With spring just around the corner, it makes sense to recognize the importance of National Sinus Pain Awareness Month. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the nasal sinuses and may be caused by colds, allergies, or pollutants in the air. Early medical treatment is recommended for any degree of sinusitis because, of the several treatment options, each is more effective when a sufferer seeks early medical attention.
Acute sinusitis often starts with a cold or allergy. In general, if symptoms worsen after five days or continue to persist after 10 days, then a bacterial infection may be the cause. After having a cold you are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection because a cold causes inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. Normally, your sinuses are filled with air, but when the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause infection.
Once acute sinusitis is diagnosed, antibiotics typically relieve the symptoms and clear up any infection. It is important, though, to also treat the underlying cause — such as an allergy — to prevent reoccurrences of sinusitis. Suffers of acute sinusitis usually experience two or more of the following symptoms:
- Facial pain or pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Diminished sense of smell
- Cough
- Fever and fatigue
- Dental pain and bad breath
Chronic sinusitis, however, may last for months. Sometimes surgery is even necessary to restore the normal flow in the sinuses by removing the obstructing cause. Surgical procedures are usually considered a last-resort option when all other medical intervention has proved ineffective. In addition to the above symptoms, chronic sinusitis suffers may have additional symptoms that can last 12 weeks or longer, including thick nasal discharge, discolored post-nasal drainage, or pus in the nasal cavity.
In addition to medication or antibiotics, your doctor may also recommend steam and hot showers to help loosen mucus, as well as nasal saline to wash mucus from your nose. Some sinus suffers even rely on nasal irrigation techniques to help clear thick mucus out of nasal passageways. There are several nasal irrigation methods, but all follow the same formula of pouring or spraying a mixture of salt and water into the nostril. The fluid flows through the nasal cavity and into the other nostril.
If you suspect you are suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis, please contact our ENT office at 972-569-2700 for further evaluation.
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