We’ve all felt the pain of a sinus infection. The throbbing pressure, postnasal drip and congestion are just a few of the aggravating symptoms that we’re all familiar with. Most people get over their infection within a week or so, but for some of us it never stops. That week turns into a month, sometimes longer, and it seems as soon as they get better it comes right back. This is known as a chronic sinus infection, and while the symptoms are similar to an acute sinus infection, they can be much worse. In some cases they can lead to serious complications if they’re not treated properly. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between an acute infection and a chronic infection.

Acute Sinusitis VS Chronic Sinusitis:

As mentioned before, an acute sinus infection will last 7 to 10 days, and is normally triggered by a cold or the flu. Acute sinusitis is commonly caused by a cold or the flu, when bacteria become trapped within the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Thick greenish-yellow discharge is a sign of an acute sinus infection.

A chronic sinus infection can last up to 12 weeks or longer. It is normally caused by a pre-existing condition such as allergic rhinitis, or recurrent acute infections. Symptoms are typically much more severe in the case of a chronic sinus infection, and they include:

• Clear, thin discharge

• Extreme pressure and congestion

• Headaches, especially when leaning forward or bending over

• Halitosis (bad breath)

• Pain in the teeth and jaw

• Postnasal drip

Treatment is essential:

When it comes to chronic sinusitis, treatment is essential due to the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the head and body. The infection can spread to the ears, causing temporary (and sometimes permanent) hearing loss as well as the eyes which could lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to the brain and spinal cord, which could be fatal.

While no one wants to live with the pain and aggravation associated with chronic sinusitis, it still must be said that you seek medical attention immediately to assist you in fighting the infection. Your doctor can prescribe you medication, or in some cases they will refer you to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat doctor) to receive sinus surgery.

Other options for treatment:

While both oral medications and sinus surgery have their advantages, they are not always the most effective in eliminating infection especially in the case of chronic sinusitis. Oral medications are intravenous, meaning that they work through the blood. Due to the limited blood flow to the sinus cavities, it is difficult for medication to reach the infected tissue. Sinus surgery provides immediate relief; however it does not fight the infection itself, leaving you vulnerable to recurrent infections.

Many pharmacies have been making waves treating sinusitis and other sinus problems with topical treatments that are extremely effective in fighting infection as well as preventing future outbreaks. One pharmacy in particular, Sinus Dynamics, offers three different treatment options as well as specially compounded medications that can be prescribed by your doctor, and delivered to your doorstep within 3 business days. These treatments not only help eliminate the need for surgery, but they reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. The nebulized treatments they offer have shown an 82.9% success rate, with patients giving a "good or excellent" response (according to a clinical study).

If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are interested in the treatment options that Sinus Dynamics provides, please visit them online at http://www.sinusdynamics.com/ or by call them, toll-free, at 1-877-447-4276.