Sinusitis: Causes, symptoms and management (2)

February 12, 2014 by Rotimi Adesanya Leave a Comment

       

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Last week, I sensitised the general population to how debilitating sinus infections can be or how much we suffer as a result. Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed and swollen.

Acute sinusitis could last up to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis typically lasts more than four weeks and occurs more than four times in a year. I used a photograph to illustrate the names and locations of the sinuses on the head.

This concluding part will be on the examination, investigations, treatment and prevention of sinusitis.

Physical examination: A thorough physical examination will involve the doctor pressing the forehead and cheekbones to check for tenderness (pain) and other signs of sinusitis, including yellow to yellow-green nasal discharge. The doctor will also check the inside of the nostrils, using a device with a bright light to check the mucus and look for any structural abnormalities.

Investigations: X-Rays: X-rays are readily available though not 100 per cent Accurate.

Computed tomography: Computed tomography scan is the best method for viewing the paranasal sinuses

 Endoscopy: Nasal endoscopy, or rhinoscopy, involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a fibre-optic light on the end into the nasal passage. Endoscopy is also used for treating sinusitis.

Treatment

Fluids

-Drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest when needed is still the best bit of advice to ease the discomforts of the common cold.

-Spicy or pepper soup does, indeed, help congestion and aches. The hot steam from the soup may be its chief advantage, although other ingredients in the soup may have anti-inflammatory effects.

-In fact, any hot beverage may have similar soothing effects from steam. Ginger tea, fruit juice, and hot tea with honey and lemon may all be helpful.

Steam and nasal saline sprays

-Inhaling steam two to four times a day is extremely helpful, costs nothing, and requires no expensive equipment. The patient should sit comfortably and lean over a bowl of boiling hot water while covering the head and the bowl with a towel so the steam remains under the cloth. The steam should be inhaled continuously for 10 minutes. A mentholated or other aromatic preparation may be added to the water.

-Use a humidifier.

-Nasal Wash: A nasal wash can be helpful for removing mucus from the nose and relieving sinusitis symptoms. A saline (salt water) solution can be purchased in a spray bottle at a drug store or made at home.

Drug treatment of sinusitis

Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help mild-to-moderate pain symptoms.

Nutrition and supplements can help prevent the allergic reactions that are a major cause of allergic sinusitis. Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 help prevent inflammation and excessive histamine levels, while zinc strengthens overall immunity.

 Decongestants may help relieve congestion, but they do not cure sinusitis.

Antihistamines can dry the mucus and sometimes worsen the condition. Cough or cold medication is not recommended for children younger than age four.

Steroids are also effective both orally and intra-  nasally.

 Antibiotic drugs are used to treat bacterial, not viral, infections. Unfortunately, because of the overuse and improper use of antibiotics, many types of bacteria no longer respond to antibiotic treatment.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help prevent the disease from returning

Surgery

Surgery can unblock the sinuses when drug therapy is not effective or if there are other complications, such as structural abnormalities or fungal sinusitis.

Surgery to enlarge the sinus opening and drain the sinuses may also be needed.

An ENT specialist (also known as an otolaryngologist) normally performs this surgery.

Prevention

The best way to prevent sinusitis is to avoid cold and influenza. If you are unable to avoid them, the next best way to prevent sinusitis is to effectively treat cold and influenza.

Colds and flu are spread primarily when an infected person coughs or sneezes near someone else. A very common method for transmitting a cold is by shaking hands. Everyone should always wash their hands before eating and after going outside.

Influenza Vaccine: Doctors recommend that people receive annual influenza vaccination.

-Concluded