Understanding Sinusitis

Sinus infections are not uncommon. In fact, in the United States about 35 million Americans experience sinusitis at least once a year. Despite this figure, a lot of people still have a lot of misconceptions about the condition. Here are the most common ones:

Sinusitis Myths

Myth #1: If your mucus is yellow or green, you have a sinus infection.
Fact: The color of the mucus is determined by the dye of the white blood cells fighting the infection.

Your snot or nasal mucus is your first line of defense against organisms and particles. It’s there to trap these things so they don’t go directly into the lungs.

When you have a yellow mucus, it may mean that you have a cold or infection (viral or bacterial) that’s progressing. The yellowish tinge is from the white blood cells that rush to the area of infection.

Myth #2: Sinusitis is contagious.
Fact: It’s not.

Some of the conditions leading up to a sinus infection such as colds or flu can be contagious; sinusitis itself is not. Although it’s not contagious, it’s not a bad idea not to share utensils or airspace when you’re fighting off a sinus infection.

Myth #3: You need antibiotics for sinusitis.
Fact: Only about two percent of sinusitis are bacterial.

You only need antibiotics if you have bacterial sinusitis. Otherwise, you don’t need antibiotics for a sinus infection.

Myth #4: Constant headaches are caused by sinusitis.
Fact: Sinusitis only causes headaches if you have an acute infection.

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces found inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. When they get inflamed, as a result of infection or allergic reaction, they can swell, produce more mucus, and cause the channels that drain them to get blocked. This buildup of pressure in the sinuses is what causes the headaches.

If you’re experiencing constant headaches, you have to get it checked as it may be caused by something else.

Myth #5: The treatment for sinusitis is complicated.
Fact: It’s very simple and straightforward.

The first line of treatment aims at easing the symptoms. If you have a simple sinus infection, you may be recommended to use a decongestant and saline nasal washes. These can help with the congestion and the symptoms associated with it.

If it’s needed or if you have bacterial sinusitis, you will be prescribed antibiotics. If all else fails, you may be recommended for surgery. Even then, some sinus surgeries these days are less invasive and are easier to recover from.

Our doctors at Greater Knoxville ENT can help you determine the most suitable treatment for your sinusitis. For appointments, you may call us at (865) 244-4396.