From Chronic Sinusitis to Relief – How a Sinus Doctor Tailors Your Treatment
The air-filled cavities surrounding the nose are the sinuses that produce mucus to keep the nasal passage moist and trap bacteria, viruses, and allergens that may enter your system during breathing. After all, bacterial or viral infections can make them swollen or inflamed, leading to sinusitis. Even allergens or environmental factors can cause this problem. Think of pollution, changing temperatures, and mould exposure. Anything such as nasal polyps can also induce this health trouble by hampering mucus production. Sinusitis can vary from acute to chronic, with the latter staying there for months and years. Common symptoms include runny nose, stuffy nose, swollen eyes, nose, cheeks, or forehead, diminished sense of taste and smell, etc. Chronic sinusitis can also result in sore throat, cough, bad breath, and more.
- Diagnosis for sinusitis
Chronic condition usually lingers for a minimum of 12 weeks. A person with acute sinusitis can be most vulnerable to this. The risk of infections or vision problems can also increase without proper medical attention. Hence, it’s advisable to seek sinusitis treatment on time. An ENT can help in this matter. The specialist will investigate your medical record of asthma, allergy, and other health problems. ENT may want to know about your previous treatment and its results. At the same time, they will examine your sinuses by inserting a thin device into the nostrils. It’s often painless. Some people may need to take a swab test to help them determine whether it’s viral, bacterial, or allergen-induced. A CT scan or other examinations can be prescribed depending on further observations.
- Treatment for sinusitis
Doctors can recommend a few home remedies to relieve pain and discomfort. For example, they can ask you to apply a warm compress to your face. Steam can also help with congestion. Sometimes, nasal irrigation works well. Drinking plenty of water, resting, and using nasal spray are other things a patient can do to ease the symptoms. If tests reveal bacterial infection, your doctor can recommend an antibiotic. However, those suffering from chronic sinusitis due to nasal polyps may need surgery. ENTs will surgically remove the polyps to clear the passage of the sinuses for efficient drainage and easy application of topical medications. They often use a procedure called functional endoscopic surgery. Or, they can follow the balloon sinuplasty method if the cause of the problem is inflammation in the nasal cavities.
- Prevention from chronic sinusitis
ENTs share various tips to help people safeguard themselves from sinus infections. One common advice is to maintain distance from anyone suffering from a cold or infection. Washing hands before every meal is necessary for hygiene reasons. If you are allergic, it’s better to avoid triggers. Pollution and cigarette smoke are detrimental to the lungs and the nasal passage. Hence, one should stay away from them.
Chronic sinusitis can worsen due to common colds or viral and bacterial infections. Tumours, deformed nasal septum, and nasal polyps can also contribute to the degree of intensity of the problem. Please protect yourself from these and get treated. Chronic sinusitis can affect your sleep, create anxiety or depression issues, and unbalance your personal and professional life. However, a reliable ENT’s guidance can help you lead a better life and manage your symptoms.
