Acute sinusitis refers to a condition that lasts for less than four weeks. It may start as a common cold and symptoms go away within a week or so, but in some people infection may progress further.
Chronic sinusitis is a condition when symptoms do not heal even after2-3 months despite taking remedies. It is more common in people suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Causes of Sinusitis
The most common cause of sinusitis is a viral infection. Generally, it results due to a cold or flu virus that reaches to the sinuses.
Bacterial infection is another important cause. It causes the inflammation of the membranes lining the inside of the sinuses.
Infection from a tooth can also sometimes travel to sinuses thus making them inflamed.
Deficiency of immune system is also responsible for the recurrent attacks of sinus infection.
Deviated nasal septum and nasal polyps are also responsible for causing infection in the sinuses.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Symptoms of sinusitis mostly develop after a cold or after suffering from a severe allergic rhinitis attack. The most important signs of a sinus infection are pain and congestion in the cheeks and forehead. Other symptoms of a sinus infection are:
- Thick yellow green discharge from the nasal cavities
- Bad taste in the mouth due to post nasal dripping
- Cough may be present
- Congestion in the nose and forehead
- Toothache and headache may be present due to congestion
- Bad breath or loss of smell may also be present
- Generally fatigue and body weakness may develop
- Fever may develop in chronic sinusitis
How to cure Sinusitis?
People suffering from sinusitis can perform the following methods to get rid of symptoms:
- Take a warm and moist cloth and apply it to your face over the cheeks several times
- Drink hot fluids to thin the mucus and get relief from congestion
- Inhale steam two or three times in a day
- Use a humidifier in your room to prevent dryness and infection
- Use Neti technique to flush out the mucus from the sinuses
- Avoid air travel when you have an attack of sinusitis
- Avoid moving to too hot or cold regions
Prevention tips
The best method to prevent recurrent attacks of sinusitis is to avoid colds and flu or take proper treatment.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. These help to boost your immunity and prevent recurrent attacks of infection.
- Try to reduce stress by doing meditation and yoga therapy.
- Wash your hands before eating food especially after shaking hands with other people.
- Avoid going in smoke and other polluted areas.