Questions and Answers About Sinus Infection

There are two types of this infection. The acute type (Acute Sinusitis), a short-term illness that usually clears right up when treated with antibiotics and decongestants, and Chronic Sinusitis which results from four or more occurrences of acute sinusitis and may require surgery for treatment.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, reports that sinusitis is considered "to be one of the most expensive disorders in the U.S. and its prevalence is on the rise." Insurance claims for sinusitis treatment topped $5.78 billion in 1996. Imagine what it must be now.

About 35 million Americans, or 1 out of 7, suffer from some form of sinusitis. Symptoms of acute sinusitis include nasal congestion, green nasal discharge, facial and/or dental pain, acute eye pain, headache, and a nightly cough. More severe infections can be accompanied by fever, bad breath and a sore throat. Studies show that there is a correlation between asthma and sinus infections with up to 75% of asthma patients having both.

Chronic sinus symptoms are generally similar but are reoccurring or resist normal treatment.

There are many causes including environmental issues such as air pollution, mold, certain chemicals, food allergies, and colds. A lot of cases of sinus infection occur after a cold because the sinus area has been weakened and the body's immune defense system has been overworked.

Acute conditions are usually treated a 14 day antibiotic regime. Certain oral or spray decongestants also may be prescribed to help reduce the stuffiness that comes with a sinus infection. Chronic sinusitis may require surgery to clean out the infected sinuses and to enlarge the sinus' natural drain holes to provide for better mucus drainage.

Don't suffer the throbbing paid of a sinus infection needlessly. Get to the doctor at the first symptoms and start your treatment.