What Causes Sinusitis? 

*Collaborative post

 

Also known as a sinus infection, sinusitis occurs when your sinuses are inflamed. This condition is so common that it affects more than 35 million Americans at least once each year. When your sinuses are healthy, they are filled with air. However, when they are inflamed and become blocked, they can fill with fluid and germs and cause an infection. Allergies, airborne chemicals or irritants, and fungal infections may all lead to sinusitis. 

Acute Sinusitis vs. Chronic Sinusitis  

In most cases, acute sinusitis begins with seasonal allergies or a cold. The increase of mucus and its inability to drain properly because of inflammation can cause an infection, which leads to acute sinusitis. Fortunately, some cases of acute sinusitis are viral and can be resolved quickly with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.  

NJ-based sinus expert Samuel S. Becker states that while acute sinusitis only lasts for a short while, chronic sinusitis persists for more than 12 weeks. To be diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, you must have two of these symptoms: nasal congestion, pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, a diminished sense of smell and taste, or drainage of a thick yellow or green discharge from your nose or down the back of your throat.  

Although there are a plethora of reasons you may face chronic sinusitis, the most common causes of this condition include nasal polyps, a deviated septum, asthma, allergies, or medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis or HIV. 

Home Remedies 

There are some home remedies you can try if you have a sinus infection. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that may boost your immune system such as ginger, garlic, and onions. You can also try drinking ginger tea as it has been proven to help immunity.  

 Also, you may want to use a neti-pot, which can allow you to rinse your nasal cavities with a saline solution. If you are experiencing any facial pain, try applying a warm, moist compress onto your face. Over-the-counter decongestants like Sudafed may be effective as well as they can reduce swelling and inflammation and improve drainage flow.  

When to See a Sinus Doctor 

If you’ve had sinusitis multiple times and have found that your condition does not respond well to treatment, it’s important to see a sinus doctor. You should also see a sinus doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 10 days. When you do seek medical attention for sinusitis, here’s what you can expect: 

Diagnosis 

Your doctor will begin by trying to diagnose your condition to determine whether acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis is present. They will likely feel for tenderness in your nose and neck and use a special device to look inside of your nose. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, a flexible tube with a fiber-optic light, and allergy tests may be performed.  

Treatment 

If you do have sinusitis, an appropriate treatment plan will be designed. Nasal sprays such as triamcinolone or fluticasone may be used to prevent and treat inflammation. Oral or injected corticosteroids may also be an option as these can relieve severe cases of inflammation.  

If you have a bacterial infection, antibiotics will likely be necessary. In the event allergies contribute to your condition, immunotherapy or allergy shots may be a viable solution. Surgery may be recommended if other treatments prove to be ineffective.  

 At Becker ENT, we may suggest a balloon sinuplasty if surgery is necessary. During a balloon sinuplasty, a tiny, flexible balloon catheter is used to open blocked sinus passageways. It can help you find relief from sinus pain and discomfort by alleviating congestion and improving the draining of sinuses.  

 An endoscopy is another option which involves inserting a thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope into your nose. The endoscope will help the doctor figure out where the sinuses are blocked so they can use other instruments to remove scar tissue and polyps. The good news is that this tissue does not cut into the skin and leads to a faster recovery.  

How to Prevent Sinusitis 

There are certain things you can do to prevent sinus infections. First and foremost, practice good hygiene and wash your hands often. If you know someone has a cold or upper respiratory infection, do your best to avoid contact with them. Also, refrain from smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke exposure.  

 In addition, you may want to use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home. Keep in mind that while some cases of sinusitis can’t be prevented, these steps can reduce your risk of developing this condition.