Is this a cold or sinusitis!?
How does sinusitis occur?
When the sinus drainage openings are blocked, it causes inflammation and infection. Mucus and pus inside the sinuses cannot drain out, leading to inflammation. If the inflammation lasts more than three months, it becomes chronic sinusitis. However, allergies to airborne fungi, bacterial toxins, or abnormal reactions to aspirin can also cause sinusitis.
So, is it a cold or sinusitis?
Normally, a cold resolves within 7-10 days. If a cold lasts more than 10 days and you have symptoms indicating that you are “having sinusitis” such as nasal congestion, sinus pain, and thick nasal discharge or mucus, you should see a doctor. However, sometimes sinusitis can resolve on its own if caused by a virus. If sinusitis symptoms worsen, such as increased sinus pain, mucus turning from cloudy to green, and increased mucus production, it indicates a bacterial infection, and you should see a doctor promptly.
Sinusitis can be cured with proper treatment
If you suspect you have sinusitis, you should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist directly. If you are in the early stages of sinusitis, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers and advise on reducing nasal tissue swelling, such as rinsing the nose with warm saline or prescribing oral or nasal spray medications to reduce swelling. If sinusitis has persisted for some time, the doctor will use a scope to examine inside the nasal cavity. Areas that cannot be reached by rinsing or are severely swollen will be treated with medication, and mucus, phlegm, or pus trapped in the sinuses will be suctioned out to drain the infection and speed up recovery. Usually, just taking medication and following the doctor’s advice can cure sinusitis within two weeks. However, continuing to see the doctor until fully recovered is the most effective treatment to prevent recurrence.
Nasal rinsing with saline… relieves sinusitis
Although nasal rinsing may not completely cure sinusitis symptoms, it can help relieve them using clean warm saline by following these steps:
Prepare saline for nasal rinsing in a nasal rinse bottle
- Bend your head down and insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril.
- Hold your breath and keep your mouth open.
- Gently squeeze the bottle to allow saline to flow into the nostril (the saline will flow out through the other nostril).
- Repeat until the mucus feels less thick, then blow your nose to clear the remaining mucus.
- Rinse the other nostril using the same method.
Reduce risk, avoid sinusitis
Sinusitis is a contagious respiratory disease that can spread through the air. Therefore, maintaining good health, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, avoiding swimming while having a cold, wearing a mask in crowded places, or avoiding people who cough or sneeze can help prevent sinusitis.
