A Sinus Infection (also known as Sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses – hollow spaces in the bones behind the face. It may be associated with both bacterial and viral infections, but it may be due to non-infectious inflammation (e.g., allergies) in the sinuses as well. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting less than 4 weeks, or chronic, lasting 12 weeks or more. Acute sinusitis is very common, affecting about 1 in 8 people each year.
Sinusitis has symptoms very different from a cold or the flu.The main symptoms are face pain, pressure, and fullness, congestion, nasal discharge and a headache. The location of the pain depends on which sinus or sinuses are affected. Other symptoms include headache, bad breath, fatigue, and cough (especially at night). Yellow or green pus may drain out of the nose, and there may be an unpleasant smell. Someone with sinusitis may feel generally unwell and while not common, can also have a low-grade fever (less than 38°C).
Learn more about sinus infections including advice for easing symptoms.
Most cases of sinusitis are caused by a virus, so your pharmacist or doctor can help you navigate all the at-home or over-the-counter treatment options like oral (e.g., pseudoephedrine) or topical (e.g., oxymetazoline) decongestants, saline nasal sprays or rinses, and pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help relieve symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor if your symptoms are severe or last for more than 10 days without improvement from over the counter treatments.
Find your local Pharmasave and talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist about your symptoms and which treatment might be right for you.
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