 Sinusitis and colds share symptoms of nasal and
sinus congestion, and are often confused.
What seems like a cold can turn out to be sinusitis. Or, what seems like sinusitis may actually be a bad cold. Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of one or more of your sinuses. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, discharge, poor sense of smell, fever, and pain in the upper jaw, teeth, or upper cheek, pressure behind the eyes, headaches, or pain and swelling around the eyes.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is usually but infrequently caused by a cold where the lining of the nose becomes irritated by viral infection, blocking the flow of air and mucus between the nose and sinuses. Bacteria begins to breed in the air and mucus trapped in the sinuses. Allergies may also cause sinusitis. Blockages between the nose and sinuses – infection, inflammation, nasal polyps or a deviated septum – can lead to sinusitis, and Asthma sufferers are susceptible.
Chronic sinusitis can last from 12 weeks to years. Adults with chronic sinusitis usually have allergies that block the nose and sinuses and prevent the infection from clearing up.
When to Take Antibiotics
Usually viruses or allergic reactions cause acute episodes of sinusitis. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, which is why they won’t help. A cold usually lasts only a few weeks, so a chronic, case may be sinusitis. Continued greenish-yellow nasal discharge, pain in your face, upper jaw or teeth, and worsening symptoms, especially after 7 to 10 days, may indicate you may have a bacterial infection, in which case antibiotics may help.
Antihistamines and decongestants
Don’t use them, especially sprays, for more than a few days, since that can lead to more swelling and congestion. Antihistamines can help with allergies if used early (otherwise they may merely thicken secretions). Prescription steroid nasal sprays can also reduce congestion, especially if caused by an allergy.
Steam inhalation can soothe inflamed sinus passages, as can gentle heat over the inflamed area. Drinking plenty of fluids, and keep your head elevated when sleeping if you find it helps. Avoid alcohol. Acupuncture may also be beneficial.
If you have recurrent or chronic sinusitis and medication doesn’t help, surgery may be an option if, for example a deviated septum is involved or if enlarging the openings of the sinuses can is being considered. Get a second opinion.
Prevention
A humidifier may decrease your chances of getting a cold and may relieve nasal passages when you do get sick. Excess humidity or an improperly cleaned humidifier, however, may promote molds and fungus and may trigger allergies. Avoid pollutants such as cigarette smoke, fireplaces, and wood burning stoves. Swimming and diving can force water into the sinuses causing irritation if chlorinated, so if you’re prone to sinusitis, spend less time in the water.
|
