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SINUSITIS
Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the nasal sinuses which are hollow spaces within the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose. Sinuses warm, moisten, and serve as an air filter for the nasal cavity. Narrow drainage passages, polyps, or a deviated nasal septum (nasal bones are not straight) may be another cause of sinusitis. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct these problems.
Signs of Sinusitis
Plentiful, thick, nasal drainage, bad-tasting post-nasal drip, cough, nasal and head congestion, headache, feeling of facial swelling, constant tiredness, and occasionally, a fever.
Allergies can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nose preventing the sinus cavities from clearing out bacteria. People with sinus problems and allergies should avoid environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke and strong chemical odors, which may increase symptoms.
Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the nasal sinuses which are hollow spaces within the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose. Sinuses warm, moisten, and serve as an air filter for the nasal cavity. Narrow drainage passages, polyps, or a deviated nasal septum (nasal bones are not straight) may be another cause of sinusitis. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct these problems.
Signs of Sinusitis
Plentiful, thick, nasal drainage, bad-tasting post-nasal drip, cough, nasal and head congestion, headache, feeling of facial swelling, constant tiredness, and occasionally, a fever.
Allergies can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nose preventing the sinus cavities from clearing out bacteria. People with sinus problems and allergies should avoid environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke and strong chemical odors, which may increase symptoms.
Diagnosis
Even if symptoms seem to be localized to the sinuses, the sinuses are not always infected. To make a correct diagnosis, your health care provider will take a detailed history and perform a physical examination. Allergy testing, sinus CT scan (precise images of the sinus cavities), or a sampling of nasal secretions may be needed as well.
Treatment
In addition to prescribing an antibiotic when the sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection, your health care provider may prescribe a medication to reduce nasal congestion and control allergies.
Treatment may also include immunotherapy (allergy shots). Rinsing the nasal cavities with salt water at least once daily is highly recommended. Our nursing staff will be happy to teach you how to perform the sinus rinse.
Even if symptoms seem to be localized to the sinuses, the sinuses are not always infected. To make a correct diagnosis, your health care provider will take a detailed history and perform a physical examination. Allergy testing, sinus CT scan (precise images of the sinus cavities), or a sampling of nasal secretions may be needed as well.
Treatment
In addition to prescribing an antibiotic when the sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection, your health care provider may prescribe a medication to reduce nasal congestion and control allergies.
Treatment may also include immunotherapy (allergy shots). Rinsing the nasal cavities with salt water at least once daily is highly recommended. Our nursing staff will be happy to teach you how to perform the sinus rinse.