If your sinuses get clogged and inflamed, you have a sinus infection. It may follow a cold or be caused by allergies, structural problems (like a deviated septum) or even certain drugs. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, pressure and congestion. Antibiotics can also help if the infection is bacterial.축농증치료잘하는곳
It’s hard for providers to tell whether your sinus infection is a virus or bacterial based on symptoms alone, but they do look at the duration of your symptoms and other factors. Most viral infections improve in 5 days to a week and don’t need antibiotics. However, if your symptoms last longer, it’s likely that you have a bacterial infection. If you do have a bacterial sinus infection, it’s important to take your antibiotics as directed and finish the entire prescription to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the medicine.
A healthcare provider can usually diagnose a sinus infection by taking a history of your symptoms and looking inside your nose with a small, lighted instrument called an endoscope. They might also use a computed tomography (CT) scan to see what’s happening in your sinuses. A CT scan creates images of your sinuses and helps identify areas with blockage or swelling.
Over-the-counter medications can ease symptoms until your sinus infection clears up. Try pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, and decongestant drops or nasal sprays. You can also irrigate your sinuses daily by running water into your nostrils using a special squeeze bottle or “neti pot” (see ‘First line of defense: Nasal irrigation’ below). Drink lots of fluids to thin mucus and keep your nose moist.
Many cases of sinusitis are caused by uncontrolled allergies. If yours are, you may need allergy testing and medicines to manage them, such as antihistamines and steroid sprays or pills. They can also prescribe a long-term allergy treatment, known as immunotherapy, to gradually make you less sensitive to your triggers.
Chronic sinusitis can also be caused by environmental irritants such as secondhand smoke, molds, dust mites and pet dander. Other causes of chronic sinusitis include nasal polyps, a weakened immune system and structural problems within the sinuses.
The best way to keep your sinuses healthy is to avoid those triggers. You can minimize your exposure to secondhand smoke and allergens by staying away from smokers, and you can also protect yourself against environmental irritants by keeping your windows closed and vacuuming regularly. You can also reduce the risk of a sinus infection by getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu shot. It’s also important to stay hydrated, avoid foods that can aggravate your sinuses and exercise often.라경찬한의원