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Severe Sinus Infection

A severe sinus Infection is the inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection is also occasionally called sinusitis. These infections are fairly common, especially for those with severe allergies.

  1. Type of Sinuses

    • There are four main groups of sinuses in the body--the frontal sinuses in the forehead, the maxillary sinuses behind the cheek bones, the ethmoid sinuses between the eyes and the sphenoid sinuses behind the eyes.

    Causes

    • Severe sinus infections can be caused by asthma, allergies, or immune system deficiencies, such as HIV. A sinus infection can also be caused by a previous sickness, like a virus in the upper respiratory tract or fungal disease that causes excess mucus.

    Symptoms

    • The major symptoms include headaches, pain in the face and neck (around the sinus glands), heavy mucus draining, yellow mucus discharge, sore throat, and sometimes, fever.

    At-Home Solutions

    • Severe sinus infection symptoms can be relieved inhaling steam in a bathroom or over a steaming pot of water for 10 minutes to loosen up mucus. This promotes drainage. Over the counter decongestants and pain relievers will help relieve inflammation and lessen pain.

    Medical Solutions

    • Medical care should be sought for severe sinus infections. In most cases, a doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing the infection. A doctor may also prescribe or recommend an over the counter chest expectorant to loosen up any mucus.

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