Sinusitis: Causes and Symptoms


SINUSITIS (SINUS INFECTION)



Sinusitis is common. But many people who have it use treatments that aren't likely to help. So before you run to the drugstore, you’ll want to be sure you know how to handle this condition.

The sinuses are small cavities in the skull that are normally filled with air. They make mucus, which helps keep the nasal passages clear of allergens and pollutants.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines these cavities. In some cases, this swelling blocks off the sinuses, trapping mucus and air inside them. This can cause pain and pressure. Sometimes, it can lead to a bacterial infection.


Acute vs. Chronic
Acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks.

Chronic sinusitis lasts at least several weeks and can linger for years. Its cause can be hard to pin down -- and hard to treat.

Sinusitis might start because of a cold or allergies. Fungus can cause it for people who have weak immune systems.

Sometimes, chronic sinusitis is due to problems with the structure of the nasal passages, or a growth such as a nasal polyp that keeps the sinuses from draining normally.

Acute and chronic sinusitis have similar symptoms:
* Facial pressure and pain
* Thick discolored mucus
* Congestion


Treatment
The key is to figure out the cause. For instance, if your sinusitis is due to allergies, then decongestants alone will probably not help much.

If you have symptoms for more than a couple of days, check in with your doctor. With a good exam -- and sometimes imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs -- you may be able to figure out exactly what's causing the problem.

Often, the best sinusitis treatment is a combination of different approaches -- typically medication plus self-care.

Medicines
Antibiotics . If your doctor thinks a bacterial infection is to blame, he may prescribe antibiotics. For acute sinusitis, you typically take them for 10-14 days. For chronic sinusitis, it might be longer.

Antibiotics only help with bacterial infections. They won’t help if your sinusitis is caused by viruses or other problems. Some studies suggest that bacteria cause very few cases of the condition and that antibiotics are widely overused.


What is acute sinusitis?
A stuffed nose and pressure on our cheekbones, near the eyes, or over the forehead may mean that you have acute sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis, also called acute rhinosinusitis, is a short-term inflammation of the membranes that line your nose and surrounding sinuses. This impedes your ability to drain mucus from your nose and sinuses.

Acute sinusitis is most commonly due to a cold causing viral infection. However, it can be due to noninfectious causes as well. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, acute sinusitis is common. It affects around 1 in 8 adults per year.

What causes acute sinusitis?
Illnesses and conditions that can cause or lead to acute sinusitis include:

viruses
bacteria
fungi
intranasal allergies, such as hay fever
nasal polyps or other tumors
deviated nasal septum
infected adenoids
cystic fibrosis, an inherited genetic disease where thick, sticky mucus builds up in the body
An infected tooth could also cause acute sinusitis. In rare cases, bacteria can spread from the infected tooth to the sinuses.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis include:
nasal congestion
thick yellow or green mucus discharge from the nose
sore throat
a cough, usually worse at night
drainage of mucus in the back of your throat
headache
pain, pressure, or tenderness behind your eyes, nose, cheeks, or forehead
earache
toothache
bad breath
reduced sense of smell
reduced sense of taste
fever
fatigue

Most cases of acute sinusitis can be treated at home:
A moist, warm washcloth. Hold it over your sinuses to ease pain symptoms.
A humidifier. This can help keep the air moist.
Saline nasal sprays. Use them several times a day to rinse and clear your nasal passages.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids in order to help thin mucus.
Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal corticosteroid spray. Sprays such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase) can reduce intranasal and sinus inflammation.
OTC oral decongestant therapy. These therapies, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can dry up mucus.
OTC pain relievers. Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can help relieve sinus pain.
Sleep with your head elevated. This encourages your sinuses to drain.
Prescription medications
Your doctor may prescribe prescription antibiotic therapy if they think you have acute bacterial sinusitis.


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