Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses and nasal passages. The sinuses become blocked, which causes pain and pressure in the face.
Sinusitis most often follows a cold. Sinus problems can also be related to allergies, an infected tooth, air pollution, and other things. like; Frontal sinus, Ethmoid sinus, Sphenoidal sinus and Maxillary sinus. Them sinuses are hollow spaces in the head.
Is It Sinusitis or a Cold?
Colds and sinusitis have some of the same symptoms, like a stuffy nose and cough.
But if you have a sinus problem, you may also have:
* Pain over your cheekbones and upper teeth.
* Pain in your forehead over your eyebrows.
* Pain around or behind your eyes.
Along with the pain, you may have a headache, swelling around your eyes, a fever, or mucus draining down your throat. Face pain and these other symptoms are not likely with just a cold.
What About Antibiotics?
There are good reasons not to use antibiotics unless you really need them:
* You will probably have to see the provider to get a prescription. This costs you time.
* Antibiotics can have harmful side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
* The most important reason of all: If you take antibiotics when you don't need them, they may not work when you do need them. Each time you take antibiotics, your are more likely to carry some bacteria that were not killed by the medicine. Over time, these bacteria get tougher and can cause longer and more serious infections. To treat them, you may need different and stronger antibiotics.
Do you need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Sinusitis usually gets better with good self-care. If you try the tips in Home Treatment, you may be able to avoid antibiotics and a trip to your provider.
But if your symptoms are severe or last more than 10 to 14 days, you may need antibiotics. If you do not treat a bad sinus infection or it does not respond to treatment, it can lead to long-term sinus problems that are harder to treat.
Home Treatment
* Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
* Put a warm, damp towel or gel pack on your face several times a day for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
* Breathe warm, moist air from a steamy shower, a hot bath, or a sink filled with hot water.
* Use a humidifier in your home, or at least in your bedroom. Avoid cold, dry air.
* Take aspirin, acetaminophen ( Tylenol ), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to relieve face pain and head ache, if your provider says it is okay.
* Use decongestant pills or a decongestant nasal spray. Do not use a nasal decongestant spray for more than 3 days in a row.
* Do not take antihistamines unless your symptoms may also be caused by allergies.
* Do not smoke, and avoid other people's smoke.
* If your see streaks of mucus in the back of your throat, gargle with warm water.
* Blow your nose gently. Do not block one nostril when you blow your nose.
* Use a saltwater (saline) wash to help clear out mucus and bacteria. You can use nonprescription saline nose drops or a homemade saltwater mix. You can also try the saline nose drops just make saline nose drops at home. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. Store it in a clean bottle with a dropper. After 3 days, throw out the mix and make a fresh one.
* Use a bulb syringe to gently squirt the liquid into your nose. Or snuff it from the palm of your hand, one nostril at a time.
* Blow your nose gently when you are done.
* Repeat 2 to 4 times a day.
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