SINUS

Symptoms

There are four pairs of sinuses – in the forehead bone below and between the eyes, and between the back of the eye sockets. Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the nose and sinuses become inflamed. Common causes include pollen and other allergies.

Symptoms include:
• Headache
• Sensation of a build-up of pressure in the head
• Blocked or runny nose
• Cloudy, discoloured nasal drainage
• Feeling of nasal stuffiness
• Sore throat and cough

In allergic sinusitis, other associated allergy symptoms can include itching eyes and sneezing.

Causes

Sinus (or Sinusitis) is a condition that can suddenly flare up when the tube that runs from the nose to the sinus becomes blocked and the lining of the sinuses become inflamed. Infection can also spread to the sinuses in the cheek, forehead or the bridge of the nose. There may be partial blockage and a lot of green mucus.

Acute sinus conditions can be triggered by a number of factors, but is usually the result of a cold or other tract infection. In addition, environmental and dietary allergies can trigger sinusitis.

How to treat it

For sinusitis caused by viral infection, no antibiotic treatment is required. Frequently recommended treatments include pain and fever medications such as analgesics and decongestants.

Bacterial infection of the sinuses is suspected when facial pain, nasal discharge and symptoms persist for longer than a week and are not responding to over-the-counter nasal medications. Acute sinus infection from bacteria is usually treated with antibiotic therapy aimed at treating the most common bacteria known to cause sinus infection.

Peppermint Oil, a decongestant nasal spray and steam inhalation can also help reduce inflammation and encourage mucus to drain from your sinuses.

Lifestyle considerations

Ensure you are eating a balanced diet that provides you with good nutrition, Zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin C can help with a sinus infection. Vitamin A thins the mucus, promotes the growth of healthy mucus promoting cells, and strengthens the immune system. Regular exercise and keeping stress levels low can also help keep your immune system healthy. Eliminating dairy products for up to 21 days can help, as they can cause mild, chronic respiratory congestion in people who are susceptible to sinusitis. Always contact your healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Your local pharmacist is an excellent source of information about sinus, and cold and flu medications. They can help explain the difference between analgesics, vitamins and mineral supplements, and herbal remedies that may help your condition.

Sourced from:
http://hcdz.bupa.co.uk
www.ent.uci.edu
www.umm.edu
www.medicinenet.com

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