Natural body processes, like breathing, are automatic and fundamental for you to attain full function. In most cases, you do not realize it when breathing. However, when something goes wrong, you quickly become aware due to the discomfort that it causes. Different health problems can cause breathing difficulties, including sinusitis in Marrero. Sinusitis can affect your ability to focus while performing specific tasks and may be a source of distraction while sleeping. This problem is characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion and facial pain. Fortunately, these symptoms can improve following home remedies like warm compresses and medical treatment such as antibiotics and oral decongestants.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a condition that results in swelling and inflammation of the tissue along with the sinuses. Sinuses are spaces inside your nose that make thin mucus and eliminate it through the nose channels. The thin mucus helps keep the nose clean since it usually comes out with dirt and bacteria. Healthy sinuses typically contain air, but those four cavities get blocked and filled with fluid for patients with sinusitis. Sinusitis can occur in different forms, including:
Types of Sinusitis
- Acute bacterial sinusitis. This type of sinusitis often results from the common cold with symptoms such as stuffy nose, facial pain, and runny nose that last for a week up to 10 days. However, if a bacterial infection develops, the symptoms can last for an extended period. Most people with acute sinusitis get relief after trying out home remedies such as rest and warm compresses. If your body fails to respond to self-care measures, your doctor may prescribe medication, including antibiotics and decongestants.
- Chronic sinusitis. Patients with chronic sinusitis experience symptoms such as facial pressure or pain and nasal congestion that last for not less than 12 weeks despite medical treatment.
- Subacute sinusitis. You have subacute sinusitis when symptoms such as the stuffy nose and facial pain last four to 12 weeks.
- Recurrent acute sinusitis. This term is used when the sinusitis symptoms occur again at least four times or more in one year and are present for less than two weeks each time.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be caused by a virus or bacteria that cause swelling and blockage of the sinuses. The following are different particular causes of sinusitis.
- Common cold
- Allergic conditions such as hay fever
- Polyps or growth
- Abnormalities in the nasal passage due to problems like a deviated septum
- Medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS weaken your immune system.
Other factors such as smoking put you at risk for developing sinusitis. Infants and young children who spend most of their time in daycares and use pacifiers have higher chances of developing sinusitis. To reduce your chances for this condition, you may need to quit smoking as it is terrible for your health and the people surrounding you.
If your sinus disorder is continuous, keeps recurring, and does not improve with self-care measures such as rest, warm compresses, and drinking fluids, book an appointment with your doctor at ENT of New Orleans for treatment to get rid of the discomfort.