SINUSITIS

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT OR BOOK A CONSULANT – Sargam.dange.18@gmail.com

This common condition interferes with the way mucus normally drains, and makes your nose stuffy. Breathing through your nose may be difficult, and the area around your eyes might feel swollen or tender.Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment.

The sinuses are small air pockets located behind your forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes. The sinuses produce mucus, which is a thin and flowing liquid that protects the body by trapping and moving germs away.

Sometimes, bacteria or allergens can cause too much mucus to form, which blocks the openings of your sinuses.

Excess mucus is common if you have a cold or allergies. This mucus buildup can become thick and encourage bacteria and other germs to build up in your sinus cavity, leading to a bacterial or viral infection. Most sinus infections are viral and go away in a week or two without treatment.

If your symptoms don’t improve within 1 to 2 weeks, you may have a bacterial infection.

types—

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis has the shortest duration. A viral infection brought on by the common cold can cause symptoms that typically last between 1and 2 weeks. In the case of a bacterial infection, acute sinusitis may last for up to 4 weeksTrusted Source. Seasonal allergies can also cause acute sinusitis.

Subacute sinusitis

Subacute sinusitis symptoms can last for up to 3 months. This condition commonly occurs with bacterial infections or seasonal allergies.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis symptoms last for more than 3 months. They’re often less severe. Bacterial infection may be to blame in these cases. Additionally, chronic sinusitis commonly occurs alongside persistent allergies or structural nasal problems.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection:

1. A previous cold
2. Seasonal allergies
3. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
4. Structural problems within the sinuses (such as growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses, known as nasal polyps)
5. A weak immune system or taking drugs that weaken the immune system

Other signs and symptoms can include:

1. Ear pain
2. Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
3. Cough or throat clearing
4. Sore throat
5. Bad breath
6. Fatigue

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:

1. Runny nose
2. Stuffy nose
3. Facial pain or pressure
4. Headache
5. Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)
6. Sore throat
7. Cough
8. Bad breath

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT OR BOOK A CONSULANT – Sargam.dange.18@gmail.com

Causes

Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:

1. Nasal polyps. These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
2. Deviated nasal septum. A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils — may restrict or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse.
3. Other medical conditions. The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage.
4. Respiratory tract infections. Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be viral, bacterial or fungal.
5. Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.

Prevention

Take these steps to reduce your risk of getting chronic sinusitis:

1. Avoid upper respiratory infections. Minimize contact with people who have colds. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals.
2. Manage your allergies. Work with your doctor to keep symptoms under control. Avoid exposure to things you’re allergic to whenever possible.
3. Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.
4. Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning.

Treatment

Your doctor will determine if you have a sinus infection by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination.

Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from minor issues, like a rash, to very serious health problems, such as antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.

However, in some cases, antibiotics are needed. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your illness.

For some sinus infections, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescribing.

• Watchful waiting: Your child’s doctor may suggest watching and waiting to see if your child needs antibiotics. This gives the immune system time to fight off the infection. If your child doesn’t feel better after 2–3 days of rest, extra fluids, and pain relievers, the doctor may write a prescription for an antibiotic.
• Delayed prescribing: Your child’s doctor may give an antibiotic prescription but suggest that you wait 2–3 days to see if your child is still sick before filling it.

How to Feel Better

Below are some ways you help relive sinus pain and pressure:

• Put a warm compress over the nose and forehead to help relieve sinus pressure.
• Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray.
• Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT OR BOOK A CONSULANT – Sargam.dange.18@gmail.com