Allergies are at their worst here in Central Florida! Over 50 million suffer from them, pollen, flowering plants, pet dander, and a slew of other substances that trigger the immune system to overreact.
Symptoms of sinusitis include pain, congestion, pressure in your cheeks, eyes, and forehead. Visible swelling has also been known to occur. You also may have a decreased sense of taste and smell.
Other symptoms can be, thick green or yellow discharge, fatigue, pain in the upper jaw or teeth.
Sinus headaches and chronic sinus infections can be debilitating. They can last a couple of days to months. Facial pain with either a nose that won’t stop running or congestion you can’t seem to unblock, impacting every part of your life.
Getting the right treatment is the first step in feeling better
Often times, what starts out as allergies turns into an infection and chronic sinusitis. Cilia, the tiny hair like structures that line your sinuses, help mucus move through the cavities in the sinuses. When the membranes in the sinus swell, the cilia are not able to do their job. This allows bacteria to colonize in the sinus cavity.
An allergic reaction can also initiate inflammation, causing swelling of the membranes in the sinuses, keeping the cilia from working like they should, which can cause an infection.
Infections can can also be caused by nasal polyps. Not only do they make breathing difficult, they don’t allow the sinuses to properly drain.
Why see and ENT when you have chronic sinusitis?
An Ear, Nose & Throat doctor is a qualified medical professional who is uniquely trained to treat the sinuses. There are several treatments for chronic sinusitis. To determine which one is best for your specific case, they will need to perform an examination.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery recommends these five tips to maintain healthy sinus
Drink lots of water: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to keep sinuses clear and prevent congestion. Proper hydration also helps to keep your immune system strong.
Avoid allergy triggers: During the windy autumn months, keep doors and windows closed to prevent additional exposure to them.
Use a humidifier: Especially overnight while you sleep, using a humidifier can help to keep sinuses hydrated. This is especially necessary if you live in a dry environment or if you use the heater.
Use nasal spray: If you’re planning to fly, using a nasal spray before take-off can help to prevent congestion and keep sinuses clear.
Avoid smoking: In addition to other health issues, smoking can irritate nasal passages and make sinus membranes swell.
