sinus infections

Ever since we have been back from break I have not been feeling well. Finally, today I went to student health services and I found out I have a sinus infection and a fever. I can’t remember the last time I was sick like this but it is definitely not fun. Sinus infections can be caused by many different things. Acute sinus infections are usually caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. Viral infections cause damage to the cells of the sinus lining which leads to inflammation. The lining of the sinuses thickens with fluid that obstructs the nasal passage which connects to the sinuses. This obstruction disrupts the process that removes usually would remove bacteria from the nasal passages. This causes the bacteria to begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinuses. Many times sinus infections are referred to as sinusitis. The suffix “itis” means inflammation of; therefore, sinusitis is inflammation of one’s sinuses. Another cause of sinus infections is allergens or pollutants. There are also many signs and symptoms of sinus infections. One sign is nasal congestion or postnasal drip. Another symptom is the feeling of pain or pressure on the inner corners of your eyes or down the sides of your nose. Headaches in temples are also common, as well as pain or pressure when you cough. One way I can always tell if I have a sinus infection is when I lay my head down and it feels extremely congested and it feels like it is going to explode. The best way to treat sinus infections is to drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages. Another common treatment is to inhale steam a few times a day either with a vaporizer or a bowl of boiling hot water for about ten minutes. Hopefully this goes away quickly! Being sick is no fun :(