Affecting nearly 37 million people, sinusitis is one of the most common health conditions in America. Sinusitis occurs when the tissue that makes up the inner lining of the sinus becomes infected. The sinuses are supposed to be filled with air, but when they become blocked, they can swell and fill with fluid and germs causing an infection. Conditions such as the common cold, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps or a deviated septum can cause blocks in the sinuses.
Sinusitis is broken into four different categories: acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis. Acute sinusitis has symptoms very similar to the common cold, such as a runny, stuffy nose. Facial pain that lasts 7-10 days usually distinguishes acute sinusitis from the cold. Symptoms include facial pain and pressure, nasal stuffiness and discharge, loss of smell, cough and congestion, fever, halitosis, dental pain and thick nasal discharge.
Subacute sinusitis has the same symptoms of acute sinusitis, but lasts from 4 to 8 weeks. The condition becomes chronic when it lasts to or over 8 weeks and becomes recurrent when it attacks several times within a year. Chronic and recurrent sinusitis has the same symptoms of acute and subacute with the addition of pus in the nasal cavity, fever, and constant nasal discharge and postnasal drainage.
There are several factors that can contribute to sinusitis including the common cold, blockage of drainage ducts in the sinuses, structure differences that narrow drainage ducts, conditions that result immune deficiencies, smoking, drug use, allergies, and exposure to pollution. For adults, smoking and drug use is the most common contributor to sinusitis, which is completely avoidable.
Treatment of sinusitis depends on the level of severity. For most cases of acute and subacute sinusitis, simple decongestants like Sudafed and steam inhalants can be effective in controlling symptoms. If symptoms persist past the recommended use of the medications, it is best to see a doctor for antibiotics.
Chronic sinusitis requires more intensive treatment. Vaporizers can help loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Over the counter decongestants may help symptoms, but is rarely enough to completely cure the problem. Doctors can provide antibiotics and even steroids for extreme cases. Prescription antihistamines may also be needed for cases of chronic or recurring sinusitis due to allergy issues.
Sinusitis is unavoidable in most cases, but can be prevented. Refraining from smoking and drug usage helps keep sinus passages clean. Upholding a healthy diet and lifestyle with nutritional supplements can also help boost a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections.
Sinusitis is broken into four different categories: acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis. Acute sinusitis has symptoms very similar to the common cold, such as a runny, stuffy nose. Facial pain that lasts 7-10 days usually distinguishes acute sinusitis from the cold. Symptoms include facial pain and pressure, nasal stuffiness and discharge, loss of smell, cough and congestion, fever, halitosis, dental pain and thick nasal discharge.
Subacute sinusitis has the same symptoms of acute sinusitis, but lasts from 4 to 8 weeks. The condition becomes chronic when it lasts to or over 8 weeks and becomes recurrent when it attacks several times within a year. Chronic and recurrent sinusitis has the same symptoms of acute and subacute with the addition of pus in the nasal cavity, fever, and constant nasal discharge and postnasal drainage.
There are several factors that can contribute to sinusitis including the common cold, blockage of drainage ducts in the sinuses, structure differences that narrow drainage ducts, conditions that result immune deficiencies, smoking, drug use, allergies, and exposure to pollution. For adults, smoking and drug use is the most common contributor to sinusitis, which is completely avoidable.
Treatment of sinusitis depends on the level of severity. For most cases of acute and subacute sinusitis, simple decongestants like Sudafed and steam inhalants can be effective in controlling symptoms. If symptoms persist past the recommended use of the medications, it is best to see a doctor for antibiotics.
Chronic sinusitis requires more intensive treatment. Vaporizers can help loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Over the counter decongestants may help symptoms, but is rarely enough to completely cure the problem. Doctors can provide antibiotics and even steroids for extreme cases. Prescription antihistamines may also be needed for cases of chronic or recurring sinusitis due to allergy issues.
Sinusitis is unavoidable in most cases, but can be prevented. Refraining from smoking and drug usage helps keep sinus passages clean. Upholding a healthy diet and lifestyle with nutritional supplements can also help boost a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections.
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