Do I have a cold, or is it sinusitis?

​Sneezing and a runny nose are annoying symptoms of the common cold. But when you have pain and pressure, there is a good chance you have a sinus infection. When your sinuses are blocked, pressure builds up inside them. This can make your face sensitive to touch, especially around your nose and eyes. You might notice that leaning forward or moving your head causes the pain and pressure to worsen. If this happens, it is time to see your friendly Singapore ENT doctor and sinus specialist! 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

• pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
• a blocked nose
• a reduced sense of smell
• green or yellow mucus from your nose
• a sinus headache
• a high temperature
• pain in your teeth
• bad breath ​​

How long does a sinus infection last?
There are two main types of sinus infections, acute and chronic.

Acute sinusitis
Acute sinus infections come on suddenly. They can be caused by a virus or bacteria. An acute sinus infection caused by a virus is the most common type of a sinus infection, and it typically clears up on its own. It can take up to four weeks to recover completely, but your symptoms will begin to clear up after about seven days.
An acute sinus infection caused by bacteria lingers longer and will likely need medical treatment to heal. Symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection can last for ten days or more, but go away quickly once you get treatment.
 
Chronic sinusitis
A chronic sinus infection is an infection that lasts long-term, usually for 12 weeks or longer. They can be caused by bacterial infections that aren’t treated or fungal infections. Chronic sinus infections are more complicated to treat, and they won’t go away on their own.

Tips to avoid sinus infections

1. Wash your hands frequently.
2. Keep the nose moist with nasal saline sprays (the microscopic hairs inside the nose work more effectively in a moist environment).
3. Keep your allergies under control.
4. Avoid nasal irritants such as pollution or smoke.
5. Irrigate your sinuses on a regular basis with a saline sinus wash (ideally at least once a day).
6. Try to avoid taking oral antibiotics or steroids unless you really need them, as both will affect the natural good bacteria (biome) that lives in the sinuses and allows bad bacteria to proliferate.
7. If you do need antibiotics then take oral probiotics, in order to replenish the natural biome of the sinuses.
8. Persistent nasal congestion can decrease airflow to the sinuses and may also block the outflow of the sinuses. If you have a badly deviated septum or a hole in your septum, getting that repaired will help prevent infection.
9. Swim in salt water pools as they are less irritating to the nasal and sinus mucosa, and produce much less inflammation when compared to chlorinated pools.
10. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and maintain a strong immune system because other illnesses, such as a viral cold or flu, can cause a bacterial sinus infection to occur.