All You Need to Know about Sinusitis

Sinusitis attacks approximately 37 million Americans each year. Despite how common the condition is, many people are not that aware of the proper way to deal with it, resulting in the condition growing worse. It seems that there are some factors that increase the risk of sinusitis, among which are: swelling of mucous membranes from a common cold, drainage ducts blockage, or other conditions that affect the immune system, such as medications which suppress one’s immunity response or conditions that cause a heightened risk of infection.

Children may also suffer from sinusitis, with allergies being a very common environmental factor that contribute to the occurrence. They are also greatly susceptible to the condition due to their exposure to other kids with illnesses either at school or day care. The use of pacifiers and drinking from bottles while lying in bed also contribute to the possibility of developing sinusitis, as is smoke in their direct environment. Meanwhile, for adults, the highest contributors are infections and smoking.

Acute sinusitis typically has the following symptoms: pressure or pain on the face, stuffiness in the nasal passages, nasal discharge, a loss of the sense of smell, and cough and congestion. Other symptoms may also include bad breath, fever, fatigue, and dental pain. The presence of two or more symptoms as well as that of a thick yellow or green discharge from the nose is a main way by which doctors diagnose acute sinusitis.

Meanwhile, chronic sinusitis happens when a person has suffered from the symptoms for at least 8 weeks, or longer. In addition to the above symptoms, he may also have pus in his nasal cavity, and a nasal discharge. He may also suffer from headaches and fatigue.

Generally, a doctor diagnoses sinusitis by checking your symptoms as well as giving you a physical examination, which, more often than not, includes the doctor’s feeling and even pressing your sinuses to check for tenderness. Some doctors may even tap your teeth to check if your paranasal sinus is inflamed. Other tests include a study of your mucus culture, a nasal endoscopy, some X-rays, testing for allergies, a CT scan of your sinuses, and blood work. A nasal endoscopy entails the use of a tube-like instrument that comes with tiny lights as well as cameras, and involves examining the interior of your nose and sinus drainage areas. It shows the doctor the accessible areas of your sinus pathways.

How do you treat sinusitis? Of course, the treatment will depend on the severity. For acute sinusitis, decongestants and steam inhalation may be sufficient. Over-the-counter nasal sprays or drops may also be very effective at relieving symptoms. Of course, they should not be used in excess of their recommended dosage of about 4 to 5 days, and they may even increase congestion. Some doctors give antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. When acute sinusitis is treated, the symptoms should disappear, resulting in antibiotics no longer being required.

Meanwhile, for chronic sinusitis, doctors may recommend a vaporizer. This is because warm and moist air is seen to alleviate congestion in the sinuses. Warm compresses may also help to alleviate pain in the sinuses and nose. Saline nose drops may also help, as they are very safe to be used at home. Decongestant sprays or drops may help in alleviating symptoms, but just like in acute conditions, they should not be overused. Antibiotics are also typically prescribed.

Sometimes, when the chronic condition is severe, doctors may prescribe oral steroids. Of course, this is usually only when there has been no relief from other medications. If there is bacterial infection, antibiotics will continue to be prescribed; but they would not help in a viral infection. Allergies may be treated with antihistamines, while antifungal drugs may help a fungal infection.

Typically, people suffering from sinusitis should try to make lifestyle adjustments, the top change being that of refraining from smoking, particularly when under treatment. There is no special diet required for the alleviation of sinusitis, although increasing fluid intake is highly recommended, as this helps in thinning the secretions. Overall, sinusitis is a simple problem that may be easily treated when proper prevention is taken for future issues.