Sinusitis - Meaning and how to deal with it

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses. When the sinuses filled with liquids, bacteria can grow there, causing common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the nose lining), nasal polyps (small growths in the lining) or a diverted septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).

Here are some symptoms of sinusitis. However, these symptoms are common during the cold, but if they continue for more than 10 days, you may have a sinus infection.

• Pain in nose, forehead, eyes, face
• A chronic or a severe headache
• Chronic cough
• Nasal congestion, itching, distorted feelings of smell, runny nose, loss of smell, sneezing or postnasal drip
• Fever, fatigue, hot flashes, 
• Difficulty sleeping or snoring
• Face swelling or tenderness
• Throat irritation or soreness
• Pus discharge and mucus, bad breath, irritability, hyposmia, shortness of breathing and nausea.

Acute sinusitis can be treated with home treatments given below:

• A warm, wet cloth held over your sinuses to ease congestion
• A humidifier to ease congestion
• Saline nasal sprays used several times a day to clear the nasal passages
• Drink plenty of fluids in order to thin mucus
• OTC corticosteroids nasal spray such as Flonase or Nasonex to reduce sinus inflammation

Prescription medications

Your doctor may prescribe prescription antibiotics, anti-fungal drugs, or allergy shots to treat severe acute sinus infections.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat the cause of acute sinusitis. The doctor may perform surgery to remove nasal polyps or tumours, correct a deviated nasal septum, or drain and clean your sinuses.

Herbs

Horseradish and Nasturtium herb are helpful in relieving symptoms of sinusitis and produce minimal side effects. Ask your doctor about its safe dosages and potential side-effects.

Prevention

You may be able to avoid getting acute sinusitis by following these preventive measures:

•  Eating a healthy diet will keep your immune system strong.
•  Minimise contact with people who have colds.
•  Wash your hands frequently and before meals.
•  Avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants.
•  Get an annual flu shot.
•  Use a humidifier in dry weather to keep your sinuses moist and healthy.
•  Treat allergies without delay.
•  Take decongestants when you have nasal congestion.

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