Seek Diagnosis Of Possible Sinusitis Infection And Obtain Early Treatment
If you suffer from asthma, allergies and structural blockages in your nose or sinuses, you're at great risk for developing sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of your sinuses. You are also at greater risk of developing this condition when you have weak immune systems. Sinusitis can prove to be a very deceptive disease, because its symptoms closely mirrors the symptoms of a common cold. So if you've been showing symptoms of a runny nose and other cold symptoms for quite a while, you should seek early diagnosis of what is causing your ailment in order to be treated if a sinus infection is indicated.
What Causes A Serious Sinusitis Attack?
Sinusitis can be caused by bacterial germ infection as a result of viruses and fungi molds. If you've been diagnosed with sinus disease that lasts more than two months, your case is not only acute but is now a chronic case of sinusitis. What makes this condition so serious at this point is that an infection of your sinus cavity so close to your brain could develop into meningitis. If it spreads into your brain, you could face a life-threatening situation.
Interrupted Nasal Flow Of Mucus Promotes Sinusitis
There is a normal way that your body disposes of germs when you breathe. Your sinuses have minute hair-like projections that sweep mucus and its contents towards the back of your throat. The trapped germs usually slide down to your stomach and is later deposited outside your body in a bowel movement. Sinusitis interferes with the normal mucus flow, which is now blocked. So infections and maybe allergies inflame your small nasal tissues. That's how swelling traps mucus in your sinuses that causes you to have sinusitis.
What Symptoms Your ENT Physician Uses For Diagnosis
You will undergo an examination of your nose, throat and sinuses. Your ENT doctor will be looking for specific symptoms to determine a sinus infection. Those symptoms are listed below.
- Redness in your throat
- Facial tenderness
- A greenish nasal discharge
- Swelling of nasal tissues
- Bad Breath
Sinusitis Treatments
Proper treatment for your sinusitis condition depends largely on how long you've been afflicted with the condition. Treatments for sinusitis run the gamut from antibiotics, nasal decongestant sprays, antihistamines to a combination of nasal decongestants and antihistamines. You should not use the combination method unless it's prescribed by your physician. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are also prescribed. These sprays help to reverse inflammation in nasal passages and sinus openings.
Other Treatments
You can use over-the-counter saline washes on your own, which are effective in clearing thick mucus from your nasal passage. Surgery may be indicated if drug therapy is unsuccessful. There are cases where defects in bone structure that separates your nasal passages become closed, and sinus surgery is then performed to open up the passages.
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