Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that causes swelling and stuffiness. Fluid builds up in the nasal passageway and creates a block. Sinusitis makes it hard to breathe, and typically this is a symptom of an infection or virus. However, it can also occur because of allergies. 

If you try to blow out the ‘stuffy feeling, you can harm your nasal passageway and cause bleeding. Doctors recommend reducing the inflammation in your sinuses first before gently blowing.

Causes

The main cause of Sinusitis are:

• Infections 
• Common Cold
• Allergies
• Flu

Symptoms

• Regardless of the case, the symptoms of Sinusitis are similar and include:
• Stuffy nose
• Nasal dripping
• Pressure on cheekbones, nose, or head
• Fever
• Consistent cough that won’t go away.

Diagnosis

The only way to diagnose Sinusitis and find the exact cause is to go to your doctor. They need to figure out the cause with a series of tests. The doctor will check if your lymph nodes, which swell when they fight diseases, are swollen or not. This lets your doctor know that you do have an infection of some kind.

Depending on the time and the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a Flu test. If it is positive, they will diagnose you with the Flu and give you antibiotics and a prescription to fight the infection off.

One of the more common causes is allergies. Your doctor does not need a test to find out if you are having an allergic reaction to pollen. Instead, they can ask you questions about your symptoms and history. 

Treatments

The treatments for Sinusitis are mainly over the counter and affordable. You can purchase decongestants in the form of a spray, liquid, or pill to reduce inflammation. This also will fight against other symptoms of a cold if you have one. Sometimes if your Sinusitis exists because of a cold, it goes away on its own without intervention from cold or allergy medicine.

There are also some ways to unblock the nasal passageway to increase breathing. For instance, you can take a hot shower and do so with steam. The steam rises in the air and opens not only your pores but also your nasal passageway. This does not treat the cause but does manage the condition and provides some relief.

You can also warm a wet hand towel and place it on your sinuses and nose. The heat and steam will have the same effect.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent Sinusitis. If you are prone to allergic reactions caused by the environment or the season as it changes, it is not possible to avoid outside. However, you can take allergy prevention medication over-the-counter, which may reduce the likeliness of Sinusitis. 

Another way to prevent this is to avoid allergens. For instance, if dust is what causes a blockage and inflammation in your nasal passageway, wear a mask when cleaning or often clean so dust does not accumulate.

If you are sick with either the common cold or the Flu, then you must rest as much as possible by drinking plenty of fluids. This will speed up the process, and you should be feeling better in no time! Once the underlying cause is complete, the Sinusitis will go away.

When you are out in public, to prevent a cold that causes Sinusitis, be sure to frequently wash your hands. There are bacteria everywhere, and they can travel to openings in your face if you are not careful. Try not to touch your face or mouth when out in public before washing your hands. 

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FAQs

1. What are the most common symptoms of Sinusitis? The most common symptoms of Sinusitis include pressure on your face, a stuffy nose, redness, inflammation, sore cheekbones, dental pain, and bad breath.
2. What happens if you constantly get Sinusitis? It is possible to develop chronic Sinusitis. This is a condition that occurs constantly and usually without warning. It can cause damage to the nasal passageway, amongst other problems. People with chronic Sinusitis may frequently suffer from nose bleeds because of the constant dryness.
3. What treatment is the most effective for Sinusitis? In order to treat Sinusitis effectively, you must first treat the underlying cause of the symptom. Then you can use over-the-counter medications.

Healthier Me Today is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment, always consult with your healthcare professional. Stay healthy!