Viral Sinusitis Symptoms


What is a Viral Sinusitis Infection?

A virus is defined as any group of submicroscopic entities consisting of a single nucleic acid chain surrounded by a protein coat and capable of replication only within cells of living organisms; many are pathogenic. Most cases of sinusitis are viral and are caused by the common cold. Sinusitis, like bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections are viral and resolve in one to two weeks. Nasal discharge of viral sinusitis is clear, unlike the nasal discharge from a bacterial infection. Most sinusitis bacterial infections also resolve within one to two weeks but infections like Strep are typically treated with antibiotics to prevent heart disease, fever, and kidney disease. During a sinusitis infection, the cilia which are small hairs in the nasal passageways cannot perform their function of removing the debris that is blocked inside the sinus cavity. When bacteria get into the sinus cavities, they attack the swelling of the cavity lining, causing more inflammation. There are many conditions that contribute to the onset of a sinusitis infection such as:

  • the common cold
  • allergic rhinitis
  • nasal polyps
  • a deviated septum.

During the course of an infection or immune system reaction in the sinus passages the open airways can become filled with germs. In addition, the sinuses can fill with mucus as a histamine reaction or white blood cell response. It is during the course of an infection in the sinus passages that sinusitis infection develops. The sinus infection necessarily causes swelling and inflammation in the sinus cavity lining. In addition, when the bacteria or other pathogens attack the sinus cavity opening to the extent that the sinus cavity is sealed shut this is the onset of a sinusitis infection. The existing swelling of the sinus cavity walls caused by a cold or allergy set the stage for the bacteria in the infection to further attack the already swollen cavity walls, causing greater inflammation.

Risk Factors

Risk factors that contribute to developing sinusitis include but are not limited to: regular exposure to pollutants, allergy or have fever, a deviated septum, medical conditions such as GERD, cystic fibrosis, HIV, (or any antibody disorder), as well as some rare genetic disorders such as Young’s Syndrome. Treatment of viral sinusitis symptoms will likely also include antihistamines and antibiotics as the sinusitis infection tends to develop a secondary infection do the environmental factors predisposing the patient to infection e.g wet sinus passages. Prophylactic treatment is frequently utilized with sinusitis as well as decongestants and antihistamines to reduce mucus production and decrease swollen sinus cavity membranes. The blockage of foreign debris of bacteria, fungi or virus triggers excess mucus production in the sinus cavities and inflammation due to the pathogens attacking the sinus cavity openings. When the sinus cavity openings are attacked this leads to a more serious sinus infection.

Is Viral Sinusitis Contagious?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses caused by a blockage in the sinus cavity that stem from the presence of foreign debris in the sinus passages. A virus is contagious so exposure to the virus could cause infection. Hand washing and cleanliness to reduce spread of infection are good methods of reducing spread of infection.

Sinus Infection or sinusitis is defined as an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. Sinus infections can cause:

  • headache
  • pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, on one or both sides of the head
  • cough
  • bad breath
  • nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions

In addition, those affected with a sinusitis infection sometimes report an increased light sensitivity or headache when they lean forward. Other less typical symptoms include pain and pressure in the ears, fatigue as well as dental pain. The need to drain the sinuses is vital to return quality of life and functional breathing as well as to reduce inflammation. Sinusitis is classified into three categories:

  • acute lasting less than four weeks,
  • sub-acute lasting lasting 4–8 weeks, or
  • chronic with a duration of 8 weeks or more with acute sinusitis as the most common classification experienced with approximately 90% of adults experiencing sinusitis at some point in their life.

In short, a sinusitis infection is experienced as a cold that won’t go away, nasal pressure, pain, postnasal drip, headache, pressure in the face and cheeks.

Treatment

During a viral sinusitis infection secondary infection develops. Physicians will typically prescribe an oral antibiotic and a steroid nasal spray. Sinus Dynamics offers an alternative treatment with a different delivery method. Sinus Dynamics offers the most innovative treatment for sinusitis infection currently on the market with custom compounded antibiotics, anti-fungals, and anti-inflammatories that are delivered directly into the sinus cavities with a state of the art nebulizer that produces a pressurized aerosolized mist. Sinus Dynamics treatment method is done with a nebulizer that emits a fine medicated mist with 3.2-micron particle size that can rapidly enter the inflamed sinus cavities, depositing medication and making contact with the infection directly. The aerosolized medicated mist is sent up into nasal passages reaching the actual site of the sinusitis infection, fighting the infection on contact. Sinus Dynamics’ topical approach to treating sinusitis is particularly effective as medications that are topically applied result in little to no side effects and ensure a low systemic absorption rate as well as reaching the site of infection unlike the other treatment methods prescribed. Sinus Dynamics sinus therapy is highly effective, easy to use, and safe with a 98% success rate in the treatment of patients who are suffering with sinusitis. If you are suffering with viral sinusitis symptoms please call Sinus Dynamics (877) 447-4276 today to speak with one of our customer service representatives about appropriate treatment for your viral sinusitis symptoms today.


 
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