Sinus inflammation

A draining problem

It starts as a typical cold — a scratchy throat, a stuffed-up nose and a run-down feeling. But instead of tapering off over the course of a week or so, pressure builds up around your forehead and face and the feeling of sickness lingers.

If this sounds familiar, you've likely experienced some type of sinus inflammation or infection. Often, acute sinus inflammation (sinusitis) is successfully treated with an antibiotic medication.

But not every sinus problem is that simple. With ongoing sinus problems, careful diagnosis of the underlying problem is crucial to treatment.

Blocked drainage
Your sinuses are a maze of air-filled chambers in the bones around your nose. Your sinuses make mucus, which cleans and moisturizes your nasal passages.

Sinus trouble begins when openings (ostia) become blocked. The most common way this occurs is due to sinus inflammation. Inflammation causes swelling, which makes it difficult for sinuses to drain. Once drainage is blocked, mucus builds. This alone can feel uncomfortable, but it also gives bacteria a stagnant, moist environment in which to thrive, which can lead to infection.

The common cold, which is caused by a virus, is the most frequent trigger of sinus trouble. Typically, your body can fight off the virus that's triggering sinus inflammation and blockage. However, a secondary bacterial infection can take hold.

Sinusitis can also be rooted in one of many additional problems, including:

Allergies — These cause recurrent or constant swelling and irritation of nasal passages (allergic rhinitis), leading to sinus blockage.

Fungal infections — Long-lasting or chronic sinusitis may be triggered by an inflammatory reaction to fungi inhaled from the air.

Structural abnormalities — Small growths of tissue (nasal polyps) or narrow passageways may restrict or block nasal airways or sinus drainage.

Environmental pollution — Sinusitis can worsen if you smoke or are exposed to air pollution.

Other causes — Nonallergic rhinitis, immune system dysfunction, cystic fibrosis or an abnormality of the tiny hairs that line the sinus (cilia) may cause sinus problems.

In addition, other conditions may masquerade as sinusitis. For example, migraines can be mistaken for sinus problems.

Acute sinusitis
Most cases of sinusitis are acute, meaning they come and go within less than a month. Symptoms may include:

Nasal congestion and facial pain and pressure

Drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat

Headache, pain in your upper teeth and jaw, or ear pain that comes on abruptly, usually on the heels of a cold

Fatigue and feeling unwell

Acute sinusitis is often preceded by a cold. When symptoms of acute sinusitis last longer than seven to 10 days — or when symptoms seem to be improving, then suddenly worsen — there's a good chance of a bacterial infection.

The body usually can fight off a bacterial infection, especially if symptoms are mild. Still, your doctor may appropriately prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Additional supportive therapies for acute sinusitis can be used in place of or in conjunction with antibiotics.

Persistent symptoms
When sinusitis won't go away or recurs within a week or two of treatment, more extensive testing may be necessary. Testing may include:

Identifying the microbes causing sinusitis or infection.

Nasal endoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible scope with an attached light into your nose to visualize the drainage from your sinuses. This can help identify structural abnormalities within your nose.

Imaging tests using X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to visualize the sinuses.

Allergy skin testing, if allergies are thought to be the cause.

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a number of treatment options. One of these are Bio-Magnetic Dots. Sometimes, it's possible to cure the problem. For example, it's possible that a more appropriate antibiotic taken for a specific duration may clear up a stubborn bacterial infection.

However, the development of chronic sinusitis is also possible. Chronic sinusitis is sinusitis that lasts for 12 weeks without going away, even after treatment. Chronic sinusitis can be related to an overreaction of the immune system to environmental stimulants, such as dust, pollen or fungi. The inflammation of chronic rhinosinusitis doesn't involve an infection, but acute bacterial infections can periodically develop within diseased sinuses.

Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis are generally subtler than those of acute sinusitis. You may still have congestion and drainage down the back of your throat, but there's generally less facial pain and you generally don't feel as sick. Chronic sinusitis may also cause headaches or loss of smell.

Usually, there's no cure for chronic sinusitis, but symptoms can often be effectively managed with treatments such as:

Systemic corticosteroids — Short-term use of these, often orally, can help calm sinuses.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays — For many with chronic sinusitis, these are used on a daily basis

.Nasal irrigation — This involves gently squirting or pouring a clean, warm saltwater solution into your nose with a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe or a container that's designed to rinse the nasal cavity (neti pot). Done properly and on a daily basis, this is one of the most effective ways to decrease symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend adding a medication to your irrigation to help treat inflammation or infection. For example, antifungal irrigation may be prescribed if fungal irritation is suspected as a possible cause of your sinusitis. Results may vary, but some people have an excellent response.

Allergy treatments — If allergic rhinitis is diagnosed, allergy treatments such as prescription antihistamine drugs may be effective.

Surgery — Using an endoscope, various tools can be used to remove tissue, shave away bone or polyps, or enlarge a narrow sinus.

Don't tough it out

Seeking treatment for sinusitis that has lasted 10 days or more is recommended. Seek care immediately if you experience symptoms such as severe pain or a high fever. Complications of sinus infections include worsening of asthma, infection of the lining of the brain (meningitis) and vision problems.

Free flowin'

Keeping the passageways of your sinuses open and mucus flowing is key to preventing and treating rhinosinusitis. Help keep your sinus mucus flowing with:

Short-term use of decongestants — Nonprescription nasal sprays or oral decongestants can help shrink tissues, relieving sinus pressure and possibly denying bacteria a stagnant place to thrive. However, when used continuously for more than three days, nasal sprays — due to their rebound effect — can actually make congestion worse. Oral decongestants can cause high blood pressure and elevated pulse rate, and can worsen urinary difficulties from prostate enlargement.

Nasal irrigation — Although more effective at relieving chronic sinusitis, rinsing your nose with a salt solution isn't harmful and some people feel that it helps relieve acute sinusitis symptoms. Nasal irrigation is less effective with acute sinusitis because the bacteria-filled sinus cavities in need of irrigation are blocked off.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays — Intermittent use of these prescription medications can help reduce inflammation and swelling of sinuses if you have seasonal allergies. It may take two weeks of use before they begin to have an effect.

Breathing steam — Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or inhaling moist air from a hot shower can help break up nasal congestion.

Taking care of yourself — Drinking plenty of fluids like Bio-Magnetic Water helps dilute mucus and promotes mucus drainage. Avoid alcohol, smoking and air pollution, as these can contribute to inflammation and swelling of nasal passages.

Back To Articles