Sinus infections are also known as sinusitis. These infections show-up whenever your air passages stand infected, inflamed or are swollen. Liquids accumulate inside your sinus cavities, and this build-up leads to growth of germs. Sinusitis is generally a virus-triggered condition; however, in a few instances – bacterial strands can also lead to sinusitis. But how to tell if you have sinus infection has spread to brain? It is of help to know more on this front.
Sinus cavities are present underneath as well as above eye-sockets. You may also find these cavities at the rear side of your nose. Sinus infections can cause pains at either side of nose, at upper-jaw, forehead – especially, between eyes. It is a common thing to experience headache or pains in ears. You may also experience softness of your facial organs – mainly, cheeks, bottom of eyes and bridge of nose.
Sinus infections may also show-up as postnasal drips and a runny nose. Fluids coming off nasal-passages may have a yellowish-tint, and a cloudy appearance. It is possible to witness a pink-colored discharge – tinged with traces of blood. This is due to incessant blowing of nose. Such discharge can drain off the rear-of-throat, leading to postnasal drips. This is one of the reasons for you to cough-up all through the nights, a tickling sensation inside nasal airways, hoarseness of voice and soreness of throat.
There is no faster remedy for sinusitis. Treatment plans can depend upon severity of your sinus conditions, and how long such conditions persist. A few caregivers recommend sprays to decongest nasal passages; meds such as oxymetazoline to obtain needful relief from sinus infections. Such sprays are not to be used for the long term; at best, you are advised to use them for 4 to 5 days’ time. Continued application may only make the signs to go worse.
Caveat: these sprays are not prescribed to those living with an enlarged prostrate i.e., benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), ocular issues such as glaucoma, and insomnia / other sleep-related conditions.
Flushing of nasal passages is recommended to those with chronic spells of sinus-rhinitis. Use of contaminated water can also cause / worsen these infections. It is a good practice to install an effective water-filter or buy distilled water.
Meds belonging to antibiotic genre of drugs – such as amoxycillin – are used for treating sinusitis triggered by bacteria. Such antibiotics are used when all other forms of treatments have failed to provide needful cure to sinusitis. Notwithstanding these meds, your caregiving-team may recommend a few home-based remedies; these include intake of hot fluids like broth or tea, ensure to stay hydrated, respiring moisty air with a humidifier or in a shower.
It is also helpful to sleep in an up-right posture, having your head slightly elevated. It is of greater help to quit tobacco-based products, refrain from being exposed to pollutants such as dust, mites or pollen. It is equally a safe thing to wash hands regularly, and to take treatment for allergic conditions caused by change in weather.
How to tell if sinus infection has spread to brain?
If sinusitis spreads to brain, it often turns into an emergency condition. Symptoms include severe spells of migraine, an acute increase in body temperature, stiffening of neck, slurring of speech, partial numbing of limbs, lapses of memory and impairment of judgment. Upon sensing one or more of these symptoms, you are advised to seek clinical help without any delay.
Your caregiver may prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial-meningitis; drugs that can breach the brain-blood barrier. It is also a common practice to prescribe steroids – mainly, corticosteroids to decrease inflammation of brain.
Are sinus infections contagious Sinus infections are typically not contagious and rarely affect the brain. However, in very rare cases, an infection can spread to the brain’s surrounding areas, leading to complications like meningitis or a brain abscess. It’s important to treat sinus infections promptly to prevent such severe outcomes.
Physicians may drain off sinus cavities for effective removal of infections and blockages. Corticosteroids such as Prednisone is widely used to decrease pressures inside your cerebral system. In a few rare instances, you are advised to take antiseizure meds to treat convulsions.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
