Sinusitis – Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
If your paranasal sinuses are inflamed that is possibly sinusitis. Nasal passages need mucus to work efficiently and the sinus cavities generate that mucus. It can be either chronic or acute. The causes that lie behind sinusitis are bacteria, virus, fungi, allergy or autoimmune reaction. This condition is painful and uncomfortable and often heals without any medicine. If the symptoms are severe or persists for long, you would need acute sinusitis treatment.
What is sinusitis?
The sinus is a hollow space present in a human body. There are multiple sinus types but the sinusitis only affects the paranasal one. It is found from the back of the face stretching to the nasal cavity. The sinus lining composition is similar to the nose lining. Mucus that is a slimy production comes from sinuses. It keeps the nasal passage wet and moist and locks in dirt particles. If mucus builds up it makes the sinuses inflamed and irritated. This is often referred to as rhinosinusitis as the inflammation always comes up with rhinitis that is a nasal inflammation.
Symptoms
Yellow or green nasal discharge
Post nasal drip where mucus flows to the back of the throat
Facial pain
Runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Bad breath
Headache
Fever
Decreases smell and taste
Swelling and inflammation around the nose, forehead, cheeks and eyes
Toothache
The Treatment Ways
Congestion
For acute nasal treatment nasal congestion is a great way of help. It helps to reduce the pain that occurs from sinus pressure. You can apply a warm and damp cloth on your forehead, nose for multiple times a day. Nasal rinses are also very effective for clearing mucus from the nose.
Pain remedies
A sinus infection may lead to pressure or headache to the foreheads and cheeks. If the condition is painful you must take OTC medications.
Antibiotics
If the symptoms continues to stay for a few weeks that could be a bacterial infection for which you need antibiotics. This will improve your condition of persistent runny nose, cough, congestion, facial pain, eye swelling, headache and fever.
Sinus Infection Prevention
Sinus infection can turn worse after a flu, allergic reaction or cold, therefore, a healthy lifestyle can greatly help to reduce your germ and allergen exposure. The following can reduce the risks –
Flu shot every year
Eating healthy fruits and vegetables
Washing the hands regularly and frequently
Reducing smoke, pollen, chemical and allergen exposure
Call us at OKOA for acute sinusitis treatment. We would guide you for treating the chronic or acute sinusitis. For ENT issues, allergy problems, you can see us.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.