What Are the Main Types of Sinus Infections?

There are several types of sinus infections that you should be familiar with. Keep reading to learn more about these symptoms and treatment options.

As many as 28.9 million adults suffer from sinusitis. People who suffer from such always expect to be congested and in pain.

Even temporary sinus infections can ruin your plans and bring on headaches and other terrible symptoms. Sinus comes from several infections. These infections trigger sinusitis anytime, whether you’re ready or not.

Keep reading to see the different types of sinus infections so you know what you can do.

Let’s get started!

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a type of sinus infection that is typically short but can be quite severe. Symptoms may include facial pain and pressure, a fever, a thick, yellow, or green discharge from the nose, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and pain relief.

In some cases, a surgical procedure may be needed to drain the sinuses. A sinus augmentation is a surgical procedure that is used to treat sinus infections by increasing the size of the sinuses. This procedure is typically performed when the sinuses are blocked or obstructed and cannot be effectively treated with medication.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a type of sinus infection that is characterized by persistent inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. This inflammation can cause the sinuses to become blocked, leading to difficulty breathing and other symptoms. Chronic sinusitis is often resistant to treatment and can last for weeks or months.

Subacute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a sinus infection that lasts for four weeks or less. However, subacute sinusitis lasts for four to eight weeks. This type of sinus infection is often caused by a common cold, that has not gone away.

Bacteria can also cause subacute sinusitis if the viruses damage the sinuses, allowing bacteria to grow. Symptoms of subacute sinusitis are similar to those of acute sinusitis, and can include:

  • facial pain
  • pressure
  • nasal congestion
  • thick mucus
  • reduced sense of smell

Treatment for subacute sinusitis is typical with antibiotics, decongestants, and pain relievers.

Viral Sinusitis

Viral sinusitis is a type of sinus infection that is caused by a virus. It is the most common type of sinus infection and is usually mild and goes away on its own.

However, some people can develop a more severe form of viral sinusitis that requires treatment. Symptoms of viral sinusitis include:

  • runny nose
  • congestion
  • sneezing
  • facial pain

There are many different viral sinusitis treatment options available. Some of the most common include:

  • decongestants
  • antihistamines
  • mucolytics
  • steroids

These options can help to relieve the symptoms of viral sinusitis, but they will not cure the underlying infection. In most cases, the infection will eventually resolve on its own.

Know the Types of Sinus Infections and Go for a Treatment

There are four types of sinus infections; acute sinusitis, subacute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, and viral sinusitis. Understanding the types and their symptoms can help you easily go for treatment.

If you think you have a sinus infection, see your doctor. Treatment will depend on the type of sinus infection that you have.

Should you wish to explore some more articles aside from these types and sinus infection symptoms, explore the rest of our blog.

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