1. Sinus Cavity Pain
The paranasal sinuses are four empty cavities that occupy space in your head. More specifically they include the frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, ethmoids and sphenoids. Occasionally, the lining of these sinuses gets inflamed leading to sinusitis. While symptoms of this condition vary depending on which sinus is affected, symptoms can include sinus headache in the forehead, pain and pressure over the nose or cheeks, ear pain, fever, postnasal drip, congestion, bad breath, coughing, fatigue and weakness. You may also experience a thick green or yellow nasal discharge.
2. Stuff That Makes Your Nose Stuffy
Lots of stuff can cause sinusitis. Unfortunately, the air you breathe is full of pollen, environmental pollutants, fungus, mold, bacteria and viruses. As air enters your nasal passages, all of these things have the potential to get trapped and cause significant irritation of the sinuses. Other sinusitis culprits include polyps, or swollen tissue, which blocks the sinus passages. Additionally, children with enlarged adenoids often suffer from sinusitis and repeat sinus infection. Finally, people with a deviated septum appear to be more likely to suffer from sinusitis.
3. Stop Being Stopped Up
Prevent sinusitis by avoiding exposure to irritating allergens and pollution. If your allergies flare up every year at the same time, then start allergy medicine proactively, just before your seasonal allergies hit. Consider purchasing an air purifier for your home to weed out allergens and pollutants. During dry months, use a humidifier in your home to keep air moist. Also, use saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist and prevent mucus from drying. Wash your hands regularly to minimize exposure to viruses and bacteria. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of liquids and minimize alcohol consumption, which causes nasal passages to swell.
4. A Clear Passage to Relief
If your sinuses are irritating you, then you've got to get them opened and clear. Start with a steam shower or breathe in steam from a large pot of warm water. Also, consider flushing your nasal passages with a saline solution. Combine 8 ounces of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a bulb syringe or nasal cleansing pot to flush the saline water through your sinuses. Nasal flush can be done on children, but they may need assistance. Ease pain by applying warm compresses to the face.
5. A Doctor Knows Treatment
When sinusitis persists it can turn into an infection. If the infection results from bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. He may also prescribe a decongestant or nasal corticosteroid spray to relieve stuffiness. When non-invasive treatments, fail to resolve symptoms, sinus surgery may be considered. A functional endoscopic sinus surgery reestablishes a clear airway. During this surgery, the doctor inserts an endoscope into your nose, allowing her to see what's causing the problem. The doctor then uses surgical instruments to correct the problem. This procedure does not require cutting open the skin and has been effective in polyp removal and correction of a deviated septum.
