Sinusitis and How To Overcome It

Complaints of a cold without a cough or fever that occur every day even after treatment with antibiotics but recur as if there is no improvement, then it is necessary to suspect the possibility of suffering from sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammatory process in the sinus cavity. The sinus cavity is an anatomical structure in the form of a cavity located in the facial area.

It should be noted that anatomically, in the skull bones around the face, there are channels that connect the cavities of the skull bones in the nose, cheekbones and forehead, which function to filter, moisturize and warm the air that enters the nasal passages, and the sinuses can accommodate mucus to protects the air from dust and allergies. The types of sinus cavities are the maxillary sinus which is located in the cheek area, the frontal sinus which is located on the forehead, the ethmoidal sinus which is located around the eyes and the sphenoidal sinus behind the forehead.

Everyone from children to adults can experience sinusitis, both acute and chronic sinusitis. Often sinusitis is mistaken for a common cold so treatment is often deemed ineffective.

CAUSES, TYPES & SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS

Sinuses that experience viral or bacterial infections from the upper respiratory tract can cause inflammation of the sinuses called sinusitis. It is usually always accompanied by inflammation of the nearby nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. Causes of Sinusitis include:

• Nasal polyps, which can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
• Deviated nasal septum, namely a deviated septum (wall between the nostrils) can restrict or block the sinus passages, making sinusitis symptoms worse.
• Other medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases can cause nasal obstruction.
• Respiratory tract infections, most commonly colds, can thicken the sinus lining and block mucus drainage. This infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
• Allergies, the inflammation that occurs with allergies can block the sinuses.

Types of sinusitis based on the cause include:

a. Chronic Sinusitis

Including the condition of sinusitis which is quite serious because the symptoms can last for months and are not symptoms of a blocked nose and ordinary colds.

b. Allergic Sinusitis

Causes swelling of the sinuses due to allergic conditions, also causes a sensation of nasal congestion.

c. Viral Sinusitis

Coughs, flu, fever, which often accompany mucus ranging in color from clear to colored, can generally heal in 7-10 days.

d. Bacterial Sinusitis

Common symptoms include green or yellowish mucous discharge.

Symptoms of sinusitis include the following:

1. Nasal congestion
2. Colds that last a long time and recur
3. Discharge from the nose or behind the nose that feels like liquid is flowing down the throat (post nasal drip)
4. Pain/pressure feeling on the face (eyes, cheeks, nose, forehead) which gets worse when bending
5. Reduced sense of smell that can last for weeks
6. Sometimes accompanied by fever, even headaches and this is usually accompanied by symptoms of a cough and cold
7. Fatigue
8. Bad breath
9. Symptoms of sneezing are like allergy symptoms but do not respond when given anti-allergic therapy.

SINUSITIS TREATMENT

The following are treatments for sinusitis that can be done:

• Providing medication according to the cause of sinusitis includes antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, steroids, anti-inflammatory medication for the nose (intra nasal spray) and others according to the doctor's instructions. Consult your doctor first to get the right medicine according to the cause of your sinusitis.
• Washing the nasal cavity with NaCl solution to moisturize and clean the nasal cavity and sinuses.
• Sinusitis surgery to clean sinuses that block the nasal cavity, or surgery that causes sinusitis such as polyps, deviated septum for chronic sinusitis sufferers.

PREVENTION OF SINUSITIS

Here are some tips you can do to reduce the risk of developing chronic sinusitis:

• Avoid upper respiratory tract infections by avoiding contact with people who have colds or other infections.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
• Control allergies by avoiding exposure to allergens/allergens.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and air pollution. Tobacco smoke and contamination with air pollutants can irritate the lungs and nasal passages.
• Using a humidifier. Adding humidity to the air can help prevent sinusitis. Make sure the humidifier remains clean and free of mold by cleaning it regularly and thoroughly.