Sinus infections are incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be serious and even debilitating.
Even the best of performers can be negatively affected by a sinus infection, which happened when Lady Gaga needed to cancel a show in Las Vegas due to bronchitis and a sinus infection back in November 2019.
“I’m so devastated," Lady Gaga tweeted on Nov. 6, 2019. "I can’t perform tonight for so many people who traveled to come see me. I have a sinus infection and bronchitis and feel very sick and sad. I never want to let you down. I’m just too weak and ill to perform tonight. I love you, little monsters. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”
A sinus infection is also known as sinusitis and, according to MedlinePlus, it's an indication that the sinuses are inflamed. Sinuses are hollow air spaces in the bones that surround the nose and cheeks, but sinusitis blocks airways and causes mucus to increase and often causes infection. The origin of the condition could be the common cold and allergies, as well as other environmental causes.
Symptoms include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough and congestion. There is often mucus that drains from the nose and into the throat, which is called postnasal drip. Sinusitis can also cause facial pain, decreased sense of smell and taste, upper tooth pain, a sore throat or bad breath, according to Health.com.
Acute sinusitis generally comes on quickly and lasts between 10 and 14 days. Chronic sinusitis can last up to three months or sometimes longer.
Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Some patients use nasal sprays and apply heat to the face. Health.com recommends waiting 10 days before using antibiotics. However, in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis, in-office procedures such as balloon sinuplasty can be used to clear the mucus out of the sinuses and relieve pressure.
For information about sinusitis and how to have it treated, visit SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers. SoCal Breathe Free also offers a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz for potential patients to evaluate their symptoms.