What triggers sinusitis?

Sinusitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus that swells and blocks the sinuses. A few specific causes include: The common cold. Nasal and seasonal allergies, including allergies to mold.

What causes excessive sinus drainage?

Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.

Is it normal to have constant sinus drainage?

While your chronic sinus drainage issues may have originated with allergies, a cold, the flu, or a combination of these or other underlying problems, chronic sinus drainage issues — symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more — are ultimately almost always caused by a chronic sinus infection (also called chronic sinusitis or …

How do you know if my sinuses are infected?

They include: postnasal drip (that thick mucus in the back of your throat), discolored nasal discharge (green mucous coming out of your nose), stuffy nose or nasal congestion and tenderness or pain in the face – usually under the eyes or around the nose.

How do you calm sinus inflammation?

These self-help steps can help relieve sinusitis symptoms:

1. Rest. This can help your body fight inflammation and speed recovery.
2. Moisturize your sinuses. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water.
3. Warm compress.
4. Rinse out your nasal passages.

What’s the best thing to take for sinus drainage?

Take a medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex). Use saline nasal sprays or irrigation , like a neti pot, to flush mucus, bacteria, allergens, and other irritating things out of the sinuses. Turn on a vaporizer or humidifier to increase the moisture in the air.

What happens if chronic sinusitis goes untreated?

If chronic sinusitis goes untreated for a length of time, it is possible the infection can spread to vital parts of your body, including to the bones, spinal fluid, and the brain. These complications, meningitis and brain abscesses, are life-threatening and require immediate emergency surgery.

How long do sinus infections last?

Viral sinus infections usually go away on their own within 10 to 14 days. Antibiotics don’t work for viral infections. But there are some things you can do at home to help relieve your symptoms: Drink plenty of fluids.

What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

It can lead to a brain abscess or meningitis, both of which can be life-threatening. An infection that lingers, gets worse or gets better only to quickly return needs to be treated by a doctor. An antibiotic may be all that’s needed, but in some cases, other treatment may be required.

How long can sinus infection last?

How long does acute sinusitis last? Acute sinusitis lasts less than a month. Your symptoms may go away by themselves within about 10 days, but it may take up to three or four weeks.

What are the possible complications of chronic sinusitis?

Serious complications of chronic sinusitis complications are rare, but may include: Vision problems. If your sinus infection spreads to your eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or possibly blindness that can be permanent. Infections.

Can a sinus infection cause a headache in the forehead?

A sinus infection can trigger a sinus headache or pressure in your forehead and cheeks. If you’re in pain, OTC medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help. If your symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks, you likely have a bacterial infection and should see your doctor.

What does it mean when your sinuses are inflamed for months?

Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. This common condition interferes with the way mucus normally drains, and makes your nose stuffy.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

Common symptoms of sinus infections include: 1 Runny nose 2 Stuffy nose 3 Facial pain or pressure 4 Headache 5 Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip) 6 Sore throat 7 Cough 8 Bad breath