Many people have heard the word ‘sinus’ often and might think this may be a disease’s name. In fact, the sinus is air-filled cavities inside your face and skull around the nose. There are 4 cavities locating on both sides such as the area between two eyes, cheek, forehead, and under the skull base. However, if these cavities are infected or have inflammation. We call these symptoms ‘Sinusitis’ or people usually say “sinus”
Symptoms of Sinusitis
ENT specialist from Phyathai 2 Hospital has described about the diagnosis of sinusitis which are based on three major symptoms:
– Nasal congestion
– Pain on either side of the cavities.
– Nasal mucus or sputum.
A general cold always disappear within 7-10 days, but when it takes over 10 days along with 3 symptoms listed above. Then this can be assumed as sinusitis. However, the time of disease depends on a cause; bacteria or virus. In case if virus is a cause, some patients may be able to recover by themselves after. At the same time, if symptoms are similar to the sinusitis but are getting worse such as pain on sinus cavity increased in more several areas, having severe pain or severe nasal cognition and excess green sputum. According to these symptoms, there is a possibility of being infected by some bacteria.
Optic nerve blindness caused by Paranasal Sinusitis
Some types of sinusitis are not harmful. However, some can spread to the eye and also lead to blindness as same as pain on the forehead and brain abscess. In general,the chance of these severe complications are less.
This disease, mainly patients are treated with medication. They have to follow a doctor’s instructions so that all symptoms can be cured, except, those having poor immunity such as diabetes, organ surgery by a use of Immunosuppressive Agents, bad nose structure, for example, the nose having deviated nasal septum, tumor and nasal polyps obstructing the sinus cavity as these cause a regular treatment unimproved resulting.
seft – care
– Enough sleep or rest.
– No swimming
– Keep the body warm. If you need to stay in a cold place such as room, and please do not forget to wear warm clothes.
– Avoid areas with sudden temperature changes, for example, moving from a very hot place to a very cold temperature quickly.
– Abstain from alcohol drinking due to it causes swollen nasal tissue.
– Avoid places where the weather is not good. For example, smoking area, underground parking where there contains less air ventilation as well as places with smoke of incense or mosquito repellent whereas smoke is a major cause of swollen nose tissue.
Treatment
When you go see a doctor, patients often receive pain relief medications together with advice on how to treat swollen nose tissue. For example, proper nose cleaning by a use of warm salt water, taking medication or using nasal spray to reduce swelling. If patients are found being
When the weather condition is good and there is no rain or smoke including cold temperature. If patients strictly follow the instructions and the nasal cavity has no polyp. Meaning that the patients can recover within 2 weeks. In fact, the most important thing is that even the symptoms are improved. Patients still have to go see a doctor regularly until the disease is completely disappear. Otherwise, it will return and causes you to think that the sinusitis is incurable.
Nasal Wash Treatment
- Prepare saline by putting in a particular bottle.
- Face down and insert the top part of the bottle into the nose.
- Hold the breath and open your mouth
- Slowly squeeze the bottle let the saline flow to one side of the nose ( If spray a water from the right then it will go out from the left)
- Repeat the process to the same side of the nose until you can breath better, make sure there is no nasal discharge then blow the nose.
- Rinse the other side with the same process.
Prevention
Respiratory disorders are usually communicated through the air. If we keep watching our healths along with good rest and exercise. Avoid swimming while having a cold, staying in the right temperature and not going to places where people are crowded such as exhibition or department store. However,in case if you need to go please wear a mask and stay away from people with coughing or sneezing. However, if you find yourself with cold, then immediately take care of symptom by following proper directions from your doctor to reduce the risk of sinusitis.
If you suspect of having sinusitis, go see a doctor who directly provides a treatment for ear nose throat diseases as specialized doctors has a medical equipment to access to the throat such as small camera. A medicine will be provided to the infected areas including snot/sputum suction as well as nasal empyema to make patients recover faster.
For more information contact
Ear, Nose and Throat Center, 19th Floor, Building B
Phyathai2 Hospital
Tel. +662-617-2444 Ext.1235, 1236
