Sinusitis is a common illness, wherein the cavities around the sinuses or nasal passages become swollen and inflamed. This condition lasts for about 12 weeks. This is in spite of treating them with various treatments for sinusitis. This condition is so discomforting and is so sudden that everyone who has it experiences so much trouble. This article will give you more insights about the causes, symptoms, as well as the treatments for sinusitis. So, if you want to know all of these and more, feel free to give this article a read.
Sinusitis: What is this condition?
Sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bones located behind the face. And directly behind the nose is the nasal cavity. On whichever side of the nasal cavity are the large sinuses. There is a row of very small sinuses that runs behind the nose bridge, and other two large sinuses are situated behind and above the inner part of our eyebrows. If the sinuses get swollen and inflamed, sinusitis may happen.
Sinusitis is actually the inflammation of the sinuses. This is often associated with both viral and bacterial infections. However, it may be because of the non-infectious inflammation in the sinuses too. The condition can be acute, which may last for up to 4 weeks, or it may be chronic, which lasts for about 8-12 weeks.
The acute sinusitis is quite common. In fact, it affects about 1 in every 10 people every year. Those people with allergies, cystic fibrosis, and asthma are more prone to the condition. As well as those who are born with a septum that is abnormal, and those who have had their nose broken before. Those who have a compromised immune system are also prone to the condition.
Here are the types of sinusitis:
- Recurrent sinusitis: this happens more than a few times every year
- Chronic sinusitis: the symptoms of inflammation may last for about 12 weeks or longer
- Subacute sinusitis: here, the inflammation of the sinus commonly lasts for about 4 to 12 weeks.
- Acute sinusitis: this usually starts with cold-like symptoms, just like facial pain, stuffy nose, and runny nose.
Who Experiences Sinusitis?
Actually, lots of people get this condition. In fact, there are about 15 million cases of this in America alone. However, they experience it at least once every year. It is more likely to happen if you have:
- Immune system medications or deficiencies, which suppresses the immune system
- Nasal polyps
- Structural differences, which affects the narrow ducts
- Blockage in the drainage ducts
- Swelling inside the nose, just like in the common cold
Symptoms of Sinusitis
There are at least 2 of the four primary signs and symptoms of sinusitis that must be present to confirm that you really have sinusitis. They are the following:
- Reduction of the capability to smell and taste in adults; coughs on children
- Swelling, pain, and tenderness around the eyes, forehead, nose, and cheeks
- Congestion or nasal obstruction, which causes difficulty in breathing through the nose
- There is a thick, and stained discharge from the nose or the postnasal drainage
Some other signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Nausea
- Irritability or fatigue
- Bad breath
- A sore throat
- A cough, which gets worse at night
- Aching in the upper teeth or jaw
- Ear pain
Causes of Sinusitis
The most common causes of sinusitis include the following:
- Allergies like hay fever
- Respiratory tract infection
- Other medical conditions
- Deviated nasal septum
- Nasal polyps
Risk Factors for Sinusitis
There are some factors that may increase the risk of sinusitis. These include the following:
- Exposing to pollutants regularly
- Allergies
- Immune system conditions
- Sensitivity to aspirin
- Asthma
- An abnormality in the nasal passage
Treatments for Sinusitis
Since most of the cases of the condition are due to the virus, the treatments for sinusitis that your pharmacist or doctor will recommend you are topical or oral decongestants, pain medications, and nasal rinses or sprays. These are beneficial in relieving the symptoms of the condition.how3ever, if you have prostate conditions, glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid diseases, high blood pressure, or heart disease, it is a must to talk to your doctor first before taking these medications.
Here are some home treatments for sinusitis if you are not really into medications:
- Peppermint tea
- Inhaling steam
- Neti pots
- Grape seed extract
- Apple cider vinegar
- Wasabi
- Herbs
- Diet choices
If you really want to avoid acquiring sinusitis in the first place, you must take the following prevention steps:
- Use a humidifier: adding moisture to the air using humidifier is beneficial in preventing sinusitis. Just make sure that your tool is clean and has no molds in it.
- Avoid polluted air and cigarette smoke: air contaminants and tobacco smoke may irritate or inflame your nasal passages and lungs.
- Manage allergies: working with your doctor will be beneficial in keeping the symptoms under control.
- Wash your hands: washing your hands properly and frequently will help in getting rid of the infection from affecting the body.
