Sinus Infection

Sinus Infection in St. Louis, MO

What Is The First Sign Of A Sinus Infection? 

Sinus Infection in St. Louis, MO

The paranasal sinuses are cavities within the skull which develop as outgrowths from the nose. They participate in the cleaning, warming, and moisturizing of inspired air by producing mucus. For the sinuses to remain healthy, this mucus must drain into the nose (and air must enter the sinuses). If this clearing process (called mucociliary clearance) does not occur then bacteria can propagate within the sinus cavities and invade the lining membranes. This condition is called bacterial rhinosinusitis.

Mechanical blockage to the mucus flow can occur with the common cold, nasal allergies, irritative reactions, and deviation of the nasal septum, nasal/sinus polyps, or tumors. Non-mechanical causes of reduced mucus clearance include abnormalities in the mucous itself such as cystic fibrosis and inadequate number or function of the hair-like fibers (called cilia), which "sweep" the mucus from the sinuses.

The symptoms of bacterial sinusitis include discolored post-nasal discharge, localized facial pain, nasal obstruction, decreased sense of smell and taste, fever, fatigue, halitosis, headache, cough, and pain involving the upper teeth. These symptoms can be confused with those of the "common cold" (URIs) making an accurate diagnosis difficult. Various combinations of symptoms can exist but it is safest to seek medical attention for pain localized to one area of the face, persistently discolored nasal or post-nasal discharge, "cold symptoms" associated with fevers of 101F or greater, or for symptoms lasting for more than 1 week.

Conservative treatment for the "simple cold" include humidification, saline irrigations, over-the-counter mucus-thinning agents (combined with decongestants if there is no medical contraindication for their use), and topical nasal decongestant sprays for 3-5 days. As previously stated, "cold symptoms" lasting more than 1 week require medical attention, as do patients with localized facial pain, persistently discolored nasal or postnasal secretions or those with high fevers. Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor usually relieve sinus symptoms quickly, cure the acute infection, and avoid complications or chronic infection.

Want more information on sinus infection in St. Louis, MO?
Call Dr. Tipu Sultan, MD at (314) 921-5600 to learn more!

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