can last up to two weeks depending on the immune responses of an individual.
Common Symptoms Of Sinus Infection
When you are exposed to external factors, like bacteria, allergies, fungi, or viruses your body tends to heal itself by eliminating those factors itself. A normal turnaround time for these infections is two to three weeks. The symptoms of sinus infection include
- Runny nose with green or yellow mucus
- Bad breath
- Pain in your gums
- Losing the sense of smell and taste
- Sore throat
- Extreme headaches frequently
- Watering eyes
- Ear aches
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Breathing problems
Home Remedies To Treat Sinus Infections
Traditionally, individuals used to manage sinus infections with home remedies that worked effectively.
- Inhaling steam helps to open up the nasal passages and make way for the discharges.
- Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out the toxins from your system effectively
- Nasal irrigation or salt water solution can aid in clearing the throat and nostrils of plugged-in mucus.
- Eating more green veggies and fruits also aids in sinus infections
- Yoga exercises for functional breathing and building immunity
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