It is defined as an
inflammation of the mucous membranes of the Para-nasal sinuses
that occurs in three stages: acute, sub-acute, and chronic".
Sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bone of the cheeks and
forehead. The sinuses are directly connected to the nasal
cavities. Sinusitis occurs if one or more of the defense
processes or factors are amiss and bacterial growth occurs in
the para-nasal sinuses. This is generally caused by a viral,
bacterial, or fungal infection.
It is the most common
problem of the respiratory (breathing) system. It can affect
people of any age, although children have very small or
non-existent sinuses until the age of around five or six. The
inflammation of the nasal sinuses is usually triggered by
inadequate draining due to allergies, infections or structural
problems of the nose such as narrow drainage passages or a
deviated septum.
Causes of Sinusitis:
The causes of sinusitis may
be categorized in the following ways:
Lifestyle Causes -
The pregnancy, working with children, and smoking are some of
the main causes of sinusitis.
Developmental Causes
- Developmental disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, can lead to
sinusitis.
Tumors - Sinus and
nasal tumors can block the sinus opening, which leads to
sinusitis.
The most Common Causes
of Acute Sinusitis are:
Virus. The viral infection may
paralyze or destroy the cilia so that they are unable to
move mucus out of the nose, which may lead to the sinusitis.
Bacteria. When the opening of the
sinus becomes blocked and the infected mucus cannot move out
of the body, it creates an environment for bacteria to grow.
The bacteria in turn create an acid environment in the
sinuses, which further paralyzes the cilia. Thus causes
sinusitis.
Fungus: Fungus is a plant or mold
that can be ingested with food or inhaled in the air. Once
in the body, it can affect the immune system and ignites the
sinusitis.
Scuba diving. Scuba diving while
suffering from a cold can create too much pressure in the
sinuses and leave room for bacteria to grow.
Foreign objects: Young children
sometimes try to put objects in their nostrils, and this can
introduce bacteria into the sinuses.
Medications: The side effect of
certain medications may affect the functioning of the mucous
membrane of the paranasal sinuses, which in turn causing the
sinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis is
most often caused by:
Poor air quality: Pollution,
fumes, dust, smokes or crowded living conditions - can
affect the function of the sinuses and mucous membrane.
Weak immune system: When the
immune system is not strong, the mucous membrane and cilia
cannot do their job to resist infection.
Hormones: In a few cases, hormonal
imbalances can lead to sinusitis.
Stress: The mucous membrane and
sinuses can react to stress. One such condition is known as
vasomotor rhinitis, in which stress causes excessive
swelling and mucus production.
Some
Important Symptoms of Sinusitis includes:
Typical Symptoms of Chronic
Rhinosinusitis
Symptoms of bacterial sinusitis typically include sinus
congestion, sinus discharge, and facial pain or headaches
from sinus pressure.
Fever May or May Not be Related
to Sinusitis
Fever, which is more prevalent in children than adults, can
occur with either a cold or bacterial sinusitis.
Thick yellow-green nasal drainage shows
problem in the paranasal sinuses.
Sore throat, cough, bad breath, nausea
and/or vomiting are also some symptoms of sinusitis.
Irritability or fatigue
Swelling around the eyes may occur during
sinuses problem.
Headache: If you have a headache, when
you wake up in the morning. It shows the primary symptom of
sinusitis.
Infection in the maxillary sinuses can
cause your upper jaw and teeth to ache, and your cheeks to
become tender to the touch.
Stuffy or runny nose
Itchy eyes and nose
Reduced sense of smell and/or taste
Fever and chills
Pain in the roof of the mouth or teeth
Here are some Important
Home Remedies for Sinusitis:
Drink lot of Water:
You must have to drink at least eight glasses of liquids a day
for the treatment of sinusitis.
Mango: The use of
mangoes is an effective remedy for prevention and treatment of
sinusitis. It contains vitamin-A, which is very beneficial for
the treatment of sinusitis.
Garlic and Onion:
The use of pungent foods like garlic and onion is one of the
most effective remedies for sinus problems. Beneficial results
can also be achieved by adding these herbs in moderate amounts
to regular meals.
Cumin Seeds: A teaspoon of black cumin seeds tied in a
thin cotton cloth can provide relief when inhaled. Vegetable Juices: Carrot juice in combination with juices
of beet and cucumber has been found beneficial in the treatment
of sinus trouble.
