Sinusitis is a medical term used for inflammation or infection of one or more sinuses. Sinuses are hollow cavities filled with air in the skull which help to reduce the weight of head and make the voice more resonant. Since they surround the nasal cavity, they are also known as paranasal sinuses. They connect through small openings into the nasal passages.
Sinuses are lined with mucus membrane; it produces secretion (mucus) which silently drains away through the nasal passage. With cold, allergy and other respiratory infections, the mucus membrane of nose may swell and obstruct the sinus opening, as a result there is built of secretion in the sinuses.
- Frontal sinuses are over the eye in the brow area.
- Maxillary sinuses are in the cheek bones.
- Ethmoid sinuses are adjacent to bridge of nose and between the eyes.
- Sphenoid sinuses are behind the eye and ethmoid sinuses.
Sinusitis is classified as acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinusitis.
Signs And Symptoms Of Sinusitis
Common symptoms of sinusitis are:
- The nose is congested and mucus discharge is thick yellow or greenish.
- Sneezing and watering from eyes.
- Thick mucus discharge from the back of nose into the throat.
- The area over the involved sinus is painful, tender and swollen.
- Loss of smell and taste.
- Pain behind the eyes.
- Splitting headache
- Heaviness of head
- Foul smelling breath
- Toothache
- Weakness
- Fever
What Are The Main Causes Of Sinusitis?
As mentioned earlier, sinusitis results due to built up of secretion in the sinus cavity. It occurs after an episode of cold, allergic rhinitis and upper respiratory tract infection. The sinus opening into the nasal cavity is blocked due to swelling of nasal mucus lining. Bacteria begin to multiply in the sinuses and produce sinusitis symptoms. The risk factors involved are:
- Allergy
- Low immunity
- Tooth carries
- Excessive nose blowing
- Structural deformity of nose
- Cigarette smoking
- Recurrent upper respiratory tract infection caused due to viruses.
- Inserting foreign objects in the nose. It is common cause in children.
Home Remedies To Treat Sinus problems
The goal of treatment is not only to treat acute inflammation and infection of sinusitis, but also to treat the inherent trait which may result in recurrent attacks. Treatment is aimed to improve drainage and control infection.
- Inhaling steam is excellent for promoting drainage.
- Applying warm cloth helps to relieve sinus pain.
- Garlic is suitable to combat infection. Take two to three cloves of garlic and extract its juice. Mix it with one teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture two times in a day. Garlic has also mild analgesic effect and thus it is beneficial in alleviating pain.
- Onion is another effective home remedy for sinusitis known to mankind since ages. Take a teaspoonful of onion juice and one teaspoon of honey regularly to alleviate symptoms of sinusitis.
- For recurrent attack of sinusitis, black pepper is natural choice. Mix 5 gm of finely powdered black pepper in warm milk. Drink one cup in morning and one at night till the disease is cured.
- Saline water is harmless if used as decongestant. Put one to two drops of saline water in each nostril. It helps to drain the secretion and reduce membrane inflammation.
- Drink plenty of fluids as it helps to makes the blocked secretions watery and easier to remove.
- Avoid eating fried food, white flour bread, cold drinks, ice cream and chocolates.
- Stop smoking.
- Massage for sinus congestion opens the blocked sinuses. With one hand over each eye, rub steadily on the bony ridge located right below and above your eyes. Then rub directly below your eyes and just above your teeth. This may chase your pain away.
How To Prevent Sinusitis Infection?
There are many ways by which you can prevent sinusitis.
- Sinusitis is becoming much more prevalent because of our changing environment. All the pollutants in the air have an adverse effect on the sinuses. Try to avoid such surroundings where you may get affected.
- Cigarette smoking can also create sinus pain. If you have mild sinusitis and you smoke it will progress in spite of treatment to a more severe condition.
- Avoid alcohol because drinking causes blood vessels to swell, resulting in less drainage, more pain and greater risk of infection.
- At home try to keep atmosphere humidified in a comfortable range.