Sinusitis (sinus infection): causes, symptoms and treatment
Sinuses are small air spaces behind our forehead and facial bones (nose, cheekbones and in between eyes). These sinuses produce mucus which protects us by intrapping the germs and moving them away. Due to some external factors like germs or allergies excess mucus is formed leading to blockage to the sinuses.
Sinusitis or sinus infection is a condition in which the air cavities (sinuses) in your nasal passages get infected leading to inflammation in them. It usually starts as a common cold but the excess mucus can further attract more pathogens leading to sinus infection.
On the basis of the severity and duration for which the infection stays sinusitis are of three types:
1. Acute sinusitis : Symptoms last for 7-14 days and a maximum of 4 weeks. These usually cause the most irritation.
2. Subacute sinusitis: This can last up to 3 months
3. Chronic sinusitis: This lasts for more than 3 months and usually less severe than the other two.
CAUSES OF SINUSITIS (Sinus Infection)
1. Allergy: This is the most common cause of sinusitis. These allergies inflammation and block the sinuses. Some of these allergies are seasonal, such as pollen of certain flowers. Smoke or air pollutants can also cause allergies.
2. Respiratory tract related infections: Viral, fungal or bacterial infection can also lead to blockage of sinuses. One of the most common reasons can be the common cold. 3MEDS, the best online pharmacy in India gives 100% genuine medicines.
3. Nasal polyps: These are tissue growth on the lining of nose or sinuses and can cause chronic sinusitis. It blocks sinuses or nasal passages. Minor nasal polyps can be treated through medications but in some cases it requires surgery.
4. Deviated nasal septum: A deviated nasal septum can restrict the sinus passages which can worsen sinusitis.
4. A health disorder: A health disorder like cystic fibrosis or any disease that can compromise the immune system can also be the cause of sinus infection.
SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS
Some symptoms of sinusitis include:
1. Headache
2. Facial tenderness
3. Pain in areas of sinuses
4. Fever
5. Discoloured nasal discharge
6. Nasal congestion
7. Sore throat
8. Swelling of face
9. Cold and/or cough
TREATMENT OF SINUS INFECTION (SINUSITIS):
Treatment of sinus depends upon the severity of the infection. Acute sinusitis usually goes away on it's own within 7-14 days. Sinusitis should not be self treated under any circumstances. If your symptoms don't go away even after 14 days you should consult a doctor. You can either consult a general physician or an ENT specialist. Buy medicine online in India from 3MEDS, the best online pharmacy.
Some common treatments include:
1. Nasal corticosteroids: These are nasal sprays that can help in reducing the inflammation. Some nasal corticosteroids include fluticasone, mometasone and budesonide.
2. Saline nasal irrigation: It is used along with the nasal sprays to rinse away the allergens and infectants.
3. Corticosteroids: These can be injected or taken orally. These have serious side-effects and are used to treat severe sinusitis only.
4. Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is the cause of sinusitis doctor will recommend you to take antibiotics.
5. Immunotherapy: Doctors can give you allergy shots to reduce the reaction against specific allergies.
6. Surgery: This treatment is chosen when the cause of the sinusitis is nasal polyp or bone spur.
SELF-CARE FOR SINUSITIS
1. Rest: Our body recovers faster when we rest.
2. Stay hydrated: Hydrate yourself with water, fruits and juice. This helps in dilution of mucous.
3. Moisten your sinus cavities: Breathe in water vapour from hot water or take a hot shower or breath in warm and moist air to moisten your sinus cavities. This helps in relieving pain as well as draining excess mucous away.
4. Sleep with elevated head: This helps in reducing congestion.
5. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the body and increases the irritation.
6. Avoid air pollution and smoking: These can irritate and inflammation nasal passages.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR SINUSITIS
Though you cannot do much about sinusitis, specially it it is caused by allergens, there are some preventive measures that you can take to stop this from happening of reducing its effects
Here are some preventive measures of sinus infection:
1. Clean your nasal passage daily
2. Stay hydrated
3. Keep your nasal passage moist
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
5. If you take antibiotics, take probiotics too as it will balance the good and bad bacteria in nasal passage and sinuses.
6. Try to avoid allergens
7. Do not smoke
8. Do consume alcohol
Sinusitis is usually not a serious health problem but it can be dangerous if proper preventive steps are not taken or left unchecked. It is best to talk to a doctor to know your condition. It cannot be cured completely however, if taken precautions it would not interfere with your daily life.
