Sinus infections

Symptoms of sinusitis include pain and pressure in the head and face along with a stuffy or blocked nose. Other symptoms include drainage from the nose or down the back of the throat, a reduced sense of smell, ear pain, and tooth pain. Children often also have a cough.

Treatment depends on if you have acute or chronic sinusitis. A steroid nose spray along with a saline nose wash may relieve your symptoms. If needed, over-the-counter medicine can help with pain and pressure. If you have a bacterial infection, you may also get antibiotics. Other medicines may also be used. Surgery may be needed when sinusitis is chronic or severe and doesn't get better with medicines.

There are several ways you may reduce your chance of getting sinusitis.

• Treat stuffiness (nasal congestion) caused by colds or allergies promptly. This can help you prevent an infection from developing in your sinuses.
• Avoid contact with people who have colds and other upper respiratory infections.
• Wash your hands often if you have contact with people who have colds or infections.
• Avoid cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke in your home and workplace.

Smoke causes and further irritates inflamed membranes in your nose and sinuses.

• Avoid the things that trigger your allergy attacks if you have allergies.

  Consider talking to your doctor about immunotherapy, such as allergy shots.

• Avoid breathing dry air.

Consider using a humidifier at home and work to increase the moisture in the air. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse swelling, redness, or pain in your face or around one or both of your eyes.
• You have double vision or a change in your vision.
• You have a high fever.
• You have a severe headache and a stiff neck.
• You have mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You are not getting better as expected.