Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is a medical condition that affects the sinuses. It occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, leading to congestion, pressure in the face, headaches, and other symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes sinusitis and how to treat it.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract are one of the most common causes of sinusitis. Bacterial infections can also cause sinusitis but are less common than viral infections. Allergies can cause inflammation of the nasal passages which can lead to sinus congestion and blockage of the sinuses. This blockage prevents air from flowing freely through them, which allows bacteria to grow and further exacerbate symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion or stuffiness; facial pain or pressure around your eyes, forehead, or cheeks; headache; sore throat; bad breath; fatigue; yellow or green discharge from your nose; fever; toothache in your upper jawbone area; or reduced sense of smell or taste. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than 10 days, you may have chronic sinusitis and should see a doctor for treatment options.
Treatment Options
The treatment for acute (short-term) bacterial sinus infections usually involves antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and antihistamines may also help relieve some of the symptoms associated with an acute bacterial sinus infection. For chronic (long-term) bacterial sinus infections, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for a longer period of time along with other treatments such as nasal irrigation with saline solution or steroid sprays to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Surgery may also be an option depending on the severity and duration of the infection.
Sinusitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide annually. The primary symptom is facial pain resulting from inflammation in the nasal passages due to viral infections, bacteria, allergies, or other causes. To treat acute cases antibiotics are typically prescribed while chronic cases require longer treatments including medications like steroid sprays, saline irrigations, and even surgery if necessary.
If you think you might be experiencing signs of Sinunisits it’s best to visit your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your individual needs.
