Normally, sinuses are filled with air but when one has a severe cold , the sinuses get blocked and are then filled with liquid. Bacteria loves to grow in moist places and from these one gets a sinus infection called sinusitis. It may be difficult for an individual to know if they have a cold or sinusitis as the symptoms are usually very similar. One way to distinguish the two is that a cold usually lasts for one week. If one has a thick and smelly nasal discharge, congestion, headaches that last for more than one week, then they may have sinusitis. In how to get rid of a sinus infection, one should know what causes the infection so as to take preventative measures and avoid a recurrence.
Colds, allergies, pollutants, smoking, nasal polyps and rhinitis are all causes of a sinus infection. If not treated, the infection can last for weeks. Viral and bacterial infections destroy the cells that line the sinuses which then leads to inflammation. The lining swells blocking the nasal passage that links to the sinuses. This disrupts the normal cleansing process that clears bacteria in the nasal passages. The bacterium multiplies and invades the sinuses and this produces the symptoms of the infection.
Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis cause acute sinusitis while Staphylococcus aureus cause chronic sinusitis. Fungi are also big contributors of continuous sinus infections. In how to get rid of a sinus infection , one can use over the counter medicines but they should be handled with care as they contain chemicals that can have some serious side effects. If one smokes, then they should do whatever they can to stop smoking as it destroys the lining of the nasal passage and causes enlargement of the mucus membranes.
There are some home remedies that can ease the symptoms and get rid of the infection. Drinking plenty of water and hot tea hydrates the nasal passage which is usually dry following the infection. Spreading one’s face over steam can help clear the nasal passages and congestion.
A doctor may be able to prescribe antibiotics that can get rid of the infection. These prescribed medicines usually get rid of the underlying bacteria and the symptoms associated with the infection may disappear shortly after. The doctor may also prescribe antihistamines and decongestants.