What is sinusitis, causes, symptoms and remedies

To lead a happy life, a healthy body is a must. And to have a healthy body, we must have healthy organ systems. Among different organ systems, the respiratory tract of the respiratory system is significant. But our respiratory tract can easily get affected by viruses and bacteria if we are not well aware.

In the facial part of our skull, four special air-filled cavities are present, which are called sinus or paranasal sinus. They are named frontal sinus, ethmoid sinus, sphenoid sinus, and maxillary sinus. If these sinuses get filled by liquids instead of air, and if the liquids are contaminated by viruses, bacteria, or fungus, it causes inflammation in the mucus membrane of the sinus. This phenomenon is called sinusitis. If the inflammation stays for less than 8 weeks, then it is acute sinusitis. And if it stays for more than 3 months, then it is chronic sinusitis.

Cause of sinusitis:

1. Sinuses can get affected by viruses like the Human respiratory syncytial virus, Parainfluenza virus, Metapneumovirus, bacteria like  Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, or some virus and thus result in sinusitis.
2. Cold, allergy, polyp in the nose, mucus accumulation in the nasal cavity may cause chronic sinusitis.
3. Infection in teeth may result in sinusitis.
4. Breathing distress can cause prolonged sinusitis.
5. Dust, pests, air pollution, allergen, etc., can be the reason for sinusitis contamination.
6. A little abnormality in the Eustachian tube can block the sinus cavity, and thus sinusitis is contaminated.

Symptoms:

1. Secretion of yellow or green colored concentrated liquid from the nose.
2. Intense, prolonged, and irritational headache.
3. The intensity of headaches increases on moving head and walking.
4. Feverish and continuous tiredness.
5. Blocked nose, the odor comes out during exhalation.

Complexity :

Complexity due to sinusitis contamination does not only revolve around the nasal cavity. The location of sinuses is very near to sensitive organs like the eyes and brain. If the germ contamination spreads to the eyes and brain through blood, it may even cause death. Contamination in the eyes can cause different complex diseases like periorbital or orbital cellulitis.

Remedies:

1. Inhaling water vapor 2 to 4 times a day.
2. Using nasal saline spray a few times a day.
3. Using an anti hydrant.
4. To dissolve the accumulated liquid and reduce the pressure on the sinus, getting a piece of cloth in hot water and press it on the face is very helpful. This step should be done frequently.
5. Using a machine to flow water speedily through the nose to keep the sinus clean.

Awareness is necessary while using Nasal spray. It works very fine initially, but after using it continuously for 3 to 5 days, the situation may worsen. It is better not to move to hang the head low. It is preferred not to get on a plane with a blocked nose. Otherwise, it may result in immense pain.

Though acute sinusitis does not require any medication, medicines and antibiotics should be taken in chronic sinusitis. If a child mistakenly sucks liquid through the nose, suffers from cough for more than 2 to 3 weeks, fever of 102° F, headache, and swollen eyes, it is suggested to see a physician and follow the prescription as per the situation.