Home Lung and airways Sinusitis: Causes, symptoms and how to cure

Sinusitis: Causes, symptoms and how to cure

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

It is known as sinusitis to an inflammation located in the paranasal sinuses, which may be due to an infection, however, this respiratory disorder can have various causes although they may be less frequent. Despite this, it is essential to consult with the doctor so that he can carry out the corresponding tests and, in this way, offer the correct diagnosis together with a specific treatment.

It is important to know that the sinuses are hollow spaces that serve as a conduit for air to pass through. These produce certain secretions that drain into the nose, but if it is inflamed, it can cause a blockage of the paranasal sinuses and cause pain to the patient. It is very common to suffer from sinusitis throughout life, but the duration of it can vary a little with each appearance. That is why if you find yourself going through this alteration or have frequently heard someone say that I have sinusitis and it is not removed in the following FastlyHealarticle you will be able to find the answer you are looking for.

Sinusitis: main causes

When excess mucus is generated and a blockage in the paranasal openings is created an ideal environment for different viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms to reproduce much more easily and cause sinusitis. The main causes of sinusitis are:

  • The hairs located in the internal part of the paranasal fossae, called cilia, cannot remove the mucus due to some condition, generating sinusitis.
  • The presence of a nasal spur, nasal polyps or a deviated septum can generate a blockage in the paranasal sinuses.
  • Suffering from allergies or flu that can generate an excess of mucus secretion.

In addition to the above, there are some factors that can considerably influence the possibility of suffering from this alteration. Among them are:

  • Suffering from any pathology that makes it difficult for the cilia to function.
  • Having hay fever, allergic rhinitis, or cystic fibrosis .
  • Consume tobacco regularly.
  • Have a weakened immune system due to treatments such as chemotherapy or diseases such as HIV.
  • Have a nasal malformation.
  • Submitting to forces of gravity and pressure such as when diving, mountaineering or traveling by plane.

Symptoms and duration of sinusitis

Because the symptoms can be similar to other alterations that compromise the nasal passages, it is possible that some people confuse it and believe that it is something else, but if the appropriate treatment is not received, it can be prolonged and cause a lot of discomfort, even affect daily performance. Therefore, the most recommended is to go for a medical check-up if you have the most frequent symptoms of sinusitis :

  • Pain and pressure in the maxillofacial area and behind the eyes.
  • Constant discharge and nasal congestion.
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Fever and headache
  • General ill feeling and constant fatigue.
  • Throat discomfort.
  • Runny nose and the patient has a cough that worsens at night.

It is normal that many people who say I have sinusitis and it does not go away worry about this situation, but they should know that it is usually a long-term disease , especially if it is not medicated correctly. There are various types of sinusitis, which will determine the time during which the symptoms of respiratory disturbance will be present, and for this, an evaluation with a specialist is essential for its diagnosis. The types and duration of sinusitis are:

  • Acute sinusitis : lasts up to 4 weeks.
  • Subacute sinusitis : can last 4 to 12 weeks.
  • Chronic sinusitis : it can persist for more than 12 weeks, even lasting a few months or years.

Can sinusitis be dangerous?

In general, sinusitis is not dangerous, in the sense that it is not considered a disease that puts the health of the person suffering from it at risk, but it is an alteration that is recommended to attend immediately with a doctor when:

  • You have sinusitis and it does not go away, that is, if the symptoms last for more than 10 days and get worse instead of better.
  • A high fever develops.
  • The headache is too bad.
  • The symptoms continue after having been treated by antibiotics.
  • There is some transformation in sight.

How to cure sinusitis?

Although in most cases sinusitis disappears on its own with the passage of time, on some occasions certain antibiotics prescribed by the doctor must be used , although this depends exclusively on the cause that is causing this respiratory disorder. Also, some patients may be advised to use nasal sprays with antihistamines and corticosteroids .

In very few cases surgical treatment is required to improve and get rid of sinusitis. In this way the nasal openings are widened and a drainage is made. Although this procedure is not usually as frequent in most sinusitis, when it is caused by fungal infections in the nose, the specialist may advise performing this type of surgery.

When the doctor does not offer any specific type of treatment or only prescribes certain drugs to help you, there are some recommendations that can help improve the disorder and eliminate the symptoms. Among them are:

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Take steam baths to inhale it 2 to 4 times every day.
  • Use a humidifier that reduces the dryness of the environment.
  • Apply cloths that are at a high temperature to the face several times a day.
  • Use nasal decongestants.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to I have sinusitis and it doesn’t go away, what should I do? , we recommend that you enter our category of Lung and respiratory tract .

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