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Serious Sinus Infections

A serious sinus infection can stem from a viral or bacterial infection of the sinus tissues in the nasal passages. While often a sinus infection is a minor issue and lasts only a few days, left unattended it can turn into a serious infection that can result not only in painful symptoms, but potentially even brain damage and death. Very often, a simple sinus infection can be treated at home, but if symptoms progress, help from a doctor should be enlisted.

  1. Serious Sinus Infection

    • Serious sinus infections often start out as minor sinus infections. According to eMedicineHealth, the tissues of the sinuses become inflamed and swollen. This results in mucus building up and secreting from the sinus membranes. Generally, minor sinus infections last only approximately seven to 10 days. However, serious sinus infections can last up to eight or 10 weeks. Chronic sinus infections can occur several times a year and last more than 20 days per incident.

    Serious vs. Regular Sinus Infections

    • Minor, regular sinus infections are of shorter duration than serious sinus infections. In many instances, according to eMedicineHealth, what may start out as a minor sinus infection may turn into a serious infection if left undiagnosed and untreated. This can be potentially serious, since an infection in the lobes of the sinus cavity can lead to high fevers, convulsions, eye infections, altered consciousness, personality changes and even death.

    Causes

    • According to eMedicineHealth, the tissues of the sinuses are lined with small hairs that sweep various pollens, bacteria, viruses and foreign materials away from the sinuses and air cavities. However, on occasion serious sinus infections are caused by allergens and pollutants that block the passages of the sinus cavities. This allows bacteria and viruses to remain in the air cavities and multiply and grow. As a result, a minor sinus infection can surface and without treatment it may turn into a serious infection.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of serious sinus infections are easy to recognize. According to eMedicineHealth, a serious sinus infection may start with a mild to moderate fever, sneezing and a mild headache. However, if treatment for the infection is not obtained, the symptoms can become increasingly distressing, including higher fevers, substantial headaches, eye infections, thick mucus from the sinus passages and eyes, changes in normal consciousness, personality changes, convulsions and seizures and potentially even death.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for serious sinus infections includes both self care and medications prescribed by a doctor. According to eMedicineHealth, self care includes drinking a great deal of fluids, including water and tea or broth. Also, inhaling steam helps thin out the mucus membrane and allows for easier breathing. A doctor may prescribe an expectorant cough syrup to help thin out the mucus in the sinus and help it be coughed out of the lungs. Also, a doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic for the infection if it is bacterial. A viral infection, however, will not be responsive to an antibiotic medication.

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