Changing seasons isn't always pleasant. For most, it's exciting to experience fall, but for some, seasonal changes mean allergies, or even worse, a sinus infection.

A sinus infection is when your nasal cavities become inflamed. Symptoms include:

• Pain in your forehead, or between the eyes
• Inadequate nasal fluid drainage (leading to congestion)
• Pressure that accompanies nasal blockage
• Difficulty breathing

Sinuses, simply put, are cavities in your facial bones, forehead, cheekbones, and behind the nose. Sinuses are also part of your upper respiratory tract, from the nose to the throat.

Symptoms may also include a persistence, or worsening, of the symptoms mentioned above for more than 10 days. Only an ENT can determine if you're suffering from a sinus infection. So make sure you contact your Bend doctor.

So, what causes a sinus infection? A sinus infection, which also known as sinusitis, may be a result of viral, or bacterial infections, in some cases. An individual usually contracts a virus, like in the case of a common cold, for example, which leads to bacterial colonization in nasal cavities. It's the bacterial colonies that cause blockage and inflammation.

If you're suffering from chronic sinusitis, you need to call your doctor. Chronic sinusitis is when the inflammation lasts more than three months and is usually caused by allergies, an abnormal sinus anatomy, or dental problems.

There are a few steps you can take to avoid sinusitis, like maintaining a better lifestyle and making wiser decisions:

• Avoid smoking at all costs
• Seek early treatment to avoid sinus inflammation
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Use a humidifier if the air is too dry for you

If you're suffering from chronic sinusitis, you may need surgery or long-term medication, which is why you need to visit your doctor. If you have further questions or concerns, in regards to sinus infections, or want to schedule an appointment with your ENT Dr. Ryan Gallivan in Bend, OR, then call (855) 746-8700.