7 Tips for management of sinusitis

Nasal sinuses are 4 cavities in the bones of skull; these bony cavities are filled with air and lined with mucous membrane that secretes a mucous fluid. In cases of sinusitis; the mucous fluid becomes thick, viscous and accumulating inside these cavities, leading to increase of the pressure inside (it's the cause of sinusitis-related headache).

The main etiological cause of sinusitis is bacterial infection as well as certain stimuli that trigger sinusitis, such as; cold weather, cigarette smoke, nasal polyp, sudden change in atmospheric pressure when flying or diving.

Pain is the main symptom of sinusitis; location of pain differs from patient to another according to the affected nasal sinus. For example inflamed frontal sinus causes pain in the forehead, while inflamed maxillary sinus causes pain in the cheeks, upper jaw and upper teeth. When ethmoid sinus is affected, the pain appears retro-orbital (behind eye ball), and finally inflamed sphenoid sinus causes pain in the vertex (the top of the head).

On the same side, the associated symptoms include; nasal congestion, dark-colored nasal discharge and inosmia (loss of sense of smell).

Management of sinusitis aims to reduce the symptoms and avoid exacerbation or complications, it includes the following:

1. Steam inhalation to dissolve the viscous thick mucus in the sinuses and prevent its accumulation inside.
2. Using nasal decongestant sprayers for the same reason mentioned above.
3. Using saline sprayers to liquefy the mucous as well as washing and sterilizing the nasal sinuses from bacterial infection.
4. In cases of allergic reactions, steroid sprayers should be used, especially in chronic cases.
5. Using analgesia and hot fomentation for pain relief.
6. Using antibiotic if there is bacterial infection, it should be used under medical supervision.
7. Avoid cigarette smoke or exposure to cold weather (air conditioner).