As the leaves fall from the trees and the summer heat is replaced by cooler weather, the looming cold/flu season draws closer with each passing day. The possibility of catching a cold or the flu rises this time of year. Unfortunately, other respiratory issues like sinus infections can affect anyone at any time, too, and they can be quite troublesome.
A sinus infection occurs when a build-up of fluid in your sinus cavities allows germs to enter them and grow. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses are the most likely culprits for causing sinus infections, but other factors can be at play when it happens. Some bacteria are known to cause sinus infections, too. If you've recently had a cold or experience seasonal allergies, you're definitely susceptible to a sinus infection. Even pre-existing issues like allergies, recent air travel, a respiratory infection, or a weaker immune system can make you more susceptible to a sinus infection.
When you come down with a case of the sniffles, you may wonder if you have a cold or sinus infection. Both ailments have similar symptoms -- runny nose, cough, fever, swollen sinuses, post nasal drip, and fatigue -- but an infection is noticeable if you feel sinus pressure, sinus pain, or experience a slight loss of smell in conjunction with standard cold symptoms.
Sinus infections impact everyone from young children to the elderly. They can be especially rough on smokers, asthma sufferers, and people with allergies. Regular sinus infections can lead to chronic sinusitis, a condition where you experience these symptoms for three months or more, accompanied by other complications.
Sinus infections are caused by a fluid build-up in your sinus cavities, allowing germs to grow, cause your nasal tissues to swell, and eventually result in sinusitis. Remember that your sinuses are normally coated with a thin mucus layer that acts as a trap/filter for dust, germs, and air particles. Tiny hairs move the mucus to the back of your throat. When you're dealing with a sinus infection, it prevents the normal flow of mucus to the back of the throat, causing the mucus to become trapped. This results in the misery they bring to people everywhere.
Now, the question on everyone's mind this time of year is probably are sinus infections contagious? The answer is, yes, some types can be contagious while others are bacterial in nature and will not be. A sinus infection caused by seasonal allergies, for instance, is not contagious. But a viral sinus infection can definitely spread to others. Per EverydayDoctor physician Po-Chang Hsu, MD:
"Patients experience a small variety of symptoms that last anywhere between a few days to two weeks. Unless your doctor has ruled out a viral infection, you should refrain from close contact with others until your symptoms disappear."
Viral sinus infections can certainly be transmitted to others, so practicing good hygiene and avoiding exposing others to the virus are essential.
Treating a sinus infection is straightforward. Doctors typically recommend using either a prescription nasal spray (which you can get through a telemedicine appointment should the doctor prescribe one) or over the counter nasal spray. A humidifier can add some moisture to the air that'll help ameliorate your symptoms, while steam, hot lemon, and teas can help coax your sinuses to work properly.
Most importantly, it's best to stay home if the infection is viral and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated as the sinus infection works its way through your system. If the infection worsens or you need to seek additional treatment, consult your physician or use a telemedicine provider like EverydayDoctor to get a diagnosis and results quickly.
About EverydayDoctor
EverydayDoctor is a telemedicine/telehealth company based in San Francisco. Together with a team of over 100 licensed doctors, EverydayDoctor works in conjunction with their sister site, PlushCare, to focus on providing professional, convenient, and quality medical care and therapy to patients around the country. Find them and book an appointment at https://everydaydoctor.com/about-us/
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EverydayDoctor
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Source: Story.KISSPR.com
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