As we all know, there are two types of sinus infections or sinus diseases – acute sinus infections and chronic sinus infections. While these two have differences in terms of general severity, symptoms and treatments, the overall principle of their causes is the same: something blocks or obstructs the openings of the nasal cavities.

Commonly enough, sinus infection symptoms often start as the common cold, though they could be caused by migraine symptoms, sinus allergy, hay fever, fungi in nasal cavities, polyps in nasal cavities, abnormalities in the sinuses, indoor allergies, and the like. As a rule of thumb, acute sinus infections are more commonly caused by viruses which in turn encourage the growth of bacteria, whereas chronic sinus infections are more associated with physiological problems concerning the nasal and sinus cavities, allergy, and some other seemingly less-likely causes. Such causes include infections and symptoms that are caused by regular diving and/or swimming, infections found in the gums and teeth and impact on any part of the nose.

There are, of course, many other potential causes of sinus infections, and they will all be discussed and featured here. The above mentioned causes will also be further discussed in the articles to be posted in this section. The identification of the symptoms will be detailed here.

Sinus Infection

The sinuses (say: sy-nus-is) are air-filled spaces found in the bones of the head and face. Sinuses start developing before you are born and some of them keep growing until you’re about 20. There are four pairs of sinuses, or eight in all. They are located on either side of the nose in your cheeks, behind and between the eyes, in the forehead, and at the back of the nasal cavity.

Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with a sinus infection may also have a cough, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. Sinusitis is categorized as acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term, the most common type).

Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergens (allergy-causing substances), or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. A viral infection causes damage to the cells of the sinus lining, which leads to inflammation. The lining thickens with fluid that obstructs the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses.

Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a common cold, which is caused by a virus. Colds can inflame your sinuses and cause symptoms of sinusitis. Both the cold and the sinus inflammation usually go away without treatment within 2 weeks. If the inflammation produced by the cold leads to a bacterial infection, however, then this infection is what health experts call acute sinusitis or sinus allergy.

Causes of Sinus Infection

Fungus infection is known to cause sinus infection. Fungi are found profusely in our environment but it is harmless to humans as we have a natural resistance to fungi. But you must beware of the common black mold which we may find in our homes. Black mold can only proliferate in moist and damp areas. These are the areas where natural sunlight cannot reach. If nothing is done and you breathe in these mold spores regularly, your body’s natural immune system could fall drastically.

The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull (behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes) that are lined with mucus membranes. Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other organisms (they are sterile) and are open, allowing mucus to drain and air to circulate.

There are also various kinds of bacteria that can also cause sinus infections. In addition the cilia, which are small hairs in the nasal passages and sinus cavities that help to move mucous out of the nasal area, can get damaged by smoke, lack of humidity or other causes. When this happens the mucous stagnates and becomes a perfect area for bacteria to grow and start an infection. Allergies to food and other substances can also be a cause of food allergies.

Treatment of Sinus Infection

Silver Sinus was developed specifically to address these findings. When you go to a doctor looking for a sinus infection cure, the normal course of action is to prescribe antibiotics.

Sinus surgery may have to be done to clean out the accumulated mucus and infection and to enlarge the drain hole to allow better mucus drainage.

As the sinus infection clears up, the sinus headaches should disappear. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal spray might help you feel better. Use these products only as directed. It may help to drink plenty of fluids as well.