Sinus symptoms

Sinusitis is an infection in which the sinus cavities inside the face become inflamed. This inflammation can be brought on by viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. Since the sinuses are filled with air, the inflammation can choke the cavities and block them with mucous.


These cavities are located inside the skull, right behind the forehead, cheeks, eyes and the nose. Each of the sinus cavities is lined with mucus membranes. When these membranes are infected, they become inflamed and are thus painful. When the sinus cavities become inflamed and blocked with mucus, air is not able to circulate through them.

The blocked mucus cavities allow more germs and bacteria to grow within them, further complicating the condition.
Sinus symptoms are usually seen a few days after the sinus cavities begin to swell. Acute sinus symptoms can be seen almost as soon as the condition occurs. Acute sinusitis can occur due to allergic infections or infections in the upper respiratory tract. In this kind of sinus infection, the symptoms may last for about four weeks. In chronic sinusitis, which is usually caused by a bacteria, virus or any other underlying condition, the sinus symptoms may last for three months or even more.

Sinus conditions cause a lot of pressure in the cavities. Some of the sinus pressure symptoms can be felt as headaches, migraines, and pain behind the eyes. Some of the common acute sinus infection symptoms in adults include loss of smell, worsening cough which is especially bad at night, bad breath, fatigue and general malaise, sore throat, persistent headaches, post nasal drip, and discharge from the nose. The sinus symptoms in children are slightly different. Though most of the sinus symptoms in children and adults are the same, children tend to experience the symptoms a little more mildly. Children may experience cold as first of the sinus congestion symptoms. There is high fever along with respiratory illness. Nasal discharge is often present and one may not find immediate relief from the same.

Among the other sinus pressure symptoms, dizziness could be one. In case of severe sinus congestion, you may feel dizzy and disoriented as well. Some sinus relief home remedies could be used to help treat the sinus condition. Most of these home remedies for sinus infections are a lot like those of nasal congestion. For sinus symptoms that include nausea, a change in diet may be required. Drinking of a lot of fluids, especially warm fluids, can help keep the sinus symptoms at bay. For sinus treatment during pregnancy, a diet rich in vitamin C, lots of warm fluids like chicken soup, and the use of dehumidifiers all over the house can be beneficial.

If the sinus symptoms are worse at night, you will need to install humidifiers in the room where you sleep. Humidifiers can help decongest the sinus cavities. You can also bring in sinus relief by working on the various sinus pressure points. Simply apply a warm compress on the areas around the sinus pressure points to relieve the pressure. The hot compress will also allow the mucous in the sinus cavities to loosen up. Inhaling steam and discharging the loosened mucous before going to bed can help you keep the symptoms of sinusitis alleviated at night.

Avoid alcohol when you have a sinusitis infection. Keep yourself protected from cold air and also avoid flying as it can be very painful. Protect yourself from sudden changes in temperature. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics or any other medications, take those regularly to keep healthy. Also avoid smoke and pollutants as they can cause complications in an already existing sinus condition.