What time of year do sinus infections occur?
What time of year do sinus infections occur?
Fall is a common time of year for sinus infections due to types of seasonal pollen like ragweed, HVAC systems and the start to school, where viruses are more easily passed from one person to another. Allergies cause sinus infections by increasing inflammation and swelling inside the nose.
Why do my sinuses bother me in the winter?
Drier air – The air you breathe in is usually less humid in the winter. This is especially true if you are indoors with the heat running, and breathing in dry air dries out your sinuses and can make existing sinus problems worse.
Why do my sinuses hurt in the winter?
Changes to air pressure with the drop in temperature can also alter the pressure within these air-filled cavities of your skull, leading to that ache or sensation of increased pressure in the sinuses. When it gets cold outside, we like to stay inside.
When does a sinus infection become chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment.
How to ease the symptoms of a sinus infection?
Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive care: 1 Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. 2 Use a nasal decongestant such as Afrin ®, but not longer than three days. 3 Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. 4 Get plenty of rest.
How long does a Viral sinus infection last?
A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days. Some steps you can take
When to see a doctor for a sinus infection?
If your symptoms aren’t improving after one week, it’s important to see your doctor. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, you’ll probably need to take an antibiotic to clear up the infection and prevent further complications. Note: Antibiotics won’t help a viral infection, and taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good.
How long do the symptoms of a sinus infection last?
Cold symptoms tend to get steadily worse, peaking at 3–5 days, then gradually get better. Sinus infections may last 10 days or more. Some symptoms are more likely to be caused by sinusitis than
Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive care: 1 Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. 2 Use a nasal decongestant such as Afrin ®, but not longer than three days. 3 Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. 4 Get plenty of rest.
Can a sinus infection be caused by a common cold?
The first few weeks of the common cold aren’t fun, but the acute sinusitis that can pop up afterwards doesn’t help either. Sinus congestion and the common cold, unfortunately, go hand in hand. Acute sinusitis frequently is caused by the common cold, but also can be caused by allergies and bacterial and fungal infections.
What does it mean when you have a fever with a sinus infection?
A fever is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection. Some people develop a fever with a sinus infection. Other symptoms associated with fever include chills, exhaustion, and muscle aches. 7. Brightly colored mucus Viruses, bacteria, or fungus in the mucus can change its color.