Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues in your sinuses, which are the air-filled cavities in your cheeks, forehead, and nose. It causes face discomfort, stuffy or runny nose, fever, and other symptoms. The common cold typically causes sinusitis, but viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies may also cause it. For more information, speak to an expert on sinus infection west los angeles today.
What is a sinus infection?
Sinusitis is a swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining your sinuses. The sinuses are hollow spaces within your face that normally hold air. Viral infections, bacterial infections, and allergies can cause them to become irritated, leading them to get clogged and filled with fluid. This might result in a stuffy nose (nasal congestion), facial pain and discomfort, and other symptoms. Sinusitis is also known as rhinosinusitis.
What are sinuses?
The sinuses are four pairs of spaces or cavities in your skull. Narrow passageways link them. The mucus is produced by the sinuses and drains via the nasal passages. This drainage aids in the removal of allergies, bacteria, and other germs (pathogens) from your nose.
We categorize sinusitis depending on how long it has been present (acute, subacute, chronic, or recurring) and what causes it (bacteria, virus, or fungus).
Achronic, recurrent, acute, and subacute sinusitis
- The symptoms of acute sinusitis (nasal congestion, face pressure or pain, discharge, and impaired sense of smell) continue for fewer than four weeks.
- The symptoms of acute sinusitis persist for four to twelve weeks.
- The symptoms of chronic sinusitis continue for at least 12 weeks. Bacteria are typically to blame.
- Recurrent acute sinusitis symptoms appear four or more times a year and last no longer than two weeks.
Viral and bacterial sinusitis
The majority of sinusitis cases are caused by viruses, such as those that cause common colds. Bacteria can infect you after a viral sinus infection or cause sinusitis. If your runny nose, stuffy nose, and face pain persist after ten days, you may have bacterial sinusitis. The symptoms you have may seem to improve just to return worse than before. Antibiotics and decongestants are commonly used to treat bacterial sinusitis.
Fungal sinusitis
Fungus-caused sinus infections tend to be more severe than other types of sinusitis. They are more prone to occur if your immune system is compromised.
Is sinus infection contagious?
Sinusitis is not communicable. On the other hand, the bacteria and viruses that can cause it are. Remember to wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with others if unwell, and cough or sneeze into your elbow.
