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Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis; Sinus infection; Sinusitis - acute; Sinusitis - chronic; Rhinosinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses that occurs with an infection from a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull (behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes). Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other germs. Usually, mucus is able to drain out and air is able to circulate.
When the sinus openings become blocked or too much mucus builds up, bacteria and other germs can grow more easily.
Sinusitis can occur from one of these conditions:
Sinusitis can be called:
The following may increase your risk or your child's risk of developing sinusitis:
Symptoms
The symptoms of acute sinusitis in adults usually follow a cold that does not improve, or one that gets worse after 5 - 7 days of symptoms. Symptoms include:
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are the same as those of acute sinusitis, but tend to be milder and last longer than 12 weeks.
Symptoms of sinusitis in children include:
Signs and tests
The doctor will examine you or your child for sinusitis by:
Regular x-rays of the sinuses are not very accurate for diagnosing sinusitis.
Viewing the sinuses through a fiberoptic scope (called nasal endoscopy or rhinoscopy) may help diagnose sinusitis. This is usually done by doctors who specialize in ear, nose, and throat problems (ENTs).
Imaging tests that may be used to decide on treatment are:
If you or your child has sinusitis that does not go away or keeps returning, other tests may include:
Treatment
SELF CARE
Try the following measures to help reduce congestion in your sinuses:
Be careful with over-the-counter spray nasal decongestants. They may help at first, but using them for more than 3 - 5 days can make nasal stuffiness worse.
Also, for sinus pain or pressure:
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Working with a Holistic Chiropractor who can help you develop a well-rounded, multi-faceted approach is important when considering how to treat the sinus congestion/infection and more importantly, why you got the sinus congestion/infection. Understanding your options and appreciating the time commitment and costs associated would be important. Discussing this with your Holistic Chiropractor is warranted.
Many have received help by working with an Acupuncturist, Homeopath or Naturopath.
MEDICATIONS AND OTHER TREATMENTS
Antibiotics are usually not needed for acute sinusitis. Most of these infections go away on their own. Even when antibiotics do help, they may only slightly reduce the time you or your child is sick. Antibiotics may be prescribed sooner for:
Acute sinusitis should be treated for 10 - 14 days. Chronic sinusitis should be treated for 3 - 4 weeks. Some people with chronic sinusitis may need special medicines to treat fungal infections.
At some point, your doctor will consider:
Other treatments for sinusitis include:
As with all medication, consulting with your Medical Doctor or Pharmacist is important when considering the potential side effects from antibiotics or any medication. Discussing the side-effects and complications of the medication is warranted.
SURGERY
Surgery to enlarge the sinus opening and drain the sinuses may also be needed, especially in patients whose symptoms do not go away after 3 months of treatment, or in patients who have more than two or three episodes of acute sinusitis each year. An ENT specialist (also known as an otolaryngologist) can perform this surgery.
Most fungal sinus infections need surgery. Surgery to repair a deviated septum or nasal polyps may prevent the condition from returning.
Expectations (prognosis)
Sinus infections can usually be cured with Self-care measures and Alternative treatment with a Holistic Chiropractor. If you are having repeated attacks, you should be checked for causes such as nasal polyps or other problems, such as allergies. Your Holistic Chiropractor is well versed to help you address these causes so your sinusitis can get well and stay well. Developing a well-rounded, multifaceted approach to your sinusitis will help resolve and eliminate your sinusitis.
Complications
Although very rare, complications may include:
Calling your health care provider
Call your doctor if:
A green or yellow discharge does not mean that you definitely have a sinus infection or need antibiotics.
Prevention
The best way to prevent sinusitis is to see your Holistic Chiropractor to enable your body to maintain balance so you do not get sinusitis. This requires a well-rounded, multifaceted approach when dealing with any health concern:
Other tips for preventing sinusitis:
References
To request an Action Plan to address Sinusitis Click Here
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