How is a Chronic Sinus Infection Caused?

It is not unusual for many people to develop sinus infections once or twice a year. The body’s natural defenses do a good job at protecting itself against bacterial infections but there are some who suffer from chronic sinus infection against which some more aggressive measures may be needed. To be considered chronic, sinus infection symptoms will last more than eight weeks, will be present four or more times a year and often each episode will last longer than 20 days.

The human body has four main air-filled sinus cavities that help reduce the weight of the skull as well as allow the voice to pass through. All of the cavities are open to developing chronic sinus infection, and the symptoms may help determine which of them are affected. The frontal sinuses, located in the forehead and the ethmoid sinuses, located between the eyes are typically the ones that present symptoms of acute sinus infections, those that come on quickly and are often short lived.

The maxillary sinuses located behind the cheek bones often can feel as though they are under pressure and the sphenoid sinuses behind the eyes can produce short-term headaches, often treated with pain relieving medication. Some of the symptoms of a chronic sinus infection are a recurring headache in any of these areas, a persistent cough, recurring fever and bad breath.

Untreated Infections Can Have Deadly Results

If a person is suffering from chronic sinus infection they should consult their physician not only for relief from the constant headaches that often accompany the ailment, but also because the infection can spread from the sinus cavities and work its way into the brain. Left untreated, this can lead to the potential for personality changes, loss of consciousness, visual problems, coma and even death.

Acute sinusitis will usually disappear in about ten days, but if the associated headaches, stuffiness in the head and nose, as well as drainage, persist longer than the expected 10 days, it is wise to contact a physician to enssure nothing more serious emanates from the chronic sinus infection symptoms.

Drinking plenty of liquids as well as the use of steam has been helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of a chronic sinus infection but it may be necessary for medical intervention in order to stop the destruction of the mucus membranes as well as to eliminate the infection, promote drainage of accumulated fluid and restore open sinus cavities.