Sinus infection (sinusitis) is a swelling of the sinuses caused by bacterial infection. Sinuses are two air pockets placed within the bones of the face. There are four types of sinuses based on its location, they are:
-frontal sinuses
- ethmoid sinuses
-maxillary sinuses
-sphenoid sinuses

The sinuses are linked with the nose. When the area of the sinuses swells, it will affect the flow of mucus. Trapped mucus in the sinuses causing uncomfortable feeling and providing a place for bacteria to growth.

Causes and symptoms

Sinus infection generally caused by bacteria, but recent studies has found that fungi are the most common cause. About 20 percent sinusitis in children may be caused by Moraxella catarrhalis. Persons with weakened immune systems, such as individual with AIDS, sinusitis may caused by fungi. These type fungi are Mucorales, Candida, or Aspergillus.

Acute sinus infections generally follow some type of cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Pain and headache over the affected sinuses may happen, plus a feeling of pressure that may get worse when the sufferer bends over. The pain sometimes occurs in the teeth or jaw as well. Other sufferer develops a cough.

Treatment

Food allergies often associated with chronic sinus infection. Patient should have a diet to eliminate and identify allergenic foods. To clear the nasal passages of mucus, irrigating the sinuses with salt water usually recommended for sinusitis patient.

There are herbal treatments taken internally include a combination of eyebright, yarrow, goldenseal, ephedra, and horseradish.

Homeopathic practitioners find several remedies effective for treating sinusitis. They are: Kalium bichromium, Arsenicum album, Nux vomica, Silica, and Mercurius iodaus. Andrographics paniculata (Kalmegh) combines with Echinacea is helpful for fighting sinus infections and winter infections.

Keep in mind that there are restrictions to what home remedies can do to fight sinusitis. If the infections get worse, you are suggested to see a physician.

Acupuncture, food supplements (vitamins C, A, E and zinc), and hydrotherapy has been used to treat sinus infection. Direct inhalation of 2 cups of water and essential oil contain of rosemary, lavender, or thyme useful for open the sinuses and get rid of bacteria that cause infection.

Antibiotics medications are effective when the sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection.
This type of antibiotics includes amoxicillin, cephalosporins, and sulfa drugs. These antibiotics are generally given for 2 weeks to stop the infection.

Temporary use of decongestant nose sprays may be useful to ease the infection. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can reduce the headache and pain related with sinusitis.

Steroids nasal sprays are also used to relieve sinus infections. In fact, there are two types and the one used for inflammatory conditions called glucocorticosteroids. This can be consumed orally, applied to the skin or by injection.

Chronic sinus infections with anatomic reason may need a corrective surgery. Fungal sinusitis may require surgery to clear out the sinuses.

Maintaining a good hygiene is important to prevent a sinus infection. Identifying and treating allergies, avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, and prevent deep dives when you go swimming may help prevent sinus infections. Avoiding wheat products and dairy products can also prevent sinus infection associated with allergies. During the winter, it is recommended to use humidifier, as dry nasal passages may grow breaks in the tissues, allowing bacteria to enter. When sinus infection caused by allergies, nasal sprays is useful to prevent swelling within the nasal passageways, as a result allowing the usual mucus flows. There was a report that regular humming can prevent sinus infection. It appears that when someone hums, his or her exhale is 15 times more air, then force out potentially harmful bacteria from nasal passages.