Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses that can be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis causes nasal congestion that leads to obstruction of sinus cavities, which is an excellent medium for bacterial growth. Chronic sinusitis usually caused by chronic nasal obstruction from discharge and edema of the nasal mucous membrane.

Assessment findings reveal that in acute sinusitis there is a pressure and pain over the sinus area and purulent nasal secretions. While chronic sinusitis will reveal that, there is cough due to the constant dripping of thick discharge backward into the nasopharynx, chronic headache, nasal stuffiness and fatigue.

For the management, to relieve nasal congestion, use inhale steam like steam bath, hot shower and sauna. Increase fluid intake to help loosen the mucous and expel. Apply hot wet packs to facial area to relieve facial pain and irritation.

Increase the intake of foods rich in Vitamin C such as orange juice, lemon tea and citrus shake. Avoid oily and spicy foods because this can alleviate the inflammation.

Avoid allergens if ever you have allergies. Avoid crowded places because this is susceptible to respiratory tract infections. If nasal discharge is discolored or foul smelling and when fever, severe headache and stiff neck occurs go to the nearest hospital immediately.

If this home remedies will not work, several antibiotics will be prescribe. The common antibiotics are amoxicillin, erythromycin and penicillin. Drug regimen is needed when taking antibiotics because this can cause severe infections and drug tolerance. After 7 days of taking antibiotics, there is a follow up check up to determine if the drug works to prevent or treat the infection that is caused by pathogens, if there is still a bacteria present the dose of the antibiotics will be increase and another follow up check up will be done until the sinusitis will be treated.

Another drug that will be prescribed by the physician is antihistamine dipmenhydramine; this is to treat the allergic reactions cause by allergens. Take note that when taking antihistamines several instructions is needed to follow to avoid accident such as not doing hazardous activities, take medication with food to decrease gastrointestinal upset and chew sugarless gum to relieve dry mouth. All type of antihistamines causes dizziness therefore always observes safety precautions.

For the pain when sinusitis attack, acetaminophen, codeine and propoxyphene are the common drugs that being prescribed. You can take this drug before the pain gets severe. Take only the dose that needed and start on a low dose regimen to avoid drug intoxication.

Sinusitis, this is a recurrent type of inflammation, as long as the person is exposed to crowded places and dusty environment. When this occurs, go to the nearest hospital to avoid nasopharyngeal complications.