Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses. Normally sinuses are filled with air. But if they get blocked or filled with fluid, viruses, bacteria, or fungus can grow, leading to sinusitis. Common causes of sinus blockage include common cold, allergies, polyps, a deviated septum, and a weak immune system from illness or medications. Sinusitis Silver Spring can affect anyone, but you are more likely to get the condition if you have nasal allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, abnormal nose structures, or smoke. In young kids, spending time in daycares and using pacifiers or drinking while lying down can increase the chances of developing sinusitis.
Which are the different types of sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis lasts for a short period, typically less than a month. It often starts as a common cold and persists after the cold passes. In most patients, acute sinusitis resolves within seven to ten days.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis persists for more than twelve weeks, even after treatment. You are more likely to have it if you have hay fever or asthma. It commonly presents with nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain, and a reduced sense of smell for at least twelve weeks.
Sub-acute sinusitis
Doctors use the term sub-acute sinusitis when your symptoms last four to twelve weeks.
Recurrent sinusitis
Recurrent sinusitis is when your symptoms come back four or more times a year and last less than two weeks in each phase.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
The common symptoms of sinusitis include post-nasal drip, bad breath, cough, tiredness, fever, stuffy nose, and nasal discharge from your nose that is thick yellow, or green. You may also experience facial pressure around your nose, eyes, and forehead, headache, or pain in your teeth or ears.
Which are the treatments for sinusitis?
Antibiotics
If your sinusitis results from a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Patients often take antibiotics for ten to fourteen days for acute sinusitis. You may take the antibiotics longer for chronic sinusitis. Antibiotics are only beneficial for bacterial infections and will not be helpful for sinusitis resulting from a virus or other problems.
Painkillers
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease discomfort. Do not take these medicines for more than ten days.
Decongestants
Decongestants reduce the amount of mucus in your sinuses. They are available in the form of sprays or pills. Using decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days can cause more sinus congestion.
Allergy medicines
Sinusitis in most patients results from uncontrolled allergy. If an allergy causes your sinusitis, your healthcare provider can recommend antihistamines. Avoiding triggers can also help manage your sinusitis.
Steroids
Your doctor may recommend inhaled steroids to reduce swelling in your sinus membranes. For severe chronic sinusitis, you may require oral steroids.
Surgery
If your sinusitis keeps recurring, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery may involve removing blockages and enlarging your sinus passage, making it easier for them to drain.
Sinusitis is commonly characterized by nasal congestion, facial pressure or pain, fever, cough, and nasal discharge. Depending on the cause and symptoms of your sinusitis, your doctor can treat it through painkillers, antibiotics, decongestants, steroids, antihistamines, or surgery. Schedule an appointment at the Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland for sinusitis treatment to relieve nasal congestion.
