Doctors
Consultants
Top
Sign & Symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Pain or pressure experienced in the forehead, cheeks, nose and between the eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough, which may worsen at night
- Bad breath
- Ache experienced in the teeth
Top
What causes it
Changes in temperature or air pressure of anything that causes swelling in your sinuses or keeps the cilia from sweeping the mucus out of the sinuses can cause sinusitis.
Sinusitis can be caused by allergies. Using too much decongestant nasal sprays, smoking, swimming or diving can also increase the risk of sinusitis.
Some patients have growths called nasal polyps that block their sinus passages and cause sinusitis.
When sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, the patient suffers from a sinus infection. Sinus infection may occur after one has a cold. The cold virus attacks the lining of the sinuses which cause them to swell and become narrow. The body will respond to the virus by producing more mucus which gets blocked up in the swollen sinuses. This built-up of mucus creates an environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria can cause a sinus infection.
Top
About the condition
Sinusitis is a condition in which the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed.
Sinuses are the air chambers in the bone behind the cheeks, eyebrows and jaw. They produce mucus, a fluid that cleans bacteria and other particles out of the air one breathe. Tiny hairs called cilia will sweep mucus out of one’s sinuses so it can be drained out through the nose.
Top
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Treatment for sinusitis depends on the cause.
Saline nasal spray which will clean the nasal passages and help clear congestion.
Decongestant may be prescribed to help drain the sinuses which may cause sinus pain or pressure. They are generally only recommended for short-term use.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophenand ibuprofen can help ease headache and sinus pain.
In the case of very severe sinusitis, and if it is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic may be prescribed for 10 to 14 days. It is important to complete the course of the antibiotics.
Top
Post Op Care/Care Tips
- Get plenty of rest. Try lying on the side or prop yourself up with a pillow. This will allow you breathe the best.
- Sip hot water and drink plenty of fluid
- Apply moist heat by holding a warm, wet towel against the face or breathe in steam through a cloth or towel. This will relieve sinus pressure and help open up sinus passages.
- Some over-the-counter cold medication can make symptoms worse or cause other problems. - Check with your doctor first before taking any of such medication.
- Don’t use a nasal spray with a decongestant in it for more than 3 days. The swelling in your sinuses may get worse when you stop using the medicine.
Top |
