When Sinusitis Strikes
Knowing the Signs of an Infection
Sinusitis: Easing the Pressure
Warren Feldman, MD, family practitioner on staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, recommends the following remedies to relieve the pain, pressure and congestion caused by sinusitis.
- Avoid getting dehydrated. Drink lots of fluids. This will help to flush out your system.
- Breathe in some steam, (but don't burn yourself) or take a warm shower to loosen up the mucus and relieve congestion.
- Don't overdo the over-the-counter cold medicines. They can cause a rebound effect and make your sinus infection worse. Nasal decongestants have even been known to cause high-blood pressure or heart failure.
- Give your sinuses a rinse. Saline solution can help to moisturize and flush the nose of problem allergens.
- Use a pain reliever to alleviate the pain caused by blocked sinuses.
February 2002 -- Your nose is a filter - separating bacteria and dust out of the air you breathe every day. It does this with the help of the sinuses, five separate air cavities in your head, which generate liquid called "mucus" to flush the bacteria out of the nose.
Colds, changes in the weather and even growths in the sinuses ("polyps") can cause inflammation and blockage in any of the sinus cavities. The mucus begins to build up in the blocked sinuses, and since the bacteria cannot be flushed out, infections occur. This condition is called sinusitis.
Know the Signs of Sinusitis
"Sinusitis is a very common condition in South Florida," says Daniel Morse, MD, an otolaryngologist on staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. "This is due primarily to the number of significant allergens in the air."
The following symptoms may mean you have sinusitis:
- Headaches
- Low fever
- Cough or sore throat
- Stuffy nose or congestion
- Dental or facial pressure and pain
- Thick, yellow-green nasal discharge
Two Types of Sinus Infections
Sinusitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis usually occurs after a cold, due to a bacterial infection that develops in the buildup of mucus. So, if your cold begins to get better and then appears to worsen, you could have acute sinusitis. Your doctor's treatment for this form of sinusitis can range from over-the-counter decongestants to prescribed antibiotics. However, be sure not to overuse decongestant nasal sprays - they can often lead to sinusitis, too.
Chronic sinusitis, the most common chronic illness in Americans younger than 45 years of age, can be found in patients who have the symptoms of sinusitis for more than 12 weeks, or experience a sinus infection four times a year or more. Often occurring without fever, chronic sinusitis is often caused by allergies, nasal polyps (which block the flow of mucus) or immune system deficiencies such as HIV.
"Knowing the cause of sinusitis is important for proper treatment. However, the symptoms for a severe infection or an allergic reaction are very similar," says Dr. Morse. "That's why it is important to get to know the patient's medical history and examine their sinus problems. From there, either a CAT scan or a skin test for allergies can be recommended."
If you believe you might have some form of sinusitis, there are physicians who can help. To find a doctor in your area, call our Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS .