What Is The Difference Between A Sinus Infection And The Flu
The flu is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.
A sinus infection is a type of cold that causes these symptoms.
The flu is more common in children and adults.
There are many causes of the flu.
A bacterial infection is a common cause of the flu.
The flu can also cause:
- Nasal obstruction
Talk to your doctor if you think you have a sore or scratch throat.
You can treat a sore or scratch throat at home with the following home treatments:
- Gargle with salt water or use a sore-throat throat lozenge.
- Place a warm compress on your neck.
You should see a doctor if the pain doesnt go away or if it gets worse.
Also Check: Sinus And Ear Infection At The Same Time
When To Call A Doctor
Most of the time, calling a doctor isnt necessary when dealing with a cold or diarrhea.
For adults, its a good idea to seek medical attention if your diarrhea doesnt resolve after 2 days or if you have severe pain. For children, its a good idea to schedule an appointment with a doctor if symptoms dont resolve after 24 hours.
If your cold symptoms havent gotten better after about 10 days or if you have any unusual or severe symptoms, its a good idea to call a doctor.
Surgical Treatment For Bacterial Sinusitis
Surgery is not usually needed for acute bacterial sinusitis. It is only necessary in some cases of chronic sinusitis that do not respond to other forms of treatment. Endoscopic treatment, where a small camera-equipped probe is used to guide and perform the procedure, is one option. In this surgery, the endoscope is used to widen the natural drainage pathways in the sinuses and nose, which improves mucus drainage and cuts down on congestion and the chance of infection.
Rarely, acute bacterial sinusitis may cause an abscess to form near the eye or the brain. In these cases, surgical treatment will be needed to drain the abscess.
Good to know: Complications from bacterial sinusitis are rare, affecting only about one in every ten thousand people with the disorder. However, they are more common among children than adults, so caregivers of children with suspected bacterial sinusitis should exercise caution and be alert for worsening symptoms, swelling or redness of any area of the childâs face.
Also Check: How To Use Aloe Vera For Heartburn
Types Of Sinus Infections: Chronic Vs Acute
There are four types of sinus infections. These classifications depend on the length and frequency of the infection:
- Acute sinusitis.This type of sinus infection lasts only for a short time, defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology as less than 4 weeks. This short-term infection is usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection .
- Subacute sinusitis. A subacute sinus infection lasts between 4 and 12 weeks .
- Recurrent acute sinusitis. An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting 7 days or more.
- Chronic sinusitis.Chronic sinus infections last for more than 12 weeks or continue to recur.
Many sinus infection symptoms are common in both acute and chronic forms. Seeing a doctor is the best way to learn if you have an infection, find the cause, and get treatment.
For cases of acute bacterial sinus infections, these symptoms last at least 10 days without improving, or they worsen within 10 days after seeming to improve. In this case, its important to talk with a doctor, such as a general practitioner or an ear, nose, and throat doctor , to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Learn more about the symptoms of a sinus infection below.
Can Sinus Drainage Cause Loose Stool And Diarrhea
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Also Check: Is Indigestion The Same As Heartburn
What Are Your Sinuses
Behind the bones of your face are four pairs of air cavities your sinuses. Their primary role is to produce mucus that moisturizes the nasal passage and to ward off pollutants and microorganisms. Because theyre usually filled with air, sinuses also help to lighten the weight of your skull.
When the sinus tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, the cavities can fill with fluid and blockages can result. Colds, allergies or physical conditions such as polyps or a deviated septum can all create blockages. Sinusitis occurs when the blocked fluid becomes infected as a result of fungal, viral or bacterial colonization.
Causes Of Mucus In Stool
Different digestive problems can make more mucus show up in your stool. Some are serious and long-lasting. Others can clear up quickly. Problems that can cause mucus include:
Irritable bowel syndrome . The main symptoms may be constipation , diarrhea , or alternating diarrhea and constipation . Itâs typical to see mucus in your poop if you have this condition.
Crohnâs disease is another type of IBD that can cause mucus in your poop.
Ulcerative colitis . This type of inflammatory bowel disease causes sores in the intestines. They can bleed and make pus and mucus, which you might see when you go to the bathroom. It also often causes diarrhea, belly pain, and cramping.
Proctitis. This is inflammation of the lower part of your large intestine, called the rectum. Sexually transmitted infections, foodborne illnesses, and IBD can cause it.
C. difficile . Infection with this type of bacteria can cause severe, even life-threatening diarrhea. It smells very bad and often has mucus.
Food poisoning. If you get flu-like symptoms and your poop has blood or mucus in it, you may have food poisoning. It usually clears up within days.
Other infections. An infection with other bacteria or parasites can also cause the problem. Dysentery is one example.
Rectal cancer. One of the main signs of rectal cancer is bleeding, but you may also have mucus.
Allergic colitis. This reaction babies can have to cowâs milk can cause mucus in their poop.
Read Also: Does Ibs Get Worse Over Time
Hay Fever Management And Treatment
Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and to your behavior.
- Keep windows closed during high pollen periods use air conditioning in your home and car.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
- Use mite-proof bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold. .
- Wash your hands after petting any animal, and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside.
What people dont realize is most of the over-the-counter medicines are designed for milder allergies. For the people who have more moderate to severe allergy problems, its very rare that over the counter medicines are enough.
Allergist James Sublett, MD
Can A Cold Cause Diarrhea In Toddlers And Babies
According to a 2016 research review , rotavirus infections are the most common viral causes of diarrhea and vomiting in children. The rotavirus doesnt fall into the category of viruses considered cold viruses. In children and adults, a rotavirus infection is often referred to as the stomach flu.
The adenovirus and rhinovirus are two types of cold viruses that can potentially cause diarrhea in children.
The same research review above showed that adenoviruses are responsible for about 1.5 to 5.4 percent of diarrhea cases in children under 2 years old.
In a 2016 study, researchers examined the symptoms of respiratory infections in a group of 993 children under 2 years old. The researchers found that in 9.6 percent of cases, vomiting or diarrhea were the symptoms of children that developed the rhinovirus infection.
Diarrhea cant directly cause a cold, but it may weaken your immune system and make you more prone to infection.
According to a 2017 research review, its estimated that about of all the lymphocytes in your body are in your digestive tract. Lymphocytes are specialized white blood cells that help you fight infections.
A 2016 research review showed that your digestive system also hosts more than 1,000 types of bacteria. Many of these bacteria play an important role in your bodys immune system.
Having diarrhea may potentially disrupt levels of bacteria in your gut and put you at risk of developing infections.
Diarrhea can be caused by the following infection types:
Read Also: Does Peanut Butter Help With Diarrhea
Signs And Symptoms Of Sinus Infections
The hallmark symptoms of acute sinus infections are nasal congestion and blockage, a nasal discharge that is thick with a yellow to green coloration, decreased sense of smell, and a feeling of pain, pressure, or fullness in the face, which might be pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that worsens when bending over, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever greater than 100.4 degrees F
- Ear pressure or fullness
It may be difficult to tell if a child, especially one of infant or toddler age, has a sinus infection or a simple cold or allergies. Signs of sinus infections in children include irritability, breathing through the mouth, difficulty feeding, and nasally speech.
Its recommended that you see a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days, as it may mean you have a bacterial sinus infection, which should be treated with antibiotics.
You should also see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or continue to worsen , you have multiple infections within a year, or you experience additional symptoms, such as confusion, vision problems, and stiff neck.
Can Sinusitis Cause Nausea
You may be familiar with the more common symptoms of sinusitis and sinus infections, like headaches, congestion, pressure, and throat pain, but did you know that sinus infections can also cause nausea? Sinus infections often cause post-nasal drip commonly referred to as drainage which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Its true, sinusitis and sinus infections are nothing to sneeze at. Fortunately, people who suffer from sinus-related-nausea can relieve their symptoms through several means.
You May Like: Can Not Eating Enough Cause Diarrhea
Sinus Infection Causes Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis
Sinus infections usually follow a respiratory tract infection, in particular the common cold.
Alamy
A sinus infection occurs when the mucous membranes lining your sinuses become infected, usually with a virus but also sometimes bacteria or fungi.
This infection typically follows some kind of nasal blockage, which causes the mucus to build up and become a breeding ground for microorganisms.
Sinusitis is a term often used interchangeably with sinus infection, though the former generally refers to an inflammation of the sinuses, with or without an infection present.
Symptoms of sinus infections are often similar to the common cold or allergies, but there are some notable differences that can help in diagnosing the illness. Fever and purulent nasal discharge can be helpful in differentiating bacterial- and viral-induced sinusitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Sinusitis affects about 1 in 8 adults in the United States, resulting in more than 30 million annual diagnoses, according to the American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery Foundation . More than 1 in 5 antibiotics prescribed in adults are for sinusitis, making it the fifth most common diagnosis responsible for antibiotic therapy.
Causes And Triggers Of Sinus Infections
Sinus infections usually follow a viral respiratory tract infection, especially the common cold. A sinus infection caused by a virus is also called viral sinusitis.
It is most often caused by:
- Rhinoviruses, the most important cause of the common cold and one of the most common pathogens in people
- Influenza viruses, which cause the flu
- Parainfluenza viruses, which cause upper and lower respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and pneumonia
A small percentage of people with viral sinusitis also test positive for adenovirus, which is responsible for a range of respiratory illnesses, as well as diarrhea, gastrointestinal inflammation, and neurologic diseases.
These viruses can cause increasedmucus production, decreased ability for cilia to move mucus, and inflammation that restricts the sinus and nasal passages, which together promote the development of a sinus infection.
Also Check: Can Ibs Cause Reflux Symptoms
Sinus Infection Testing And Diagnosis
Your doctor will determine if you or your child has a sinus infection based on symptoms and a physical exam.
Your doctor will look into the nose for signs of nasal polyps, tap the sinus to pinpoint possible infection, and shine a light against the sinus to find signs of inflammation.
They may also conduct various tests, such as a nasal endoscopy, which involves inspecting the sinuses with fiber-optic tube imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography scan allergy tests or nasal and sinus cultures.
Can Sinus Congestion Drain Into Your Stomach And Give You Nausea
Is it possible for sinus congestion to drain down into your stomach and give you nausea or sour stomach
Hello @gtl, I think the answer is yes according to this information I found. The article also has some home remedy suggestions you might find helpful.
“Sinus drainage is a natural process, so a person cannot prevent it. The sinuses drain down the back of the throat and into the stomach. Each time a person swallows, they are swallowing some mucus. Symptoms occur when there is an excessive amount of mucus, and the mucus is unusually thick.” Sinus drainage: Natural home remedies Medical News Today:
Have you discussed the symptoms with your doctor or ENT or tried any over the counter product to see if they might help?
Hello @gtl, I think the answer is yes according to this information I found. The article also has some home remedy suggestions you might find helpful.
“Sinus drainage is a natural process, so a person cannot prevent it. The sinuses drain down the back of the throat and into the stomach. Each time a person swallows, they are swallowing some mucus. Symptoms occur when there is an excessive amount of mucus, and the mucus is unusually thick.” Sinus drainage: Natural home remedies Medical News Today:
Read Also: Can You Insert Oral Probiotics
Could My Symptoms Be Covid
Feeling out of breath with activity
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling out of breath with activity
Nausea and vomiting
Out of breath with activity
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Severe shortness of breath at rest
Dry cough
Severe muscle and joint pain
Feeling out of breath with activity
Rashes
Blisters on toes and fingers
Chills and body aches
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Severe shortness of breath at rest
Tightness in chest
Feeling out of breath with activity
Palpitations, chest pain
Blisters on toes and fingers
Severe muscle and joint pain
Chills and body aches
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Shortness of breath at rest
Tightness in chest
Out of breath with activity
Palpitations, chest pain
Severe muscle and joint pain
Blisters on toes and fingers
Chills and body aches
Loss of taste and smell
Sore throat
Shortness of breath at rest
Tightness in chest
Out of breath with activity
Palpitations, chest pain
Severe muscle and joint pain
Blisters on toes and fingers
Chills and body aches
Loss of taste and smell
Sore throat
Severe shortness of breath at rest
Tightness in chest
Feeling out of breath with activity
Palpitations, chest pain
Blisters on toes and fingers
Severe muscle and joint pain
Chills and body aches
Loss of taste and smell
Sore throat
Severe shortness of breath at rest
Dry cough
Severe muscle and joint pain
Feeling out of breath with activity
Rashes
Blisters on toes and fingers
Chills and body aches
Loss of taste and smell
Sore throat
What Causes Sinusitis
To reduce your risk of sinusitis-related nausea, take proactive steps to avoid the common causes of sinus infections, which include:
- Stress: Stress and sinusitis often go hand in hand. Stress is bad for your overall health, and managing your stress will make you less susceptible to all sorts of illnesses, not just sinus infections.
- Weather changes: Sudden weather changes affect temperature and air pressure, which in turn affect your sinus health. While you cant control the weather, you can address your symptoms with over-the-counter medications.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies come with their own set of sinus issues, such as these fall sinus problems. While you can fight symptoms with over-the-counter medications, seeking long-term treatment for your allergies is more likely to provide extended relief.
Also Check: What’s Good For Constipation In Adults
How To Treat Sinus
These simple dietary changes can help you treat your sinus-related nausea:
- Drink herbal teas: For a natural solution that provides two-in-one relief, drink herbal teas, particularly those with peppermint or chamomile. In addition to soothing your sinuses, herbal teas are known to relieve nausea.
- Consume ginger: Ginger is known to reduce the inflammation and nausea caused by sinusitis. For those who do not like the taste of pure ginger, it can opt for ginger capsules, candies, or drinks.
- Avoid dairy: Dairy products help offending bacteria multiply, coat your tongue and throat, and find their way to your stomach. Avoiding dairy can reduce levels of harmful bacteria and provide symptom relief.
If these changes and over-the-counter remedies fail, you may have acute or chronic sinusitis. People with chronic sinusitis suffer from frequent sinus infections that can last up to eight weeks. If you think you have chronic sinusitis, you will need to seek professional treatment to achieve any kind of lasting relief.