Contents:
- Medical Video: What is Your Snot Saying?
- Myths and facts of sinusitis, which one is correct?
- 1. A cold yellow or green sign of a sinus infection
- 2. Sinus infections can be contagious
- 3. Headache is caused by a sinus infection
- 4. Sinus can only be treated with antibiotics
- 5. Chronic sinus can only be treated with surgery
Medical Video: What is Your Snot Saying?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus wall which is a small air-filled cavity located behind the cheekbones and forehead. We often assume that the sinuses, like the common cold and cough, can be contagious. Moreover, sinuses are also marked by coughing, stuffy nose and runny nose. But apparently, this assumption is not always true. So, what are the true facts of sinusitis, and which ones are just myths?
Myths and facts of sinusitis, which one is correct?
1. A cold yellow or green sign of a sinus infection
This opinion is not true. Colds that are new greenish-yellow smelly are a sign of sinus infection if they occur continuously for ten days. However, a few yellow or green colds can also be caused by other factors. Therefore, to make sure, you need to consult a doctor.
2. Sinus infections can be contagious
Until now there is no strong evidence that is able to show that sinus infections can be contagious. However, if the result of a viral infection is a cold, then the pathogen can be transmitted from person to person. Or, if sinusitis is caused by a viral infection such as flu, it can cause the virus to transfer to another person.
Usually, you can catch a cold or flu through airborne transmission. To prevent this transmission, make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water and avoid the habit of touching your eyes, nose, mouth when your hands are not clean.
3. Headache is caused by a sinus infection
Sinus infections and colds are caused by two different things; colds are caused by bacteria, while sinuses are caused by viruses. And headaches are more often caused by colds or colds, or allergic reactions (such as pollen allergies, dirt and dust, pet dander, or something else). Allergic reactions can cause swelling, block the sinuses, and cause sinus pain without the actual sinus infection.
4. Sinus can only be treated with antibiotics
Antibiotics are one type of drug that has the effect of stopping the process of infection by bacteria. Ninety percent of sinus cases are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not be effective to cure them. Medical guidelines recommend using antibiotics after ten days of experiencing sinus symptoms.
If you take antibiotics before ten days, this can be dangerous because it can cause allergic reactions, increase antibiotic resistance, contribute to secondary infections, and cause other complications if not used properly.
5. Chronic sinus can only be treated with surgery
This sinusitis fact has a point. Surgery is usually the last choice for chronic sinus sufferers. For other sinus cases, it does not mean that surgery will not effectively treat sinus, but there are several other alternatives that can be prioritized for treating sinusitis, such as:
- Topical nasal medication (through nasal spray or irrigation)
- Allergic treatments like allergic injections
- Acupuncture
However, surgery can still be done because in fact, sinus surgery is very successful in improving the quality of life for some patients.
