Your sinuses are the hollow areas in the bones of your forehead, cheekbones, and the area between your eyes. They produce mucus, which traps bacteria and debris and also maintains the moisture level inside your nose. The mucous is constantly cleared to remove this material. This in turn helps provide defense against pollutants, allergies, and dust. The tissue lining the sinuses can become inflamed or swollen, which is known as sinusitis.
A healthy person has their sinuses filled with air. However, when they are clogged and overflowing with fluid, bacteria can develop and spread infection. The following conditions can lead to sinusitis:
- The tiny microscopic hairs (cilia) that move and clear the mucous in the sinuses are unable to effectively expel that mucus. Some medical conditions could be to blame for this.
- Allergies and colds may result in the production of excessive amounts of mucus or restrict the sinus openings.
- The entry of the sinuses may be blocked by a deviated nasal septum, a nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps.
Diagnosis
Your physician might inquire about your symptoms. They might examine the inside of your nose and feel for any painful spots on your face and nose. Usually, your doctor can diagnose you based on a simple physical examination.
Acute sinusitis can also be diagnosed using the following additional techniques:
- Endoscopy of the nose
- Imaging studies
- Taking sinus and nasal samples (cultures)
Home Remedies For Sinusitis
The following self-care techniques can help reduce sinusitis symptoms:
- Rest. This will hasten recuperation and aid your body’s defense against infection.
- Consume liquids. Continue to consume a lot of water.
- Apply a warm compress. The pressure in your sinuses could be reduced by applying a warm compress to your forehead and nose.
- Moisturize the sinus cavities. Put a towel over your head and inhale the steam rising from the hot water in the bowl. Keep your face in the line of the vapor without touching the hot water itself. Mucus will drain, which will help in reducing the pain.
- Rinse the inside of your nose. Use a neti pot or a squeeze bottle made for this purpose (Sinus Rinse, etc.).
Treatments to Relieve Symptoms
Your doctor might suggest the following therapies to relieve sinusitis symptoms:
- Saline nasal spray. You can clean your nasal passages by repeatedly spraying saline nasal spray into your nose each day.
- Nasal corticosteroids. Inflammation is treated and prevented by using nasal sprays such as Fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, and beclomethasone.
- Decongestants. These drugs come in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription liquids, pills, and nasal spray forms and must be used for only a brief period of time or serious side effects may occur.
- Anti-allergy drugs. If allergies are the cause of your nasal/sinus inflammation, taking allergy medicines may help reduce allergy symptoms.
- Antibiotics. Antibiotics may be required if your symptoms are severe, progressive, or persistent.
- Immunotherapy. If allergies are causing your sinus inflammation, allergy shots (immunotherapy) that reduce the body’s reaction to specific allergens may help improve your symptoms.
- Sinus surgery. If your sinus infections continue despite medical treatment options, you may need sinus surgery to open the sinus passages and promote sinus drainage or improve access to medications.
Visit us at SinusHealth for more information on sinusitis and the medical complications it can cause. Our board-certified otolaryngologists provide trusted answers to your questions about nasal and sinus conditions and treatment methods. You can also contact us online!