Sinus infections are common sinus disorders that lead to pain and physical discomfort. The apparent signs of an infection include cold and several other symptoms like headache. What causes sinus infection? Before delving into that, let us have a look at what exactly is sinusitis and what are its symptoms.
Sinuses are cavities near the bones of the nose. Sinusities is a condition that arises due to the trapping of mucus and dry air in the sinuses because of inflammation of the nasal membrane.
The symptoms of a sinus infection include severe headache, tenderness around eyes and nose, often accompanied by fever, cough and cold and a discharge from the nose. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting a few weeks, chronic, lasting more than eight weeks or recurring, three to four times a year.
The sinuses serve the crucial function of protecting the skull. They act as a shield for the skull. Sinuses also make the skull lighter. They lend the voice its characteristic ability to echo. Four pairs of sinuses exist linking the nostrils to the nasal membrane. An inflammation of the nasal lining, consisting of the sinuses, is what causes a sinus infection. An inflammation of all the four pairs of sinuses gives rise to a condition called pan-sinusitis.
The common cold is perhaps one of the most common causes of a sinus infection. Due to cold, a congestion is caused in the nasal membrane which prevents the sinuses from evacuating mucus. This leads to an inflammation of the sinuses.
Other causes of sinus infection include flying, scuba diving and even the condition of pregnancy. Flying and scuba diving lead to pressure changes, thereby, leading to sinusitis. Similarly, during pregnancy, hormonal changes occur which can give rise to sinus infections. The people who are asthmatic are also prone to sinusitis.
The treatment for a sinus infection includes antibiotics, use of nasal sprays, inhaling steam from a vaporizer, intaking hot fluids, applying a paste of cinnamon with water, or ginger with milk, or basil leaves mixed with cloves and dried ginger.
If the problem still persists, consulting a doctor is preferable. Whatever the causes of sinus infection are, prevention remains the best cure against all!
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