Sinus Problems
WHAT IS SINUSITIS?
Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the
sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It is usually
preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by
environmental pollutants. It is estimated that 37
million people are afflicted with sinusitis each
year. This number may be higher since the symptoms
of bacterial sinusitis often mimic those of colds or
allergies, and many never see a doctor for proper
diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic..
Bacterial sinusitis is different from a cold or
allergy in that it requires a doctor’s diagnosis and
treatment with an antibiotic in order to cure the
infection and prevent future problems.
A cold or allergy attack will cause your sinuses
to become inflamed and unable to drain, leading to
congestion and infection. Your doctor’s method of
treatment may include a sinus x-ray or obtaining a
sample of your nasal discharge to test for bacteria.
Sinus infections that occur frequently or last
three months or more may be chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms may be less severe than those of acute
sinusitis, and irreversible changes can occur which
may require surgery to repair.
Allergy to fungi can also cause sinusitis. This
is more often chronic than acute infection.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If you suffer from three or more of the following
symptoms, you should see your doctor.
|
SIGN/SYMPTOM |
SINUSITIS |
ALLERGY |
COLD |
|
Facial
Pressure/Pain |
YES |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
|
Duration of
Illness |
Over 10-14
days |
Varies |
Under 10
days |
|
Nasal
Discharge |
Thick, yellow
green |
Clear,
thin, watery |
Thick,
whitish or thin |
|
Fever |
Sometimes |
NO |
Sometimes |
|
Headache |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
|
Pain in
Upper Teeth |
Sometimes |
NO |
NO |
|
Bad Breath |
Sometimes |
NO |
NO |
|
Coughing |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
YES |
|
Nasal
Congestion |
YES |
Sometimes |
YES |
|
Sneezing |
NO |
Sometimes |
YES |
Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic, as well
as a decongestant to relieve congestion. You should
avoid extended use of nonprescription nasal sprays
or drops. Inhaling steam or using saline nasal
sprays can help relieve sinus discomfort.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when
infection-causing bacteria are immune to the effects
of certain antibiotics. You can help prevent this by
taking all the medication just as your doctor
instructs, even if symptoms are gone before the
medicine runs out. Failure of therapy occurs most
often due to the use of inappropriate antibiotics or
the right antibiotic for too short of a treatment
duration.
SINUS SURGERY
Surgery should be considered only after all
medical treatment has failed or there is a nasal
obstruction that cannot be corrected with
medications. Your doctor will discuss with you the
surgery best suited for you and your need. Certain
types of sinus disease can best be treated with
functional
endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). With an
endoscope, the surgeon can look directly into the
nose, while at the same time removing diseased
tissue and polyps and clearing the narrow channels
between the sinuses.
Have realistic expectations for results, recovery
and post-operative care before going into surgery.
Good results require not only good surgical
techniques, but a cooperative effort between the
patient and physician throughout the healing
process.
PREVENTING SINUSITIS
To avoid developing sinusitis during a cold or
allergy attack, keep your sinuses clear by:
- Using an oral decongestant or a short course
of nasal spray decongestant.
- Gently blowing your nose, blocking one
nostril while blowing through the other.
- Drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal
discharge thin.
- Avoiding air travel. Use a nasal spray
decongestant before takeoff to prevent blockage.
- Avoiding contact with things that trigger
allergy attacks.
Allergy testing, followed by appropriate allergy
treatments, may increase your tolerance of
allergy-causing substances. |
