The paranasal sinuses comprise four pairs of sinuses that surround the nose and drain into the nasal cavity by way of narrow channels called ostia singular: ostium. Mucus leaving the frontal forehead and maxillary cheek sinuses drains through the ethmoid sinuses behind the bridge of the nose , so a backup in the ethmoids is likely to clog the other two types of sinuses.
The sphenoid sinuses are located deep in the skull, behind the eyes. Sinusitis develops when one or more sinuses become blocked. There are millions of bacteria in our noses, and most of the time, they're harmless. Even when a few creep into the sinuses, they don't cause trouble, as long as they keep draining into the nose along with mucus. But if sinus drainage is blocked, glands in the sinuses continue to produce mucus, and the resulting pool of backed-up mucus provides what Dr.
Metson calls "the perfect culture medium. The result: swelling, which causes headache and facial pain; mucus buildup, which produces congestion; and an influx of white blood cells to fight the bacteria, which thickens the mucus and may tint it yellow or green. Other symptoms include loss of smell or taste, cough, bad breath, fever, toothache, and fullness in the ears.
Sinus blockage can have a variety of environmental, anatomical, and genetic causes, but the main culprit is swelling of the nasal passages produced by the common cold or allergies. More serious sinusitis can result from structural problems, such as a deviated septum a crook in the partition that separates the right from left nasal cavities or nasal polyps small, grapelike growths in the lining of the sinus cavity.
One of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to prevent and treat sinus problems is nasal irrigation. Using a homemade solution, you can often relieve sinusitis symptoms, reduce reliance on nasal sprays and antibiotics, and improve your quality of life. At least once a day, follow these steps:.
Sinusitis is classified by how long it lasts. If several acute attacks occur within a year, it's called "recurrent. Most people with acute sinusitis get better without treatment , although you can ease the symptoms and reduce the likelihood of needing stronger medicine if you keep your nasal passages clear with a few low-tech preventive techniques see "Preventing sinusitis".
It's hard to predict who will develop chronic sinusitis but knowing more about the two main types can help you decide how to treat your symptoms and when to see a clinician. Here are the basics:. Acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis usually starts with a cold. Viruses, not bacteria, cause colds, so it's useless to treat them with antibiotics. But when a cold turns into sinusitis, it means that blocked nasal passages have set off a secondary infection caused by bacteria and you may eventually need an antibiotic.
Rarely, especially in people with weakened immune systems, a fungal infection is the cause. If symptoms are severe and last for more than a week, you may want to see your primary care clinician. Based on your symptoms and a look inside your nose with a small flashlight, she or he can usually tell whether sinusitis has settled in. If you do have sinusitis, you may be prescribed an antibiotic, especially if preventive drainage strategies aren't helping.
For the pain, try a warm compress on your face, or inhale steam see "Preventing sinusitis". An over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can also relieve facial pain, as well as headache and fever.
Steam can thin the mucus, allowing it to flow more easily, and help relieve coughing, pressure, and difficulty breathing. A person can also breathe in enough steam by closing the bathroom door and turning on a hot shower. Drinking more water and avoiding caffeine can help:.
Nasal irrigators are devices that help clean out the nose and sinuses. Irrigation can also moisten the sinuses, counteracting the effects of dry air. Neti pots are among the most popular types of irrigators. Using one can help speed recovery from a sinus infection. Neti pots and other irrigators are available to buy online. Be sure to use distilled water, not tap water. It is easy for the sinuses to dry out in cold weather or dry climates, and this can lead to pain and congestion.
Humidifiers keep the air moist and reduce the effects of cold weather and dry air. Using a humidifier in the bedroom overnight can help. It may also help to add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the water in a humidifier. Humidifiers are available for purchase online. Symptoms of acid reflux can be similar to those of sinus drainage. People with acid reflux also tend to benefit from sleeping propped up on extra pillows. Some herbal formulas promise to shorten the duration of the common cold, which can cause uncomfortable sinus drainage.
Herbal remedies are generally harmless, but a person should exercise caution, as with any other medication. Speak with a doctor before trying them, and stop using them if any side effects occur. Nasal decongestants can offer temporary relief, but they may become addictive , so consult a doctor before using them. Some decongestants contain the drug pseudoephedrine. The right treatment for sinus drainage symptoms depends on the cause, which is often the common cold. A cold is a viral infection that goes away on its own, and antibiotics will not help.
If the flu is causing uncomfortable drainage, antiviral drugs may speed healing. However, these medications only work if a person takes them within a few days of noticing symptoms. Antiviral flu medication is available by prescription only, so a person should see a doctor as soon as they notice flu symptoms.
If a bacterial sinus infection is causing sinus drainage symptoms, antibiotics may help clear the infection. If an allergic reaction is responsible, a person should undergo allergy testing and receive a diagnosis. Some prescription medications can help.
Drews had the procedure in April Taking a Breath. No ongoing care is required after balloon sinuplasty, and the results are lasting. Share: Facebook Twitter. Ready for an appointment? Doctors Featured in this Article. Featured Doctors Images. Related Doctors. By Morgan deBlecourt. Do I Need a Sinus Specialist?
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