Understanding your Sinus Problems a Little Better
Are you having sinus problems again? Don't fret
. We're here to give you some needed information to help you better understand your dilemma. Without proper treatment, your condition can become serious or chronic, meaning it becomes a regular thing that doesn't go away without special care! So read on and know more about your health and how to keep yourself healthy.
The Sinuses
We are talking about the paranasal sinuses. These are air filled pockets located in the bones of the face and around the nasal cavity according to the American Rhinological Society. There are four pairs: Maxillary which is located in the cheeks under the eyes, frontal which is located on the forehead, ethmoids which are 6 12 small pockets located between the eyes, and the sphenoid pair which is behind the ethmoids closer to the brain. Each pair has an opening or passages that connect them to the nose. This passageway is called the ostium.
The sinuses are lined with special cells or epithelium. This lining secretes mucus and keeps the air we breathe warm and moist. This epithelium also uses cilia, long structures that work to move the mucus in a specific direction in order to drain the mucus out of the cavities and passages.
Sinusitis
This is the inflammation or infection of any of the cells that line the sinuses. This inflammation can cause the lining to swell and constrict. Since the passages are narrow, the swelling can cause them to swell shut, preventing proper mucosal drainage. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO), around 37 million Americans suffer from this every year.
Acute and Chronic
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are usually two types of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Both present similar symptoms: thick yellow or green discharge, congestion, pain from the areas around the eyes, nose, and forehead, tooth ache, and taste or smell impairment. The main difference between the two is that usually the acute form will go away on its own, even without treatment. The chronic form will persist for more than 3 months at a time and usually requires some form of treatment, according to the AAO.
The acute form is usually caused by a common cold (viral infection) although bacterial and fungal infections as well as allergies can also be behind it. The chronic form is usually caused by allergies, infections, nasal abnormalities like a deviated nasal septum or polyps, or trauma to the face according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
The Mayo Clinic suggests that in acute cases treatment other than self-care remedies and techniques is usually not required. Self-care would include using a neti-pot for light sinus irrigation, plenty of rest, drinking the proper amount of water, and steam inhalation. The Mayo Clinic suggests nasal sprays or pain relievers to help deal with the symptoms.
For the chronic cases, the Mayo Clinic suggests corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory drugs to help ease the swelling. Since allergy is another common cause, immunotherapy is also suggested. This treatment looks to desensitize your body from the allergy causing materials, potentially minimizing or ridding you of your allergies for good. In rare cases, like nasal abnormalities or deviated nasal septa, surgery may be required.
Although antibiotics remain the baseline recommendation, the Mayo Clinic and the AAO both suggest that they may not be needed in most cases. The Mayo Clinic states that antibiotics are usually unnecessary in acute cases and chronic cases are usually caused by something other than bacterial infections, rendering antibiotics useless. The AAO strongly recommends proper diagnosis before prescribing antibiotics to prevent the risk of antibiotics overuse.
Complications from Sinus Problems
Usually the symptoms of sinusitis are manageable. However, the condition can lead to some serious complications if left untreated. Orbital infections or eye infections are one of the complications that can occur. If the infection spreads to the eyes, you can lose eye movement, experience eye pain, and even lose your vision. The infection can also spread to the brain, causing the membrane lining the brain to swell in a condition known as meningitis. These are very rare but are very serious and that is why it is always best to consult your doctor.
Understanding your Sinus Problems a Little Better
By: Joseph Martinez
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