What are The Causes & Symptoms of Sinusitis and How to Treat It?

By | June 17, 2022

Sinuses are the hollow space within the bones between the forehead, eyes, and behind cheekbones. These sinuses make mucus to keep the nose moist and protect the airways from dust and pollutants. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining of your sinuses. This is a very common condition and mostly appears in winters and spring. 

What are The Causes & Symptoms of Sinusitis and How to Treat It

Causes and risk factors for sinusitis

  1. Common cold
  2. Nasal Polyps
  3. Deviated septum
  4. Allergic rhinitis
  5. Fungal infections
  6. Seasonal allergies
  7. Sensitivity to pollen, dust, animal hairs
  8. Weak immune system

Symptoms of sinusitis

Most of the sinusitis symptoms are similar to the common cold:

  1. Fever
  2. Runny nose
  3. Sinus headache
  4. Cough
  5. Decreased sense of smell

Diagnosing sinusitis in kids is difficult as the symptoms are very similar to cold. Dealing with sinus headaches is very difficult as the pain can be moderate to severe. The symptoms of sinus headache are similar to migraine. 

Types of sinusitis

Acute sinusitis

This is a short type of sinusitis that can last for about a month. Acute sinusitis usually occurs due to the common cold. The common symptoms of sinusitis can last for around 10 days. The main cause behind acute sinusitis is viral infections but it can also occur due to seasonal allergies.

Subacute sinusitis

This type of sinusitis can last for about 12 weeks. People can get subacute sinusitis due to allergies or bacterial infections.

Recurrent acute sinusitis

Recurrent acute sinusitis is a type of episodic condition. People often get at least 4 episodes a year. The episode can last for more than a week. 

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is less severe than other types of sinusitis conditions. It can last for more than 12 weeks. It can occur due to bacterial infection however it is usually caused by other allergies and structural nasal issues. 

Sinusitis diagnosis

Your doctor may ask you for symptoms before suggesting any physical examination. The doctor may check the tenderness and pressure on your head and cheeks using his finder. To diagnose sinusitis, you have to take some tests. These tests will show any abnormal structure or mucus blockage like polyps.

Nasal endoscopy: The doctor will use a fiberscope to visualize the nasal passageways and sinuses. He may obtain samples for culture testing. This test can detect viruses, fungi, or bacteria. 

Imaging Tests: X-ray, CT scan, and MRI.

Allergy tests: Allergy tests to identify the environmental cause behind the allergic reaction. 

Blood tests: Your doctor may suggest you a blood test to check the condition that can weaken the immune system like HIV.

Treatment options for Sinusitis

Most sinusitis problems occur due to viral infection and do not require any specific treatment. To reduce the symptoms, most people use OTC medications and home remedies. But if the sinusitis is caused due to other reasons then you may need treatment.

Treatment for nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is very common in sinusitis. A person can feel lots of pressure on the sinuses. To get relief, apply a warm and damp cloth to your forehead several times a day. Drink lots of water and juice to keep your body hydrated. It will help to keep the mucus thin to reduce congestion. Use a humidifier in your room. You can also use OTC nasal corticosteroid spray. 

Antibiotics

If you are facing sinus symptoms for certain weeks, you should take antibiotics. These medicines will help to reduce symptoms like congestion, facial pain, runny nose, cough, eye swelling, etc.

Homeopathy

If you get sinusitis often then try homeopathy. It is a type of natural medication that can boost your immunity and prevent sinus infection. Talk to homeopathic doctors NYC and get the proper treatment for your sinusitis. This treatment may take more time but can provide you permanent relief from this condition. Homeopathy is fully safe and doesn’t cause any harmful side effects.

Treatment for sinus headaches

If you are getting sinus headaches due to sinusitis, you can take pain relief medications. If you get sinus headaches often, talk to your doctor and get better treatment.

Surgery

If the chronic sinusitis problem is not improving with your medications then you may need surgery. Common surgeries for sinusitis are removing polyps, clearing the sinuses, and repairing the deviated septum.

Home remedies for sinusitis

Chicken soup

Chicken soup keeps the body warm. If you are getting sinusitis due to cold then add chicken soup to your diet. It will help to manage the symptoms of sinusitis and provide you with better relief. 

Drink more water and take steam

If you have sinusitis, increase your water intake. You must keep your body hydrated to reduce the symptoms of sinusitis. It also helps in thinning the mucus and prevents nose congestion. You can also take steam to loosen the mucus. Some oils are also available that provide better help.