Symptoms and How to Overcome Sinusitis

Symptoms and How to Overcome Sinusitis – Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Sinusitis is a condition in which the nasal cavity becomes infected, irritated. The infection is caused by a virus. However, it cannot rule out the possibility that bacteria and fungi can also cause sinusitis. Usually, there are several sinus symptoms that you can experience. The sinuses make mucus that flows out of the nasal passages. That way, the nose remains clean and free of bacteria.

The sinuses are usually filled with air. However, when its function is disturbed, this part of the body can become clogged and filled with fluid. This condition triggers the growth of bacteria as well as triggers infection. As a result, the sinuses are often inflamed and the tissues in the nose become swollen.

No matter what type of sinus you have, there are some common symptoms. However, everyone experiences different symptoms. So, if you experience at least one symptom in the long term, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor immediately.

Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion is one of the most common sinus symptoms. The infection causes the sinuses to become inflamed, making it difficult for you to breathe. Not only that, you may find it difficult to smell and taste the food or drink.

Slimy Nose
When experiencing sinusitis, the nose will continue to secrete mucus or mucus. Fluid or mucus that comes out of the nose is usually green, yellow, or cloudy. This mucus comes from the infected sinus and then flows into the nasal passages. This is one of the signs of sinusitis to watch out for.

This mucus can make the nose itch to sore throat because it can flow through the nose and down the back of the throat. This symptom, known as postnasal drip, can also cause coughing while sleeping or in the morning after waking up, as well as making your voice hoarse.

Headache

Persistent sinus pain can trigger headache symptoms. This pressure and swelling of the sinuses triggers toothache, earache, and jaw pain. Headaches due to sinus pain are worse in the morning because fluid has accumulated throughout the night during sleep.

Cough

Mucus or mucus that flows down the back of the throat for a long time will cause irritation of the throat. In addition, it can trigger a persistent cough that gets worse when lying down or going to sleep.

These symptoms are very disturbing sleep comfort. Try sleeping in a sitting position or with your head elevated by stacking the pillows high.

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Sore throat

Sinus mucus can also make your throat sore and lead to inflammation. Although the initial symptoms will only feel itchy, but gradually it is prone to worsening if left alone.

If the symptoms of sinusitis last for several weeks or more, the mucus can irritate and inflame the throat passages. So that when the mucus drips, there is a pain in the throat which will be very annoying.

Painful face

The sinuses are located in several locations, such as behind the nose and below and above the eyes. Therefore, you may feel pain in several locations. For example in the forehead, nose, teeth, and jaw.

How to Overcome Sinusitis Symptoms

You are advised to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of sinusitis. After asking your medical history, asking about your symptoms, and doing a physical examination, your doctor will usually carry out a follow-up examination if you suspect that you have sinusitis.

Examples of further examinations that may be recommended are X-rays, CT scans, or nasal endoscopy. Once it is confirmed that you have sinusitis, then the treatment will be carried out.

Treatment of sinusitis symptoms should be based on the cause of the sinusitis itself. Otherwise, symptoms can recur and even get worse. Examples of drugs that doctors give to relieve symptoms of sinusitis and treat the cause are:

1. Decongestant spray
Spray decongestants can shrink the swollen lining of the nasal passages and improve the flow of mucus from the sinuses. However, this treatment is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

2. Antibiotics
If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You must take this drug according to the doctor’s advice, because improper use can actually make bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This can worsen sinusitis in the future.

3. Antihistamines
If sinusitis is caused by allergies, the doctor will give you an antihistamine. This drug is able to relieve allergy symptoms that cause swelling of the nasal passages and sinuses.

4. Nasal corticosteroids
Corticosteroids play a role in preventing and treating inflammation of the sinuses. This medicine can also be used to shrink nasal polyps that cause sinusitis.

In addition to these drugs, pain relievers will usually also be prescribed by a doctor, especially if sinusitis causes a fever. Meanwhile, in cases of sinusitis caused by a deformity of the nasal structure, such as nasal polyps or deviated septum, surgery may be recommended.

To help relieve sinusitis symptoms, you are advised to consume lots of water, get enough rest, inhale warm steam, exercise regularly, and use a humidifier indoors.

Immediately see an ENT doctor if sinusitis symptoms do not go away for more than a week. Although generally get better without medication, sinusitis symptoms can interfere with your daily activities. So, there’s nothing wrong with taking medication to relieve the symptoms, while preventing serious complications.