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Description A nasal infection often starts as an inflammation of nasal passages. However, unless it is immediately treated successfully, nasal infections often progress to involve even the paranasal sinuses. This condition involving the infection of both the nasal areas and paranasal sinuses is called as rhinosinusitis. Depending on its onset, it may be classified as acute or chronic. Acute infections occur suddenly, while chronic are long-term or recurring. Signs and Symptoms One of the most common symptoms of a nasal infection is a headache with pressure, which is usually felt above the nose and between the eyes. Other typical symptoms include facial tenderness. It is also not unusual for a nose infection to be accompanied by nasal congestion, fever and even cough. Moreover, nasal infections often result to post-nasal drip and sore throat. Patients often complain of a persistent feeling of fatigue, probably because sleeping becomes more difficult because congestion is more apparent when patient resumes a lying position. Causes There are several causes for nasal infections, but viral infections caused by various strains of rhinoviruses top the list. These viral infections often damage the lining of the sinuses, which in turn sets off an inflammatory reaction. Once the lining becomes inflamed, the nasal passage becomes blocked and bacteria begin to build up in the sinus cavity. Other possible causes are allergic reactions from pollutants in the air or surroundings. The allergic reaction makes the linings of the nose swell, blocking the openings to the sinus cavities. Because the normal drainage of mucus is compromised, bacteria are trapped within the sinus and nasal cavities and given the opportunity to multiply and proliferate. Treatment Treatment for a nasal infection or rhinosinusitis involves restoring the drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the nasal passages. This can be done by treating the inflammation and making the mucus secretion less thick so that it is easier to drain. Many over-the-counter nasal sprays and decongestants can accomplish this, although oral or intranasal steroids may sometimes be prescribed by the doctor if the congestion is especially severe. Antibiotics are also necessary to halt the multiplication of bacteria so that this type of infection doesn’t continue to spread. The treatment plan for nasal infection can also be done through medicated irrigation or nebulized therapy. The advantage of these two techniques over oral administration of medication is that nebulisation and irrigation are topical medication techniques. Topical means the medications are applied directly or locally where they are intended to act. In this case, the medicated solution is directly irrigated to the swollen passages of the nasal and sinus cavities. On the other hand, for nebulisation, liquid medication is aerosolized into a fine mist which then can be inhaled and directly absorbed into the nasal mucosa. Sinus Dynamics, a compounding pharmacy, manufactures its complete line of medication for sinusitis, rhinitis and rhinosinusitis ready for use with its irrigators and nebulizers like ActiveSinus and SinusAero. With all these treatment discussed and several others you can easily know and read about, remember that self-medicating and subjecting yourself to aggressive, unapproved alternative treatments is unwise and could be dangerous. It is always best to explore treatment options with your trusted physician. For more information, visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/
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