Suffering from Sinusitis? Try This Extraordinary Treatment Now!

Sinusitis are one of the commonest causes for headache that we see in our day today practice. Sinuses are the empty spaces present in and around our nose. Inflammation of this spaces results in sinusitis. Most common cause for acute sinusitis is common cold which is of viral origin. This will usually settle within a week or 10 days unless there is a superadded bacterial infection. Sinusitis lasting more than 12 weeks even with medication is termed as chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms

• Thick yellowish or greenish discharge from the nose or from the back of the nose to the throat (postnasal drip)
• Nasal blockage or congestion
• Headache or facial pain. Feeling of pressure around the eyes, forehead, and cheek which usually worsens when bending forward.

Other associated symptoms include:

• Reduced perception of smell
• Blood-stained nasal discharge
• Bad breath
• Tiredness
• Fever

When to See a Doctor

Sinusitis usually settles within 1 week with home remedies. If not, you may have to get a consultation. Other situations include:

• Associated with fever
• Worsening of symptoms
• Repeated sinus infection (chronic sinusitis)

Warning signs which need immediate consultation include:

• Pain, swelling, and redness around the eyes
• Visual disturbances like double vision
• High-grade fever
• Neck stiffness

Management

Diagnosis can be made with the help of a thorough nasal examination. This includes looking inside the nose using a headlight and by eliciting sinus tenderness.

Further investigation to confirm the diagnosis includes Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and imaging.

• Diagnostic nasal endoscopy: With the help of a rigid endoscope, a healthcare provider can examine the inside of the nose, especially areas where the sinuses open.
• Imaging: CT paranasal sinus shows the sinuses and nasal area in detail.

Treatment

Most cases of acute sinusitis are self-limiting and usually resolve with home remedies.

Medications that help in relieving symptoms include:

• Anti-allergy medication: These include antihistamines and leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast) which help in reducing allergies, a common cause of chronic sinusitis.
• Decongestant nasal drops are helpful in alleviating nasal stuffiness. Prolonged usage of decongestants can result in rebound stuffiness.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Most NSAIDs are given to relieve pain and reduce ongoing inflammatory processes.
• Corticosteroids: Oral and topical corticosteroid nasal sprays help prevent and treat nasal polyps associated with sinusitis. They are mostly given to patients with chronic sinusitis for symptomatic relief and for controlling allergies.
• Antibiotics are needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. These should be used wisely as most infections are due to the common cold caused by viruses. One of the premier ENT hospitals in India is famous for its state-of-the-art therapies and highly proficient healthcare experts.

Acute sinusitis not responding to medical management may require surgery. Surgery is also an option in chronic rhinosinusitis, which helps in removing the discharge and polyps occupying the sinus and obstructing the sinus opening. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery aims at restoring adequate aeration of sinuses, improving mucociliary transport, enlarging sinus openings, and providing a better route for topical therapy. Patients require prolonged topical therapy even after surgery to prevent recurrence.