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.