Sinusitis Nasal Congestion, Thick Mucus, Headache

Sinusitis

If you have a common cold don’t ignore the symptoms, because it could actually be sinusitis. Just like the symptoms of a common cold, sinusitis symptoms also include nasal congestion, headaches, thick mucus, and pressure in the face. If these symptoms last longer than usually expected too, this may point towards sinusitis. 

What is Sinusitis

Pressure in the face, pain, congestion and a thick nasal discharge are all symptoms of sinusitis. Sinusitis is when the lining of the sinus cavities becomes inflamed or swollen, this inflammation blocks the nasal passages and doesn’t allow mucus to drain properly, thus causing the symptoms listed above. If sinusitis lasts a long time or keeps coming back this can be a sign of chronic sinusitis.

Understanding the Sinuses

There are many different types of sinuses in our body the frontal sinus located in the forehead, the maxillary sinuses located in the cheek, the ethmoid sinuses located between the eyes and the sphenoid sinuses located behind the nose between the eyes.

What is the purpose of these sinuses? Well they play an important role in regulating the air temperature and humidity when a human breathes. This in turn helps reduce the overall weight of the skull and it also produces mucus which helps bacteria and dust to be trapped from entering the body. 

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Let's take a deeper look at the symptoms listed in the paragraph earlier and how they relate to sinusitis. The symptoms usually spread across various different areas of the nose and throat. Nasal symptoms may include blocked or congested nose, thick yellow and green mucus and a postnasal drip. While facial symptoms may include pressure around the cheeks, forehead and eyes; thus causing facial pain. While other general symptoms include headaches, fatigue, fever, sore throat, ear pressure and bad breath.

Causes of Sinusitis

Sinuses can happen due to many different causes.

Viral infections

If the question is what is the most common cause of sinusitis? The answer is viral infections. A common cold that comes from a viral infection can cause the nasal passages to swell, therefore leading to a blockage of sinus drainage. 

Bacterial infections

While viral infections are the most common cause, bacterial infections can also lead to sinusitis. This type of infection usually lasts longer, causes thicker mucus and produces severe symptoms. Inflammation and blockages of sinuses can also occur due to this type of infection. 

Allergies

Can a common allergy cause sinusitis? Yes, it can. Allergies can irritate the nasal lining, therefore causing it to inflame which leads to blockages of sinus drainage hence causing infection.

Structural and Environmental Factors

Infections aren’t the only thing that can cause sinusitis, other causes can also include structural and environmental factors. When the wall between the nostrils isn’t straight, this is known as a deviated nasal septum and can cause sinusitis. Nasal polyps are another cause and this is when small growths in nasal passages block airflow.

When the nasal passages are irritated, they can lead to sinuses and this doesn't always have to happen because of an infection, things like smoking, polluted environments, strong odors and dust can all cause irritation.

Diagnosis of Sinusitis

How does a healthcare professional go about diagnosing someone with sinusitis? Well at first the patient has to go through a physical examiniation this helps doctors see if there’s any issues. After that the doctor will look at one’s medical history and review the patient’s symptoms.

If further information is required, doctors can perform imaging tests like CT scans and nasal endoscopy, this is where a small camera is inserted into nasal passages to examine the sinuses.

Treatment Options

After diagnosing someone with sinusitis, one may wonder what their treatment options are; the answer to that depends on how severe the conditions are. Mild cases can be treated with self-care like, saline nasal irrigation, warm compresses on the face, drinking lots of water and getting loads of rest. 

Medications

When self-care is not enough, doctors will turn towards medications. Which medications? Well that again depends on the conditions of the individual. Decongestants can be used to reduce swelling, antihistamines can be used for allergy related cases, antibiotics can be used when bacterial infection is in play and pain relievers also used to help manage headaches and pain.

Treatment for Chronic or Severe Sinusitis

In cases where medication and self care both aren’t enough, doctors will recommend surgery. A minimally invasive surgery that is done by inserting a small camera into the nasal passages to remove blockages in the sinus is known as endoscopic sinus surgery.

Sinusitis Treatment at Vibhavadi Hospital

Vibhavadi Hospital has a team of experienced doctors who can help diagnose and treat sinusitis. The hospital is equipped with facilities that can help diagnose the condition like, CT scan and nasal endoscopy. As for the treatment, doctors will first look at their patietns evaluation and decide whether self-care, medication or surgery is the best method.