Approximately one in seven Americans will suffer from a sinus infection on average, according to statistics. If you have allergies or asthma, your chances of developing sinus problems are even greater. When you have a sinus infection, you may experience sinus relief with saline rinse kits and irrigation systems. You also should employ environmental control measures like dehumidifiers and air purifiers.

What Causes Sinus Infection

The sinuses consist of four pairs of hollow spaces in the skull behind the face. Sinuses warm, moisten, and filter the air; insulate and lighten the skull; and provide resonation for vocal expression. Normally, the mucus in the sinuses drains freely. However, when inflammation and swelling occurs in the sinuses - this is known as sinusitis - the mucus builds up, providing a breeding ground for infectious bacteria. In many cases, a sinus infection or sinusitis is caused by allergens like dust, pollen, and mold, or other environmental irritants. In other cases, it is caused by infectious agents like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Structural abnormalities in the sinus cavities may cause sinus infection and surgery may be necessary to correct such abnormalities. Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the mucus membranes in the nose. When both the nose and one or more of the sinuses are inflamed, this is known as rhinosinusitis. Since most cases involve inflammation of the nose and sinuses, rhinosinusitis has become the preferred term among healthcare professionals. Rhinosinusitis may cause congestion, post-nasal drip, facial pain and pressure, headaches, bad breath, and fever. When rhinosinusitis occurs several times a year or lasts a long time, it is known as chronic rhinosinusitis.

Allergy sufferers are more likely to experience a sinus infection and develop rhinosinusitis. When allergens cause inflammation and swelling, the sinuses produce excess mucus that can lead to or worsen chronic rhinosinusitis. Dust allergy and mold allergy often exacerbate chronic rhinosinusitis. Asthma contributes to rhinosinusitis as well, and 40% - 75% of asthma patients develop sinusitis or sinus infection at least once a year.

Treatment of Sinus Infection

Of all the treatments tried for controlling and curing the symptoms of sinus infection, the one most patients found to work the best is a saline nasal rinse. An effective nasal rinse would significantly reduce or permanently cure the symptoms of nasal allergies and sinus infection. Saline, or salt water gently cleans and refreshes the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Saline sprays and mists also rinse out allergens and restore moisture to irritated membranes. Humidifiers add moisture to the air and soothe dry, irritated sinuses; they are especially helpful during the winter months when the air is often dry. However, if mold allergy is contributing to your sinus infection, you'll want to keep your relative humidity below 50% with a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth in your home. Air purifiers remove mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens and impurities from the air, and allergy relief bedding protects your bed from dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Proper nutrition and exercise will also help prevent sinus infection.