The individuals who exhibit symptoms related to sinus infection should visit the ENT specialist in Islamabad. Consulting the specialist will help in diagnoses and treatments options that would enable the patient to get better and lower the risk of complications.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is also recognized as a sinus infection. 

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation or swelling on the lining of the sinus tissue. The sinuses produce thin mucus that is normally gets drained out. It helps in keeping the nose to remain clean and free of bacterial growth. However, if it gets blocked and accumulated with fluid, it results in infection.

What are the types of sinusitis?

The different types are:

• Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: The person exhibits symptoms of cold; including, a stuffy nose and headache. The symptoms last for two weeks and are treated with antibiotics.
• Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: In this type, the person experiences the symptoms of sinusitis often, and they last for two weeks.
• Subacute Sinusitis: The symptoms last for four to twelve weeks before the person starts to recover.
• Chronic Sinusitis: The symptoms such as nasal congestion, and facial pain lasts for more than twelve weeks.

What are the common symptoms of sinus infection?

The common symptoms of sinus infection are; pain, swelling near the nose and eyes, headaches, bad breath, headache, fever, yellow mucus, and a blocked nose.

What other complications correlate with a sinus infection?

If the sinusitis prolongs and the person does not take proper treatment, it can lead to other life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis.

What tests help in diagnoses?

The specialist will ask regarding the medical history and carry out a physical examination. Allergy tests can be beneficial for knowing the environmental trigger. Moreover, To determine the severity, the ENT specialist will use an endoscope to check the nasal passages. Also, an MRI helps in the identification of structural problems.

What are the effective treatments available for sinusitis?

• The person suffering from simple sinusitis is prescribed decongestion with increased fluid intake. However, if the symptoms prolong for ten days, the patient is advised to take antibiotics and intranasal steroid sprays.
• Chronic sinusitis is treated with intranasal steroid sprays, topical antihistamine medication, and leukotriene antagonists. The leukotriene antagonists medication help in reducing the swelling.
• If the symptoms prolong and the medication is proven ineffective the options include performing surgical procedures. The surgical options include balloon sinuplasty and endoscopy to remove polyps and scar tissue.

What remedies help ease the discomfort caused by the sinus infection?

The remedies that can be beneficial are:

• Use saltwater or saline solution for rinsing
• Use pillows for sleeping and maintain a posture that allows you to raise your head without adding strain to the back.
• Use warm compressors to reduce the swelling.
• Take ibuprofen for pain and fever
• Prepare steam in a pot, and inhale by covering the face with a towel
• Mix menthol oil with warm water and apply it to the skin
• Increase the intake of water; to eliminate the chances of dehydration
• Use peppers in the food, as they are proven beneficial for unblocking the sinuses.

What preventive measures lower the chances of sinus infection?

The preventive measures include:

• Use of humidifier in winters
• Use saline water when necessary
• Avoid smoking 
• Adequate water intake
• Keep a check on the allergies
• Develop healthy eating habits; would keep the immune system strong.

People should be considerate about their overall health. Sinus infection can cause the person to become irritable and anxious. It is advised to the individuals to consult the ENT specialist in Karachi for diagnoses, managing the symptoms, and opting for suitable treatment.