Acute sinusitis

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Acute sinusitis or acute rhinosinusitis causes the cavities found around the nasal passages or the sinuses become inflamed and swollen and it interferes with the drainage that leads to the accumulation of mucus. People suffering from acute sinusitis have difficulty breathing through the nose while the area found around the eyes and face is swollen and there is throbbing facial pain or a headache.

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Acute sinusitis is usually caused by the common cold due to bacterial and fungal infections and sometimes it can result to serious infections and other complications. Sinusitis can last for more than eight weeks or can be chronic which keeps coming back.

Symptoms

• Obstruction of the nasal cavity or congestion and there is difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Drainage of thick, yellow or greenish discharge coming from the nose or from the back of the throat.
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Coughing becomes severe at night
• Tenderness, pain, swelling and pressure around the eyes, nose, cheeks and the forehead
• Headache and pain in the ear
• Pain can be felt on the upper jaw and teeth

  

• Fatigue and fever

Causes

• An upper respiratory tract infection that persists for more than 7-10 days can be caused by a bacterial infection.
• Acute sinusitis can be caused by common cold.
• Acute sinusitis can be caused by fungal infection if there are sinus abnormalities and a weakened immune system.

Treatment

• Get plenty of rest in order to help the body in fighting infections and for fast recovery.
• Drink plenty of fluids especially water or juice to help dilute the mucous secretions and encourage drainage.
• Avoid drinking beverages that has caffeine or alcohol in order to prevent dehydration and lessen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.
• Apply a warm compress on the face by placing warm and damp towels around the nose, eyes and cheeks to lessen pain in the face.
• In a bowl of hot water, immerse a towel in the water until totally wet, wring excess water and drape the towel over the head and breathe in the vapor coming from the towel. This helps moisten the sinus cavity. Another way is to take a hot shower and inhale the warm and moist air from the hot shower, to lessen pain and encourage drainage.
• When sleeping, slightly elevate the head in order to help encourage drainage and lessen the congestion.

Tips

• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and pollution in air, in order to prevent irritation on the lungs and the nasal passages.
• Minimize close contact with people suffering from colds, wash hands regularly using soap and water especially before eating meals.
• Install humidifier inside the house; make sure it is regularly cleaned, free from molds and other germs.