Some people find that their sinus infections become more frequent during the winter months. | PxHere.com
Some people find that their sinus infections become more frequent during the winter months. | PxHere.com
Everyone knows that stuffy noses are uncomfortable, especially when you're trying to sleep and can't breathe through your nose.
Congestion is typically caused by inflammation in the sinuses. Those hollow, air-filled cavities can become inflamed by a variety of irritants, including viruses, bacteria or even fungi, according to Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers in Pensacola.
Symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal discharge and postnasal drip, congestion, headache and facial pain can be caused by sinus inflammation. Left untreated, inflammation can become an infection, also known as sinusitis.
When acute sinusitis is diagnosed, "antibiotics are always the first treatment," Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free told the Pensacola Times. "That treatment approach may work initially, but it loses efficacy if used repeatedly. It may not work the third or fourth or the fifth or the sixth time because the bacteria in your sinuses have been really taught how to avoid those antibiotics through biologic processes.”
Antibiotic resistance is also a risk if antibiotics are taken too often, Blair said, leading to the need for increasingly stronger antibiotics.
He also noted antibiotics may be less effective "because the blood supply to the sinuses isn't that great. I find that sinuses are better treated when people with chronic sinusitis use nasal sinus irrigation with antibiotics in it.”
Of course, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, as the old saying goes.
Experts advise taking simple steps to avoid catching colds, which can then lead sinus infections, including frequent hand-washing, especially before eating or after being outside. Reduce the amount of irritants in your home by regularly cleaning carpets, rugs, curtains, pillows and other soft surfaces that can trap germs and allergens. Inspect your home for mold, and bathe and groom pets regularly to cut down on pet dander. Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air, and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
If you're interested in evaluating your sinus symptoms and are considering seeing a doctor, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.
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