Sinusitis means that your sinuses have been inflamed to the point where they are losing fluids. The usual cause is an infection or other issue with the sinus cavities. Usually, sinuses are air filled cavities in the bones around the outside of the nose.
Generally, they produce a lot of mucus that drains out of the nasal passages into the throat. However, if your nose is blocked by swelling, this will prevent the sinuses from draining properly and cause severe pain. As well, because of the increased pressure, the tissues in the sinus areas become very tender making it difficult to even talk or breathe properly. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor for treatment to avoid sinus infection.
Other things that can cause sinus problems include allergies, rhinitis (inflammation of the lining that surrounds the sinus), and other infections. Allergies to irritants and even foods can lead to inflammation of the sinus cavities and symptoms. If allergies seem to be the case, simply remove the allergen, such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and certain foods. Continue to vacuum the house and keep the windows and doors closed. You may want to run a steam cleaner through the house at least once a week to remove allergens. Some allergens are more persistent than others so in order to remove them, some testing may be needed.
When it comes to sinusitis, it is best to avoid crowd situations and stay home. The less pressure you have on your sinuses while in a crowded environment, the better your odds will be of not getting a sinus infection. Another thing to remember is to never sit or stand up too fast, because this places an uneven amount of pressure on your nasal cavities. If you must stand up to support yourself, do so in short bursts and don’t hold your breath until your lungs are fully inflated. Always fold or compress your hands into your gloves.
Another symptom that is common to both sinus and chronic bronchitis is a constant, thick, yellow-green nasal discharge. This may not have an odor. Sinus congestion lasts for several days or even longer and usually gets worse when the weather changes. The chronic condition is usually accompanied by chronic facial pain and is usually accompanied by cough.
Sinusitis will typically last from six to twelve weeks. However, it can persist longer in certain instances such as if a person has chronically weak immune function. There are a few symptoms that occur in acute sinusitis that are the same as symptoms of chronic bronchitis. These symptoms last from four to twelve weeks, but they tend to be less severe than those in chronic sinusitis. If you have had an acute attack, the pain and discomfort are usually intense and last for more than a week.
One of the most common symptoms is a feeling that something is stuck in your throat. It could either be a foreign body or a foreign smell. It often also feels like a lump is pressing against the back of your throat. You might even cough a lot during an attack. All of these symptoms are common among people who have a sinus infection and all are caused by an inflammation or swelling around your nose, cheeks or sinus area.
In rare cases, sinusitis can lead to nasal polyps or growths. The polyps are growths that form in your bones or your lining and grow through the airways, usually affecting the upper respiratory passages. Although rare, sinusitis can also lead to meningitis, a very serious condition in which the brain becomes covered in fluid, resulting in permanent damage. If it is possible to find out what caused the sinus infection, it is important to treat it properly, so it does not recur. Treatment can vary based on the type of infection, the severity of it, and on the type of treatment that are available for the cause of the sinusitis.