Staphylococcus Aureus Sinus Infections

Sinus infection may be caused by a virus or bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, known as a staph infection, is a tenacious bacterial infection, particularly when it targets the sinuses. There are more than 30 different types of Staphylococci bacteria, and aureus is responsible for a majority of infections in human beings, according to MedicineNet.

Considerations

• Sinus infections may be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis generally lasts no more than eight weeks. Chronic infections last longer than eight weeks and may occur more than four times each year. Acute sinusitis is most often the result of a viral infection, reports WebMD.

Identification

• Staphylococcus aureus is one of the bacteria that may appear in chronic sinusitis. Penicillin is effective on less than 10 percent of staph infections, says MayoClinic.com. A culture of the infection may be required to determine which antibiotic is the best choice.

Prevention/Solution

• A drainage procedure in addition to antibiotic treatment may be beneficial in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus sinus infections, according to MedicineNet. This procedure requires surgery under general anesthesia to drain the blocked sinuses.

Symptoms

• Chronic sinus infections require taking antibiotics for a longer period of time than treatment for acute sinusitis, says Merck Manual Home Edition. Symptoms may include postnasal drip, nasal obstruction and colored discharge (see Resources).

Warning

• See your health care provider as soon as suspected symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus sinus infection arise. Look for fever or facial pain and swelling. A computerized tomography scan or MRI may be performed to determine the extent of sinus involvement.