Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms and Home remedies

2022-07-11 00:00:00

Having a cold, headache is usually not a big problem but sometimes this problem can also be a sign of some serious underlying disease. Sinusitis or Sinus comes under the category of a serious problem that occurs due to many reasons like-infection, pollution, allergies, cold and bacterial infection etc.

What is Sinusitis or Sinus?

Inside the bones of the face around the nose have small cavity-like structures filled with air which is called sinus. When a person has a cold or allergy, the sinus tissue or the mucous membrane becomes inflamed. This condition is called sinusitis. This inflammation is caused by an infection which starts as a common cold. After that, it develops completely as a bacterial, viral and fungal infection due to which the person has to face problems like headache, pain in the face and nasal congestion.

Types of Sinuses

Sinus disease is classified on the basis of duration of the infection, which are as follows:

• Acute sinus infectionThis type of sinus is of the shortest duration. Usually, this infection occurs due to viral infection which lasts only for 3 to 4 weeks or less.
• Subacute sinus infectionThe sinus symptoms can last for three months. The main reason for this type of infection is bacterial infection or seasonal allergies.
• Chronic sinus infectionThis type of sinus lasts for a long time. Usually, the symptoms of chronic sinus last for about 12 weeks i.e. 3 months. The main reason for this is due to allergies, infection, mucus and inflammation.
• Recurrent acute sinusitisThis type of sinus is recurrent. This infection can happen about 4 to 5 times in a year. Also, its symptoms last for at least 1 week each time. Due to recurrent it is called recurrent acute sinusitis.

Common Symptoms of Sinus

• Frequent runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty in breathing
• Loss of smell and taste
• Feeling of swelling and pain around the nose, head, eyes and throat.

Other Symptoms of Sinus are

• Ear pain.
• Feeling of pain on the surface of the teeth and upper jaw.
• Having a sore throat.
• Increase in cough at night.
• Bad breath.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Getting nausea.
• Feeling irritable.

Causes of Sinus

• Having a cold
• Virus, fungus and bacterial infection
• Allergy in nose
• Polluted environment
• Exposure to chemical fumes and dust
• Contact with animals
• Enlargement of the nasal bone into a pointed shape

Precautions to be taken

• Take a good rest
• Avoid smoking
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids
• Use a lukewarm facial pack
• Take steam regularly
• Avoid going to dusty and soiled places.
• Stay away from anxiety, stress and depression
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating
• Wash hands thoroughly after sneezing, coughing or after coming from the toilet
• Avoid going in infected and polluted environment

Home remedies of Sinus

• Essential oilThe use of essential oil as aromatherapy can be beneficial in case of sinus. This therapy helps in destroying the inflammation and bacteria that occur in sinus disease. For this, put 2 to 3 drops of essential oil in a diffuser like basil, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, or frankincense. In this way, it will help relieve sinus swelling./li>
• Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar can be considered to be one of the most effective remedies to treat sinus pain due to its acetic acid that has antimicrobial properties that combats bacterial and viral infections. Pour one spoonful of apple cider vinegar in hot water then take steam which helps in relief.
• Lemon balmLemon balm is considered an effective remedy in the treatment of sinus. It has analgesic properties that work to relieve headache caused by sinus. For this, massage the head, nose and throat with lemon balm oil or boil some leaves of lemon balm in water and using it as a decoction is also beneficial.
• Tea and herbal teaHoney tea or herbal tea is one of the good home remedies for sinus because it helps in reducing the symptoms of sinus disease. Therefore, this tea proves to be effective in sinus./li>
• Ginger teaGinger has analgesic and antibacterial properties which removes swelling and pain. Therefore, using ginger tea containing honey or ginger in any form is beneficial for sinus.
• GarlicGarlic has antibacterial properties which help to relieve the symptoms of sinus. For this, grind 4 to 5 buds of garlic and put it in hot water and make soup. Drink this soup when it is lukewarm. This gives relief in sinus disease.
• Tea tree oilTea tree oil has antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which removes headache caused by sinus. For this, put 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil in hot water and take steam./li>
• CinnamonCinnamon is effective in treating sinus. It destroys the microorganisms causing sinus. For this, mix a small spoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm water and consume it. Doing this for a few days gives relief.
• Fenugreek seedsFenugreek seeds are also effective in treating sinus. For this, boil fenugreek seeds in water and filter that mixture. Drink it like tea two to three times a day. Doing this regularly for a few days gets rid of sinus.

Medical Treatment Methods for Sinus

• Saline nasal spraySpray this in your nose multiple times a day to clean your nasal passages./li>
• Nasal corticosteroidsThese nasal sprays are used to treat and prevent inflammation. Fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief, Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), mometasone (Nasonex) and beclomethasone (Beconase AQ, Qnasl) are some examples.
• DecongestantsThese medications are available in over-the-counter (OTC), prescription liquids, tablets and nasal sprays. Use nasal decongestants for a few days.
• Allergy medicationsAllergy medications can be used to reduce the symptoms of sinusitis caused by allergies./li>
• Ginger teaGinger has analgesic and antibacterial properties which removes swelling and pain. Therefore, using ginger tea containing honey or ginger in any form is beneficial for sinus.
• OTC pain relieversAcetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or aspirin relieves the pain.

When to see a doctor

Usually, see a doctor if symptoms:

• Last longer than 10 days without improving.
• Include severe symptoms that are not cured by over-the-counter medication (OTC).
• Include swelling and vision changes around the eyes.
• Worsen after improving
• Include a fever that lasts more than 3-4 days.