Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the air pockets on either side of and behind the nose. It is traditionally subdivided into acute , subacute , and chronic. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi (molds) and possibly by allergies. About 15-20 % of the population has a chronic sinusitis (meaning lasting longer than 3 weeks). It can cause a tremendous amount of suffering. Acute sinusitis is usually precipitated by an earlier upper respiratory tract infection, generally of viral origin. Virally damaged surface tissues are then colonized by bacteria, most commonly Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Chronic sinusitis, sinusitis that persists for at least 3 weeks, affects an estimated 32 million people in the United States.
Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms. The causes are multifactorial and may include allergy, environmental factors such as dust or pollution, bacterial infection, or fungus (either allergic, infective, or reactive). Non allergic factors such as Vasomotor rhinitis can also cause chronic sinus problems. Sinuses are hollow air spaces, of which there are many in the human body. Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Therapy for bacterial sinusitis should include an appropriate antibiotic.Using heat pads on the inflamed area.
Saline nasal sprays and vaporizers can also help. Apply moist heat by holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a cloth or towel.
Don’t use a nose spray with a decongestant in it for more than 3 days. If you use it for more than 3 days, the swelling in your sinuses may get worse when you stop the medicine. Sip hot liquids and drink plenty of fluids. Surgery should be considered only if medical treatment fails or if there is a nasal obstruction that cannot be corrected with medications. If you have allergies, try to avoid contact with things that trigger attacks. Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin. Avoiding air travel. If you must fly, use a nasal spray decongestant before take-off to prevent blockage of the sinuses allowing mucus to drain.
Sinusitis Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Vitamin C is also very beneficial for sinusitis.
2. Vitamins like A and C are very much responsible to treat and to prevent sinusitis
3. Don’t use a nose spray with a decongestant in it for more than 3 days.
4. Fenugreek is considered as most effective home remedy for sinusitis.
5. Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin.
6. Using an oral decongestant or a short course of nasal spray decongestant
7. Using a humidifier during cold weather to stop dry.
8. Sinusitis is well treated by consuming half lit of vegetable juices like carrot, cucumber, beet and spinach.
Related Blogs
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, the air filled pockets in the bones around the nose and eyes. When allergies, infections or smoke irritate the inside of your nose, the membranes there swell and clog the tiny opening to your sinuses bacteria starts to grow in the mucus trapped in the sinuses causing pressure and pain in the forehead and cheeks or behind and around the eyes.Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the nasal sinuses. The nasal sinuses are the hollow cavities found within the cheek bones and near the eyes. The inflammation of the nasal sinuses is usually triggered by inadequate draining due to allergies, infections or structural problems of the nose such as narrow drainage passages or a deviated septum.In winter months, when the cold air outside and your heating system make the air inside your home abnormally dry, use a humidifier to keep home humidity at 45% to 50%. This will stop dry air from irritating the sinuses, and make them less of a target for infection. (Don’t forget to clean your humidifier as directed to avoid growth of mold).Mango serves as an effective home remedy for preventing the frequent attacks of sinus, as it is packed with loads of vitamin A.The seeds of fenugreek are another effective remedy for sinusitis. A tea prepared by boiling one teaspoon of seeds in 250 ml of water till it is reduced to half, will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity, and shorten the period of fever in the acute stage of the disease. Upto four cups should be taken daily. The quantity should be reduced as the condition improves.If you are diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, your GP is likely to refer you to an ENT specialist. If your symptoms do not improve after a course of antibiotics, and you are still experiencing difficulties with your affected sinus, an operation called a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) may be performed. This is the most common operation for sinusitis and can be very successful in relieving the symptoms. It involves a surgeon inserting an endoscope (instrument that magnifies the inside of your nose and nasal cavities into your nose. The surgeon will then be able to see the opening of your sinus drainage channels and remove any tissues that are blocking the affected sinus. This operation will improve your sinus drainage and will help the sinus to function properly.Hypertonic Saline – Boil 1 quart of water and add to it 2 or 3 teaspoons of sea salt. You can not use normal table salt because it has unwanted additives. Now add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Boil until the salt is dissolved. Using a syringe draw up the solution and squeeze into the nose over a sink. Some of the solution will come out the mouth. Repeat this method until you feel the solution in your throat. It may take a few times. This will help in keeping the sinuses clear and keep the music draining.Massage your face – with your eyes closed, use your fingers to wipe circles from your forehead down past your nose to your jaw, and then back up over the temples to your forehead again. Repeat 10 to 20 times, and then go in the opposite direction.