Exercising during a sinus infection

introduction

The sinus infection (Sinusitis) is an inflammation of the air-filled cavities of the skull bone. It can affect the frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, ethmoid cells (see also: Inflammation of the ethmoid cells) or the sphenoid sinus.

The sinus infection can often be accompanied by a runny nose and facial pain and headache. The headache can often be triggered by tapping on the affected sinus. It can develop after a normal cold and be accompanied by a cough and fever. As a rule, it is self-limiting and heals after about a week, if it persists for more than 12 weeks, it is chronic sinusitis.

Sinus infection can be caused by viruses as well as bacteria. However, viral sinusitis is much more common and antibiotics should be used sparingly. Virally caused inflammation is accompanied by rather thin white secretions (runny nose), bacterial inflammations are more likely to be accompanied by yellow, viscous purulent secretions. Changes in nasal anatomy, such as a curvature of the nasal septum (Nasal septal deviation) or an oversized turbinate (hypertrophy) promote the development of sinus infections.

Is Sinus Infection Contagious? Find out more at How contagious is a sinus infection

Complications from exercise

Patients with a mild cold or sinus infection often wonder whether they are to do sports allowed to. Generally it is To do sports through the obstructed nasal breathing (by the swelling of the mucous membrane and the runny nose / secretions) anyway difficultso that sport in this state puts more strain on the body. If you have a sinus infection, exercise is more likely not advised. The patient should give the body enough rest and strength to be able to fight the pathogens. Since the Pathogen at a infection in principle spread everywhere can, can also be a normally harmless sinusitis dangerous be. This is often a problem with sinusitis little impaired subjective well-being. But if you want to do something good for your body, you can take care of yourself even if you have only a slight cold.

If the pathogens "scatter" - that is, they spread through the blood - they can major damage to other organs cause. The heart is particularly at risk here. The pathogens can settle on the heart valves and become a Heart valve damage lead with far-reaching consequences. This can ultimately make surgical therapy necessary. Heart muscle inflammation (Myocarditis) can arise. The symptoms are high fever, Exhaustion, fatigue and Performance kink. In any case, a very long sports break of months is necessary, so that it is better not to take this risk and instead should spare yourself for 1-2 weeks with a sinus infection. The Cardiac function can be greatly affected by these complications severely impaired and require rapid therapy in the clinic. Otherwise there is a risk of long-term loss of heart function, even a Heart transplant may result. These complications can even be life-threatening, but overall they occur very rarely.

If the acute sinus infection doesn't heal, it can turn into a chronic form pass over. This is another complication Breaking through the sinus wall If this is also inflamed and the pathogen gets into the surrounding sinuses or organs, the infection spreads. You can also do a Meningitis (meningitis) cause. This is shown in Head / neck pain especially with the Head flexion. Eye participation is also possible, which can be found in Visual disturbances and Redness, such as Pain in the eye demonstrate. A Otitis media can especially in children occur.

therapy

Above all, the person concerned should take it easy in order to give the body enough strength to fight the pathogens. Exercise should definitely be avoided! There is no need to stay in bed, but the body shouldn't have to exert itself.

Treatment with antibiotics can be useful for bacterial infections. Fever should be lowered. Otherwise, general measures are in the foreground. It is important to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids (at least 2 liters of water or tea per day). Decongestant nasal drops or sprays can be used to relieve symptoms to improve subjective well-being. However, they should not be taken permanently, as they can dry out the mucous membrane and also lead to dependence. Steam inhalations, if necessary with essential oils, are useful to keep the nose moist and to improve inhalation. Herbal medicines such as Sinupret® forte and Sinupret® drops can also provide relief.

Disposition

By a Deviation (Deviation) the nasal septum or through Polyps (small protuberances in the Nasal mucosa) can the Sinusitis is more likely to occur become, as this makes the The drainage of secretions is impeded can be. These anatomical changes can occur in the case of high psychological stress or frequent or chronic sinusitis treated surgically become. House dust mites- or Pollen allergies also lead to a chronic runny nose and can promote sinusitis.

prophylaxis

That should be especially in the cold winter months Strengthened immune system will and Avoid getting cold become. For this is warm clothing, regular ventilation in the rooms that have become dry due to the heating air, enough liquid and Avoid contact with people with a cold important.