Sinusitis, which usually develops due to cold or allergies, is caused by the growth of bacteria and viruses as a result of inflammation and obstruction of the mucus layer in the sinuses. Acute sinusitis is a condition that usually lasts 2-4 weeks and can be cured with appropriate treatment. Chronic sinusitis is a condition that lasts longer than 12 weeks and requires treatment. In the treatment of sinusitis, approaches to alleviate symptoms are generally used, methods that control the infection and open the sinuses. These methods include medication, nasal sprays, inhalation therapy, warm steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, use of a humidifier, and rest. However, treatment options may vary depending on the situation and the type of sinusitis. With appropriate treatment, sinusitis symptoms can usually be alleviated and quality of life improved.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a health problem caused by the inflammation of the air-filled spaces behind the nasal and facial bones, called sinuses. The sinuses are located in the airway in the nose and are covered with a layer of mucus. Normally, the mucus inside the sinuses acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and viruses. However, if the opening of the sinuses is blocked due to a cold, allergy or other reason, mucus accumulates and a suitable environment for the reproduction of bacteria or viruses is created. In this case, inflammation and swelling occur in the sinuses, which leads to sinusitis.
Sinusitis usually manifests itself with symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache, facial pain, runny nose, cough and weakness. Symptoms can often vary depending on the location of the sinuses. For example, pressure or pain may be felt in the cheeks or around the eyes. The severity and duration of sinusitis may differ from person to person. Acute sinusitis usually lasts 2-4 weeks and can be cured with appropriate treatment. Chronic sinusitis is a condition that lasts longer than 12 weeks and requires long-term treatment. If sinusitis is not treated, it can negatively affect the quality of life, so proper diagnosis and treatment are important.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a health problem that manifests itself with various symptoms. Here are the common symptoms of sinusitis:
- Sinusitis often causes nasal congestion. Inflammation and swelling of the sinuses narrows the airway in the nose and causes nasal congestion.
- Sinusitis is usually manifested by an intense headache in the forehead or around the eyes. This headache is usually in the form of a feeling of pressure or a painful pressure.
- Feelings of pressure or pain in the cheeks or around the eyes are common.
- It can increase mucus production, which can lead to a runny nose. Mucus can often be yellow or green in color.
- Sinusitis can cause coughing as a result of the runny nose flowing back into the throat. This cough can often be more pronounced at night or in the morning.
- It can be associated with a general feeling of weakness or tiredness caused by the infection in the body.
- Sinusitis can sometimes cause toothache as a result of inflammation of the sinuses of the upper jaw. This can be misleading for some people and can be confused with dental problems.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the sinus cavities. Sinuses are air-filled spaces between the bony structures in the nose. Factors that cause sinusitis often include nasal congestion, accumulation of sinus secretions, and infections. Nasal congestion leads to obstruction of airflow in the nose and poor ventilation of the sinuses. In this case, mucus accumulates in the sinuses and creates a suitable environment for the reproduction of bacteria or viruses.
Infections cause inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. Other factors that can lead to sinusitis include allergic reactions, nasal polyps, nasal trauma, immune system problems, and anatomical abnormalities. Sinusitis usually presents with symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache, runny nose and facial pain.
Sinusitis treatment includes relieving symptoms, measures to control the infection, and methods to open the sinuses. Here are some treatment options that can help sinusitis pass:
- Medication: Antibiotics are often used in the treatment of sinusitis. Your doctor may prescribe an appropriate antibiotic, depending on the type and severity of the infection. Pain relievers and decongestants can also be used to relieve symptoms.
- Nasal Sprays: Nasal sprays can help open up the sinuses. Your doctor may recommend different types of sprays, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays or saline sprays.
- Inhalation Therapy: Inhalation can help moisten and open up the sinuses. Essential oils added to hot water or inhalation devices can be used for this.
- Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation is the washing of the nose and sinuses with salt water. This process helps clear mucus and congestion. For irrigation, saline solutions sold in pharmacies or special nasal sprays can be used.
- Humidifier Usage: A humid environment can relieve sinusitis symptoms. Humidifiers or steam machines can be used for this.
- Rest and Fluid Consumption: Resting and drinking enough fluids during sinusitis can help the body fight infection.
These treatment methods can alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis and speed up the healing process. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations, as each individual’s situation is different.
What are the symptoms of advanced sinusitis?
Advanced sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the sinuses remain inflamed for a long time or as a result of incorrect or ineffective treatment. In this case, the symptoms of sinusitis become more severe and can seriously affect quality of life. Here are the symptoms of advanced sinusitis:
- Severe headache: Advanced sinusitis usually presents with severe and unbearable headaches. The headache is usually concentrated on the forehead, temples, or around the eyes and may interfere with daily activities.
- Facial Swelling: Inflammation of the sinuses for a long time can cause swelling and a feeling of pressure in the face area. Swelling may occur in the cheeks, around the eyes and forehead.
- Swollen and Tender Sinuses: In advanced sinusitis, the sinuses swell and become sensitive. This condition may manifest as pain or discomfort when the face is touched.
- High fever: Fever may occur as a result of advanced sinusitis infection. Fever indicates that the body is fighting infection and often occurs along with other symptoms.
- Chronic Fatigue: Advanced sinusitis can cause a feeling of chronic fatigue due to the body stress caused by a persistent infection. Patients often experience fatigue, weakness and lack of energy.
- Breathing Difficulty: Difficulty breathing may occur as swelling of the sinuses and nasal congestion progress. Breathing becomes difficult due to nasal congestion and breathing sounds can be heard.
- Long-Term Symptoms: Advanced sinusitis is a condition in which symptoms persist for a long time. Symptoms usually last longer than 12 weeks and do not go away on their own without proper treatment.
What is good for sinusitis pain?
Sinusitis pain can be quite bothersome and interfere with daily life. There are some methods to relieve pain and provide relief.
- Hot and Cold Application: You can apply hot or cold to relieve sinusitis pain. Taking a hot shower, a warm compress, or a warm steam inhalation can help relieve sinuses. Cold application can reduce swelling in the sinuses. You can relieve pain by gently applying the ice pack to the affected areas of your face.
- Humidifier Usage: Keeping the sinuses moist can help relieve pain. You can increase the humidity level of the room by using humidifiers or do steam inhalation.
- Nose Washing with Salt Water: Nasal irrigation can help clear the sinuses and relieve pain. You can wash the nose using saline solutions sold in pharmacies.
- Painkillers: You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve the pain of sinusitis. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using medication.
- Rest and Plenty of Fluid Consumption: Resting during sinusitis can help the body focus on the healing process. Also, consuming plenty of water and other fluids can thin the mucus, allowing the sinuses to drain better.
- Avoiding Allergens: If you think your sinusitis is caused by an allergic reaction, it’s important to avoid allergens. You can take precautions such as staying away from dust mites at home, not spending time outside during the pollen season, or not consuming foods that may cause allergies.