What is Sinusitis? Fast facts on Sinusitis / Treatment / Home Remedies

A sinus is a hollow space in the body. There are many types of sinuses but sinusitis affects the paranasal sinuses, the spaces behind the face that lead to the nasal cavity. In short Sinusitis is a common inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the cavities that produce the mucus necessary for the nasal passages to work effectively. Doctors often refer to sinusitis as rhinosinusitus, because inflammation of the sinuses nearly always occurs with inflammation of the nose known as rhinitis.

Fast facts on Sinusitis :

 Here are some key points about sinusitis ,

    1.   People have four pair of sinuses, hollow spaces behind the bones of the face.

  2. Allergies, bacteria or a virus can cause inflammation of the sinuses or sinusitis.

   3.  It usually goes away without treatment but sometimes medical attention is needed.

     4.   Chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks.

Signs & Symptoms :

1.   Sinus headache

2.   Facial tenderness

3.   Pressure or pain in the sinuses, in the ears & teeth

4.   Fever

5.   Cloudy discolored nasal or postnasal drainage

6.   Feeling of nasal stuffiness

7.   Sore throat

8.   Cough

- Sinus infection is generally diagnosed based on the patient history & physical examination.

-  Bacterial sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics.

- There are no fungal vaccines available to prevent fungal infections.

- Rare fungal infections of the sinuses (for example Zygomycosis) are medical emergencies.

- Humans have four pair of these cavities :

1.   Frontal sinus (in forehead)

2.   Maxillary sinus (behind cheeks)

3.   Ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes) &

4.   Sphenoid sinus (deep behind the ethmoids)

The four pair of sinuses are often described as a unit & termed the “paranasal sinuses”.

How is sinus infection diagnosed?

If your sinus infection lasts longer than 8weeks or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Your allergist will look for :

→Redness

→Swelling of the nasal tissues

→Tenderness of the face

→Bad breath

→Discolored (greenish) nasal discharge.

Treatment :

1. Antibiotics : Antibiotics are standard treatments for bacterial sinus infections. Antibiotics are usually taken from 3 to 28 days, depending on the type of antibiotic.

2. Nasal decongestant sprays : Topical nasal decongestants can be helpful if used for not more than 3 to 4 days. These medications shrink swollen nasal passages, faciliting the flow of drainage from the sinuses.

3. Antihistamines : Antihistamines block inflammation   caused by an allergic reaction so they can help to fight   symptoms of allergies than can lead to swollen nasal &   sinus passages.

4.   Drugs : Over-the-counter combination drugs should be   used with caution. Some of these contain drying agents   that can thicken mucus.

5.   Nasal saline washes : Nasal rinses can help clear           thickened secretions from the nasal passages.

Home Remedies :

Try these natural remedies for sinus pain :

1.   Flush your nasal passages : A saline wash thins mucus & helps flush it out of the nasal passages.  Saline washes have been studied & proven to be effective & should be the first line of defense against sinusitis.

2. Try bromelain : Bromelain is a protein found in pineapple stems. It helps to reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Just be sure to talk to your doctor first because bromelain may interact with other medications you are taking.

3. Take a steam : Hot water vapor can help moisten the sinuses. A hot, steamy shower or bath can also help to loosen up mucus & debris that is stuck inside your nose.

4.  Drink up : Drink water throughout the day & make sure to steer clear of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration.

5.  Spice it up : Spicy foods such as mustard hot peppers, curry, horseradish & wasabi may help clear sinus.

6.  Apply warm compresses : Fill a deep bowl or pot with steaming water & place your face over it with a towel around your head to breath the steam in.

7.  Use a humidifier : A humidifier can keep the air moist but be sure to keep it clean. A dirty humidifier can breed mold & you should only use a humidifier during dry months not when it’s humid.

8. Allergy-proof your home : Allergies can make sinus pain worse.