Sinus Infections

Why do I get sinus infections?

Sinus infections generally stem from something being out of the ordinary in your body, such as an infection or illness. You may get a sinus infection if you have:

• A common cold
• An allergy attack
• Nasal polyps
• A deviated septum
• Immune deficiencies

How do I know if I have a sinus infection?

Having a sinus infection may feel a lot like you have a bad cold. You may experience:

• Pain around your nose
• Pressure in your face
• A stuffy nose
• A runny nose
• Chest congestion
• A persistent cough
• Pain in your jaw or teeth
• Fatigue
• A fever
• Bad breath

When is a sinus infection considered “chronic?”

Sinus infections are generally either acute or chronic. Both types of sinus infections can trigger the same symptoms, but typically the acute version is only temporary. If you suffer from a chronic sinus infection, you could have symptoms for 12 weeks or more. You could even get recurring sinus infections several times a year and be considered a chronic sinus infection sufferer.

Aside from the “cold-like” symptoms you experience, if you have a chronic sinus infection, you could have additional issues. For instance, if you have a nasal blockage or pus in your nasal cavity, you might be suffering from a chronic sinus infection. Discolored postnasal drainage is another sign of something more chronic.

What treatment options are available?

It depends on the cause of your sinus infection, which is why it’s so important to get a diagnosis from your family physician. You may benefit from:

• Antibiotics
• Nasal decongestants or antihistamines
• Oral decongestants or antihistamines
• Nasal saline washes
• Nasal corticosteroids

Dr. Rundeep Gadh, or Dr. Ruchika Gadh will do everything in his or her power to treat your sinus infection in the best way possible. When your sinus infections keep coming back after rest and medications, there’s a possibility that what’s causing your sinus infections could require invasive surgical treatment to resolve this problem. Surgery can be beneficial for removing nasal polyps, separating nasal passages, and opening up closed nasal passages. These types of procedures are an absolute last resort if your body hasn’t responded to other treatments.