The inflammation of one or all of the sinus cavities is termed as sinusitis. The inflammation, in turn, causes the sinus and even the nasal cavities to constrict so that the mucus cannot drain properly. This environment is very inviting for bacteria to proliferate and invade the sinus cavities. This is the beginning of an acute sinus infection. Usually, the signs and symptoms of sinus infections include

• nasal congestion

• production of a yellowish to green mucopurulent nasal discharge

• post-nasal drip

• facial pain

• sinus headaches

With prompt treatment, sinus infections typically resolve, but of course, recurrence is always a possibility.

When All Hell Breaks Loose

Unfortunately, there are rare cases of sinus infections that are not given appropriate medical attention and are allowed to persist despite the worsening of symptoms. On these occasions, the infection, which at first is just localized in the sinus cavities, begins to spread to nearby tissues or organs, causing severe damage or even life-threatening conditions such as inflammation of the eyelids; loss of smell and taste; damage to the nasal septum; ear infection and dizziness (if the infection spreads to the middle ear); and meningitis.

Don’t Let the Bad Guys Win!

Be assured though, that such life-threatening complications are rare. Remember that they are only likely to result from severe sinus infections that are left untreated. The key therefore, is to fight back and not to allow the infection to persist. By fighting back, it doesn’t even always have to mean giving your sinus infection aggressive medical treatment. In fact, some experts believe that improper treatment, for instance, immediately treating the infection with powerful broad spectrum antibiotics, can possibly lead to more harm than good because this action promotes bacterial drug resistance. At best, it is ideal to treat the infection as soon as possible or even before it starts. For example, if you know that your bouts with the common colds often progress to sinus infections, treat the colds pronto! Load up on water, lots of fruits and Vitamin C to boost your immune system. If the sinus infection finds its way anyway, try nasal irrigation with saline solution to wash off excess mucus and bacteria. You can also try steam inhalation with some slices of either onion, garlic or mint leaves.

If these home-based treatments don’t clear off your sinuses in a few days, it’s high time you consult your doctor for the proper medications to take. Some of them would probably be in the form of tablets or capsules; or metered nasal sprays.

Another route of administration for medications is through nebulized sinus treatments. Some compounding pharmacies, such as Sinus Dynamics, specialize in customizing various types of sinus medications so that they can be given to the client through nebulized sinus rather than orally or through sprays. Sinus Dynamics also manufactures its own line of nebulizers, such as the SinusAero. Through nebulized sinus, the medication is directly administered to the affected sinus cavities much faster than oral medications. In addition, the ultra fine mist particles are able to penetrate through the distant ends of the nasal and sinus cavities, better than the bigger particles produced through usual metered dose nasal sprays. You can ask your doctor on the other advantages of nebulized sinus technique.