SINUSITIS
At this time of the year, many people develop upper respiratory complaints that lead to a visit to their health care practitioner. It seems blooming plants and trees may contribute to a great deal of the problems, with symptoms ranging from a cough, runny nose, allergies, and sinusitis. Being stuffed up with a sinus type headache is unpleasant, so let’s take a closer look.
What is sinusitis? This is an inflammation of the sinus passages located in the forehead and face. Your sinuses are pockets of air with channels that lead to the nose. Anytime these channels become inflamed due to a virus, bacteria, or allergen, symptoms of sinusitis may result.
Inflammation will block the passages, causing pressure in the sinus cavities that can be painful. The passages may also have increased mucous or pus, with a large amount of drainage.
The condition may last for a month and chronic cases may last for three months. Studies have shown that about 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, with 32 million of these cases being chronic in nature. In the U.S., health care costs for sinusitis approach nearly $6 billion annually.
Acute cases are usually due to respiratory viruses from the common cold. Chronic cases may be due to inflammation caused by allergies. Repeated inflammation and irritation of the passages will alter their size, which can lead to recurrence.
What can be done? The symptoms of sinusitis include pain over the sinuses or jaw, dental discomfort, evidence of swelling, congested nose, sore throat, and fatigue. Thus, initial treatment is directed at improving the symptoms. Treatment of pain with Tylenol and ibuprofen is essential. A decongestant may help as well. However, nasal sprays should never be used for longer than five days.
If a bacterial infection is the cause, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed. But, it is important to remember that all respiratory illnesses are not bacterial in nature.
More chronic cases may require nasal washing and physician-guided treatment, including an oral or inhaled course of steroids. The last resort may include sinus surgery, to open the passages.
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, it’s important to have allergy testing completed, as treatment of allergies may eliminate the problem. Several medications are available to control allergy symptoms.
If you suffer from sinusitis, simple interventions may change one’s quality of life.
