Sinus infections: What are the symptoms of sinus infection? What causes it? And most importantly, how can you get rid of it?

You know the feeling. It’s hard to breathe through your nose. Your face hurts. You have a fever. Your breath stinks (or so you are told). You feel tenderness or pain in your eyes, your nose, cheeks or forehead. Your throat is sore. Unfortunately for you, you may have sinusitis (sinus infection.)

What causes your sinuses to become infected?

These infections are normally the result of viral influenza, the common cold. Colds cause your nasal passages to become congested, blocking the drainage.

White blood cells accumulate in the lining of the nose. White blood cells in the blood are what fight infections in the body. Those lining the nose have completed their mission, and are waiting to be flushed out by the nose’s flowing mucous (runny nose). But the swollen sinuses hold these polluted white cells inside the sinuses, causing infection.

Exposure to pollen or dust can also infect your sinuses. If you have an accumulation of these in your nasal passages, it hinders your mucous from draining. Trapped bacteria or viruses can multiply in this environment, causing sinus infection.

Is there a sinus infection remedy?

Left untreated, a sinus infection can last for 3 months of more. See a doctor if you think you have sinusitis, especially if you suffer chronically from it. He or she can determine what is behind your infection, and treat it.

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