Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include:
The common cold
Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose
Small growths in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps
A deviated septum, which is a shift in the nasal cavity
Types.
You may hear your doctor use these terms:
- Acute sinusitis usually starts with coldlike symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2-4 weeks.
- Subacute sinus inflammation usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic inflammation symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
- Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.
Who Gets It?
Lots of people. About 35 million Americans have sinusitis at least once each year. It is more likely if you have:
- Swelling inside the nose like from a common cold
- Blocked drainage ducts
- Structural differences that narrow those ducts
- Nasal polyps
- Immune system deficiencies or medications that suppress the immune system
For children, things that can cause sinusitis include:
- Allergies
- Illnesses from other kids at day care or school
- Pacifiers
- Bottle drinking while lying on the back
- Smoke in the environment
The main things that make sinusitis more likely for adults are infections and smoking.
Acute Sinusitis Symptoms
The main signs include:
- Facial pain or pressure
- "Stuffed-up" nose
- Runny nose
- Loss of smell
- Cough or congestion
You may also have:
Fever
Bad breath
Fatigue
Dental pain
It may be acute sinusitis if you have two or more symptoms, or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.
Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
You may have these symptoms for 12 weeks or more:
- A feeling of congestion or fullness in your face
- A nasal obstruction or nasal blockage
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- Fever
- Runny nose or discolored postnasal drainage
You may also have headaches, bad breath, and tooth pain. You may feel tired a lot.
Lots of things can cause symptoms like these. You will need to see your doctor to find out if you have sinusitis.
Treatment
If you have a simple sinus infection, your doctor may recommend you use a decongestant and saline nasal washes. You should not use an over-the-counter decongestant more than 3 days, though, because it can make you more congested.
If your doctor gives you antibiotics, you will probably take them for 10 to 14 days. The symptoms usually disappear with treatment.
Warm, moist air may help if you have chronic sinusitis. You can use a vaporizer, or you can inhale steam from a pan of warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot.
There are some other things you can do yourself to help with chronic sinusitis:
Warm compresses can ease pain in the nose and sinuses.
Saline nose drops are safe to use at home.
Over-the-counter decongestant drops or sprays can help. Do not take them longer than recommended.
Your Health Is Our Concern!
Mawuena Workartey/ ghanahospitals.org
