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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |  |
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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers | |
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Inflammatory and Infectious Causes
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CausesInflammatory and Infectious CausesAllergies | Bacterial | Fungus | Polyps | Reflux | Viral |Viral Infections A viral infection, also know as an upper respiratory infection(cold) can last 7 to 10 days, the most common cause of sinusitis, may be caused by hundreds of different strains of viruses. About half of the time, a cold begins with a scratchy or sore throat. Over the next day or two, other symptoms like nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sometimes facial pain or pressure develop. Increased postnasal drainage may also cause a cough. Asthma sufferers may experience a worsening of asthma symptoms after the onset of a cold. Occasionally, a cold progressis into an acute bacterial sinus infection. In some cases the infection can presist and that is what is know as chronic sinusitis. There is still no cure for the common cold, but there may soon be a drug available that will shorten its duration and reduce the severity of symptoms. In the meantime, if you catch a cold, expect symptoms to improve after five or seven days, and be aware that it may take up to three weeks for thick mucus drainage to resolve. Using a topical decongestant nasal spray for a few days during a cold can help relieve symptoms. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. About 20% of colds in children and about 1 to 2% of colds in adults become complicated by bacterial infection. Because more than 80% of cold patients have sinus swelling that is identical to the swelling seen in bacterial sinusitis, a sinus CT scan will not distinguish between the two conditions. If you have been scheduled for a sinus CT scan, your doctor may cancel it if you develop a cold. Email This Article To A Friend Printer-friendly Version Find an ENT Professional Near You
THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 IMMEDIATELY. All articles and graphics copyright ©2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Medtronic, Inc. All rights reserved. Version 2.0 This web page was first published on July 23, 2002, and was last updated on June 14, 2006. |
