Apanemia Health Centre

Archive for the ‘Sinusitis’ Category

There are two types of sinusitis: acute sinusitis, which is commonly caused by a bacterial infection and usually develops as a complication five to ten days after the first symptoms of a viral respiratory infection like the common cold, chronic sinusitis and can also be caused by viral infection, but is more often a chronic inflammatory disorder similar to bronchial asthma.

While colds are most common cause of acute sinusitis, those with allergies may also be predisposed to sinusitis. Allergies can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nasal mucous linings. This inflammation prevents the sinus cavities are cleaned of bacteria, increasing their chances of developing secondary bacterial sinusitis. If you have allergies, your doctor may prescribe appropriate medications to control their symptoms, thereby reducing the risk of developing an infection. People with sinus problems and allergies should avoid environmental irritants such as smoke snuff and strong chemical odors, which can increase the symptoms.

The structural problems of the nose, such as narrow passages, tumors or polyps or a deviated nasal septum (wall between the left and right sides of the nose), may also cause sinusitis. Sometimes it requires surgery to correct these problems. Many patients with recurrent or chronic sinusitis have more than one factor that predisposes to infection. Therefore, attacking only one of the factors may not be enough.

Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the sinuses (cavities within the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose). The main functions of these sinuses are warm, moisten and filter the air in the nasal cavity. They also play an important role in our ability to vocalize certain sounds.

Sinusitis, which is common in winter months, can last for months or years if not treated properly. Sinusitis can affect the nose, eyes or middle ear, and may be manifested by a runny nose, thick, color, post-nasal drip of bad taste, cough, head congestion and an accompanying headache. The symptoms may include stuffy nose, a feeling of facial swelling, toothache, constant tiredness and, occasionally, fever.