Is your Sinus bothering you? Check out the symptoms and treatment for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue, lining the sinuses. This results in swelling of the mucus membranes, pain around the cheekbones, and a thick green discharge from the nose. Sinusitis is a common condition that is caused because of a viral infection, bacterial infection, or a fungal infection. It occurs when the body’s immune system is unable to stop harmful bacteria from reproducing in the sinuses. In some cases, sinusitis can spread from the sinuses to the nervous system. This leads to life-threatening infections and complications, such as meningitis and brain abscess. Treatment for sinusitis varies depending on the cause, severity of symptoms and a person’s medical history. Treatment may include a humidifier, medications or possibly surgery.

There are three types of sinusitis:

• Acute sinusitis is when symptoms are present for 4 weeks or less. It is caused by bacteria growing in the sinuses.
• Chronic sinusitis is when the swelling of the sinuses is present for longer than 3 months.
• Subacute sinusitis is when the swelling is present between one and three months.

Sinusitis can occur from one of these conditions:

• Small hairs (cilia) in the sinuses fail to properly move mucus out. This may be due to some medical conditions.
• As a result of cold and allergies, too much mucus blocks the opening of the sinuses.
• Sinuses may be blocked due to a deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur or nasal polyps.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Facial pain or pressure
• Headache
• Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Bad breath

Sinusitis Treatment:

There are several treatment options for sinus infections. Most treatment plans start with:

• Saline nasal sprays and Saline Nasal Irrigation.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants
• OTC pain relievers
• OTC fever reducers
• Antihistamines
• Mucus thinners