Do you suffer from bad breath, sore throat, dizziness, or congestion that won’t go away? You may be suffering from sinusitis.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the cavities which filter the air you breath.
sinus inflammation is usually from an Infections which are usually caused by viruses or bacteria.
When this lining gets infected, it swells and makes extra mucus. This swelling and mucous production causes symptoms.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
*yellow or green discharge nose.
* Pain in the teeth
* Pain or pressure in the face – This often feels worse when a person bends forward.
some people also suffer from:
* Trouble smelling
* Ear pressure or fullness
* Bad breath
* Feeling tired
Ignoring symptoms can result in incomplete healing, producing chronic sinusitis who’s treatment may necessitate expensive surgery. Unlike a cold, or allergy, bacterial sinusitis require a physician’s care to prevent future complications.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis which should prompt an office visit
Most of the time, symptoms start to improve in 7 to 10 days.
your symptoms get better at first but then get worse.
you should be seen right away if:
* Fever higher than 102.5°F (39.2°C)
* Sudden and severe pain in the face and head
* Trouble seeing or seeing double
* Trouble thinking clearly
* Swelling or redness around one or both eyes
* Trouble breathing or a stiff neck
Treatment of acute sinusitis:
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes.
Medications for Sinusitis:
* Tylenol,aspirin derivatives (nsai) such as Motrin and Naproxen. These medications have significant potential problems including harming your liver, kidney and stomach, they can also raise blood pressure, harm babies, worsened heart failure,, among others. For this reason you should always ask Dr. Kline or your physician prior to using such medications.
*Antibiotics may be selected based on complex characteristics including their duration of action, penetration, and bacterial sensitivity.
* Use a decongestant nose spray < 2 days. There are many reasons why you may not be able to use such medications safely, before using such medicines could you please call our office, or the office of your physician if you are in our patient, and be sure that these are safer you.
* oral decongestants: these medications are similar to a nasal decongestants, but they are taken internally. They have the same problems as nasal decongestants, but they are even less safe. These medications can also affect your mood,, and result in heart problems such as arrhythmias. Again he should never use these medications without consulting Dr. Kline or your primary care physician. These medications however can be very useful.
*Antihistamines: these medications are useful if the cause of your problem is allergic. Allergic symptoms usually include some combination of sneezing, itchy, watery runny nose ect. If you don’t have these symptoms you probably don’t have allergies. Newer antihistamines are safer than the old types. Some of the problems associated with antihistamines can include sedation, eye problems such as exacerbating glaucoma, prostate problems in men, heart irregularities and arrhythmias, and stomach problems. As always please contact Dr. Kline for your family practitioner prior to using these medications.
* anti-cholinergic medications: these medicines dry your nose, they are especially useful in a condition called vasomotor rhinitis. Of course these medications also carry risks, and the same caution concerning contacting your physician prior to their use applies here as above.
These may include oral or nasal decongestants, anticholinergic, or steroids, and nasal leverage, All of these carry potential risks including cardiac, mood, and drug interactions – it is important to check with your doctor before using them. If sinusitis does not remit, or if it relapses, evaluations may include laboratory and allergy testing, imaging tests including cat scans , or an endoscopic procedure.
* Nasal saltwater rinses: – There are various products which you can use including generic Netty Potts, in addition there is a product called Neilmed which is useful. You can also whet your nasal mucosa with saline sprays such as AYR.
*Environmental controls: controlling the amount of dust, irritants and allergens in your garment is very important in the treatment of both acute and chronic sinusitis. You may wish to decrease cosmetics, and use a HEPA filter, along with other such measures, in order to try to control the molecules which you inhale . It may be beneficial for you to use a humidifier in your bedroom when the relative humidity is low – the relative humidity is often decreased when your heater is being used in the wintertime.
Some people get a lot of sinus infections or have symptoms that last at least 3 months. These people can have a different type of sinusitis called “chronic sinusitis.” Chronic sinusitis can be caused by different things. For example, some people have growths in their nose or sinuses that are called “polyps.” Other people have allergies that cause their symptoms. At times, special imaging tests and endoscopies are needed to define the pathology involved with this type of sinusitis. Ultimately, resolution of this type of problem may require surgical intervention.
As always, prevention is the best cure. Avoiding smoke and other respiratory irritants, treating allergies and “GERD”, and taking measures to prevent infection spread may protect you from sinus infection.
You can try to cure sinusitis on your own; but if your symptoms persists or worsens, or if you have underlying disease, then you should call your doctor.
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- BUPA: Sinusitis – Concise factsheet explaining the causes, symptoms and treatment of this condition.
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary: Sinusitis – Information on this condition.
- MedlinePlus: Sinusitis – The National Library of Medicine (National Institutes of Health) public database search engine. Includes citations and information.
- NHS Choices: Sinusitis – Provides details of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, complications and prevention.