Chronic Sinus
Infection
Sinuses or cavities are present near the
bones of the nose. The nostrils are connected to the nose
through four pairs of sinuses. Air and mucus drain out of
the sinuses. An inflammation of these sinuses is known as
sinusitis. And an inflammation that lasts for a long
duration, say more than a month or so, and is recurrent
is referred to as a chronic sinus infection.
Allergies and infections cause sinusitis. Chronic sinus
infection, though less common than an acute sinus infection,
causes damage to the tissues that are there in the sinuses. The
symptoms of such an infection can last anywhere between three
months to even an year, at recurring intervals.
The symptoms of chronic sinus infection, as mentioned earlier,
are more or less the same as of acute sinusitis, the only
difference being that they last for a longer duration. These
include pain around the eyes and the nose, severe headache,
pain in the jaws, a thick yellowish discharge from the nose,
cough and, in some cases, fever.
The diagnosis of a severe sinus infection may begin with the
technique most commonly used by physicians, known as
percussion. It involves light tapping on the face over the area
covered by the sinuses. Trans-illumination may also be used.
The core principle behind this technique is the fact that a
normal sinuses glows under light. So, if it does not glow when
light is put on it, it isan indication of a sinus infection. In
addition to these,x-rays, CT Scans and MRIs of the skull may
also be done to view the existence and extent of the
infection.
The treatment of chronic sinus infections is aimed at curing
the symptoms and, thereby, the infection. The treatment can
vary depending on the type of infection. For instance, for a
bacterial infection, antibiotics may be given. Decongestants,
nasal sprays, pain killers may also be given. And, in case none
of the above symptoms prove effective, a surgery can be
resorted to.
Thus, it can be concluded that though it takes a longer time,
chronic sinus infections can be cured. However, one thing needs
to be kept in mind - if not treated properly, it can
relapse!
You have everything
to gain and nothing to lose.


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