Sinus Infections & Stress

More than 35 million Americans suffer from sinus infections every year according to www.ent-consult.com. Sinus infections can be caused by different variables such as the common cold, allergies or a weakened immune system. The sinus cavity is very sensitive and can easily become irritated by environmental issues and stress. The sinuses are one of the first places to respond to a weakened immune system with congestion, drainage and nasal discharge.

Facts

• The sinuses are a large empty space located in the center of the face, behind the nose and eyes. When an individual's immune system is weakened by stress, the sinus cavity can become irritated, leading to severe congestion and swelling. If the swelling persists, air passages are cut off and the potential for infection to set in is likely. Stress is the leading cause of a weakened immune system, coupled with lack of sleep.

Symptoms

• The common symptoms of a sinus infection associated with stress are a runny nose, thick, yellow mucus, sinus pressure, headache and fever. The infection can also cause pain in the ears and the lower part of the neck. Other symptoms are brain fog, which impairs the mind to think clearly and accurately. Some people feel extremely tired when they have a sinus infection because of the pressure on the back of the eyes.

Prevention/Solution

• The best prevention and solution to a sinus infection caused by stress is to strengthen the immune system. The individual must cut out stressful events in his or her life, eat a balanced diet, drink at least six, 8-oz. of water a day and get a least eight hours of sleep a night. Rest is one of the best ways to help your body heal itself and rebuild areas that have been worn out. Taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement will also benefit your body by providing the essential nutrition to keep you healthy.

Treatment

• The most common treatment for sinus infections is prescription antibiotics. Antibiotics kill all the bacteria in the body and typically cure the infection. This treatment may be coupled with an over-the-counter decongestant and mucus expeller to reduce swelling in the sinus cavity and rid the body of excessive mucus. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated and the mucus thin and easily expelled.

Complications

• If a sinus infection goes untreated it can develop into a more complex issue. The infection can spread into the ears, eyes and even the brain creating an upper-respiratory infection. If the infection escalates to certain level, an individual may have to be treated in a hospital with large amounts of antibiotics.