Sinuses are air pockets located within the bones of the skull and face. They are responsible for the production of mucus that drains into the nose through small tubes. This mucus helps to keep the nose clean, traps foreign bodies and generally prevents infection. Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of sinuses usually brought about by infection or an allergic reaction. Acute sinusitis refers to sinusitis that develops quickly (usually due to a viral infection) and lasts between one to four weeks. Symptoms of acute sinusitis are; drainage of a thick discharge through the nose or down the throat, facial pressure and pain, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, a cough that worsens at night, fatigue, painful ears, bad breath and fever.
Illnesses And Conditions That Can Cause Acute Sinusitis
- Cold and flu.
- Allergies such as hay fever which cause excess mucous production.
- Infected teeth.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- A compromised immune system
Acute Sinusitis Treatment Options
Acute sinusitis can be painful and exhausting and is a common condition that affects millions of people yearly. Subsequently, many affected people would like to find treatment options that enable them combat the illness in a short time and reasonable cost. Your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
Decongestants: These medicines reduce the inflammation in nasal passages. Infection causes the tissues in your nose to swell and increase their production of fluid and mucus resulting in a feeling of pressure or congestion in your head and a blocked nose. Decongestants reduce swelling and improve airflow making it easier for you to breathe through your nose.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, which the body produces in response to allergens or irritants. Histamine causes tissues in the nose to itch and swell and many antihistamines are effective in reducing sneezes and relieving a runny nose.
Painkillers: Some people experience a lot of pain and discomfort when suffering from a bout of acute sinusitis. Your doctor may prescribe a mild painkiller in cases where these symptoms are particularly severe.
Home Remedies For Acute Sinusitis
Several home remedies can also help relieve the discomfort. Such remedies include use of humidifiers to keep the air moist, breathing in steam vapors infused with herbs or essential oils, regular vacuuming and dusting, use of air filters, drinking plenty of hot fluids and flushing the nasal passages with salt water.
In conclusion, prescription drugs, over the counter medicines and natural home remedies are a few viable acute sinusitis treatment options.
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