I recently found out that I have a sinus infection, but had no idea what it was until I went to the doctor. I'd like to share a bit of what I've learned, and hopefully save some from unnecessary worry & pain. Sinus infections are known in the medical world as sinusitis and are characterized as infections in the nasal cavities.
I ended up going to the doctor only because my husband and I were really starting to worry. I'd been having really intense headaches for at least 2 weeks, and then I started getting dizzy spells.
My worst fear was that I had something really serious, like a brain tumor. I really didn't think that would be the case, but then does that mean I'm a hypochondriac?
I'm generally in very good health. My doctor told me to never discount what your body tells you. If you feel like there's something not quite right, don't just ignore it.
Sinus infections are sometimes rather difficult to diagnose, especially without any medical training. So here are some common symptoms of a sinus infection:
* Persistent headaches that won't go away or that keep coming back. Just taking Tylenol or Advil may only mask the headache, or may not even help at all.
* A stuffy or runny nose that can also lead to drainage in the back of the throat.
* Pain in teeth or cheeks
* Pressure around the nose, under the eyes, or behind the forehead.
* Reduced sense of smell and taste
* Nausea or lack of appetite
There are also three kinds of sinus infections: bacterial, viral, and fungal.
The most common & usually the most easily treated is bacterial. Antibiotics are most often prescribed if the infection doesn't clear up on it's own.
Neither viral nor fungal infections can be helped up with antibiotics. Viral infections often develop very quickly and will usually clear up on their own within a week or two. If the infections won't clear up on their own, surgery could be required.
There are also two types of sinusitis: acute & chronic. Acute infections come on quickly while chronic infections are long term and never completely go away.
No matter what, if you think you may have a sinus infection contact your doctor. They may have you wait a few days to come in, but it's best to let them know at the onset of your symptoms.
