Are you irritated with the discomfort of nose block and yellow thick nasal discharge? Are you suffering from facial pain and swelling? If you nodded along worriedly, you might be suffering from sinusitis. Sinusitis can affect people of varying age groups and cause discomfort hampering your smooth routine. So, it is important to diagnose and treat sinusitis effectively. And, if you are wondering what sinusitis is and how to treat it effectively, get answers to your questions by reading this article below.
What Is Sinusitis?
The air-filled spaces present in your skull’s hollow cavities are sinuses. And, the inflammation of these sinuses is called sinusitis. Sinusitis is also known as rhinosinusitis.
Classification Of Sinus:
- Acute Sinusitis: When the sinusitis lasts for 4 weeks, it’s called acute sinusitis.
- Chronic Sinusitis: If your sinusitis stays for more than 4 weeks, it’s chronic sinusitis.
Types Of Sinusitis:
There are different types of sinuses which can affect you depending on the location of affected sinuses. Find them below.
- Maxillary sinus (present on cheekbones)
- Frontal sinus (lower center of your forehead)
- Ethmoid sinus (between your ears)
- Sphenoid sinus (behind your nose)
Causes Of Sinusitis:
Sinusitis can occur due to various reasons. Some of the causes of sinusitis are mentioned below.
- Viral infection or earlier upper respiratory tract infection can make you suffer from this condition. Different viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and influenza viruses, etc. can cause sinusitis.
- Other bacterial agents, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus bacteria, etc. can be the cause of sinusitis
- Acute sinusitis also occurs in immunocompromised peoples.
- It’s common in the younger kids below 12 years of age.
Signs & Symptoms Of Sinusitis:
- Nose block
- Yellow or greenish thick nasal discharge.
- Foul smelling from the mouth
- A cough for a significant long span of time
- Decreased sense of smell
- Decreased sense of taste
- Discomfort
- Ear pain
- Facial pain and swelling
- A headache
- Sometimes, facial pain
- Fatigue.
7 Helpful Tips To Treat Sinusitis:
- Have Hot Water Or Steam Inhalation:
Sinuses occur because of various allergic reactions or a change in weather, etc. This makes mucus thick. Having hot water or steam inhalation will help promote the thinning of the mucus which reduces sinus pressure, and this will help you prevent the discomfort of the sinusitis.
- Go For Saline Wash:
This is another way to get relief from sinusitis. Saline wash contains salt which helps to moisten the mucus and reduce the sinus pressure. This will help you to prevent various symptoms of sinusitis.
- Increase Intake Of Fluids:
An adequate intake of fluids helps you prevent dehydration. Increasing your intake of fluids helps to reduce the blockage of the sinuses.
- Massage Your Face:
Massaging your sinuses helps to reduce irritation of the sinuses and drains your blocked nose. So, massage your face.
- Take Natural Decongestant Drinks:
Having natural decongestant drinks comprising ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, lemon or apple cider vinegar helps to clear nasal passages and also relieve you of the pain.
- Hot-Cold Compression:
A hot compression helps to relieve you of the pain, opens up the blockage of the nose, and helps to increase the circulation. Alternating hot and cold compression provides the relief from the sinus pressure & pain and keeps the nasal passages or air passages clear.
- Have A Sound Sleep:
Refreshing sleep helps you obtain relief from the discomfort of sinusitis. Sleep helps to stimulate your brain and promotes the production of white blood cells, which help you fight various infectious viruses and bacteria. Try to sleep by placing your head up by using a pillow at night, as it helps you breathe comfortably and feel relaxed.
Now that you know these seven effective tips to treat your sinusitis, make sure you follow them when you happen to suffer from sinusitis.
