Get to know sinusitis, symptoms, causes, and treatment

Don't ignore the pain in the facial area accompanied by green snot coming out. This condition can be an indication of sinusitis, which is inflammation or irritation of the sinus walls, which can cause discomfort and breathing problems.

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus walls; this condition often occurs, especially in those who live in cold environments. Although most cases show mild symptoms, sinusitis can develop into an acute condition that interferes with daily activities.

However, this disease can attack anyone and is often mistaken for the common cold. To understand further, let's discuss the symptoms, causes, and how to treat it.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the tissue in the sinuses becomes inflamed, causing excess mucus production that blocks the respiratory tract. This infection can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term), depending on the duration and cause.

Sinusitis Symptoms

Symptoms of sinusitis can vary depending on age and the type of sinusitis experienced. In chronic sinusitis, the signs often resemble acute sinusitis but tend to be milder and last for a longer period of time.

In general, the symptoms of sinusitis are similar to the common cold and can be identified from the following characteristics:

• The nose feels blocked or produces yellowish or greenish mucus.
• Headaches are predominantly felt in the forehead and around the eyes.
• Severe headache
• Pain or pressure in the face, especially when bending over
• Cough, especially at night
• Decreased sense of smell and taste
• Fever (in case of bacterial infection)

Meanwhile, in children, sinusitis can cause several typical symptoms, such as:

• A cold that lasts more than 10 to 14 days without improvement.
• Allergic reactions that do not improve despite treatment.
• A cough that is persistent and does not go away.
• High fever with a temperature above 39°C.
• The nose produces thick mucus with a color that is yellow or green.

Types of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is divided into several types, namely acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis. This classification is based on the duration of infection experienced by the sufferer.

1. Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis usually lasts between 1 to 2 weeks and is generally caused by a viral infection due to the common cold. However, in some cases, this condition can also be triggered by allergies, as well as bacterial or fungal infections. If caused by bacteria, acute sinusitis can last up to 4 weeks.

2. Subacute Sinusitis

If sinusitis lasts between 4 and 12 weeks, this condition is categorized as subacute sinusitis. Several factors that can trigger it include bacterial infections and exposure to allergies.

3. Chronic Sinusitis

In contrast to acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis can last more than 12 weeks or occur repeatedly. This condition is generally triggered by infection, growth of polyps in the nose, or abnormalities in the bone structure in the nasal cavity.

In general, the symptoms of each type of sinusitis are almost similar. The difference lies in the severity and duration of the symptoms experienced.

Causes of Sinusitis

Sinusitis can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Virus infection. The most common cause, often appearing after a cold or flu.

2. Bacterial infection. Occurs if sinusitis lasts more than 10 days without improvement.

3. Allergies. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the sinuses and excess mucus production.

4. Nasal Polyps. A growth of tissue inside the nose that blocks sinus drainage.

5. Nose Structural Abnormalities. For example, a deviated septum (deflection of the wall separating the nose) causes sinus blockage.

6. Exposure to Pollution or Irritants. Cigarette smoke, dust, or air pollution can trigger sinus inflammation.

How to Treat Sinusitis

Treatment for sinusitis depends on the cause and severity. Here are some steps that may help:

1. Home Care

• Inhale warm steam to moisten the respiratory tract.
• Use saline spray (salt solution) to clean the nose.
• Drink plenty of water to thin mucus.
• Get enough rest to speed recovery.

2. Medical Treatment

• Decongestant medication to relieve nasal congestion
• Antihistamines if sinusitis is caused by allergies
• Antibiotics if the infection is caused by bacteria
• Corticosteroid Nasal Spray to reduce inflammation

3. Advanced Medical Procedures

If chronic sinusitis does not improve with medication, your doctor may recommend:

• Sinus Cleansing (Sinus Irrigation) to remove trapped mucus
• Sinus surgery if there are polyps or structural abnormalities in the nose

How to Prevent Sinusitis

Although sinusitis is difficult to completely prevent, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk, including:

• Maintain a clean and healthy nose.
• Avoid exposure to allergens and irritants.
• Maintain body immunity
• Avoid smoking and air pollution.
• Manage stress and get enough rest.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Use a humidifier when the air is dry.
• Regularly check the health of your teeth and nose.

Sinusitis is a common condition that can interfere with daily activities. Recognizing the symptoms early can help determine the appropriate treatment steps. If sinusitis lasts a long time or gets worse, Hermina Friends can immediately consult an ENT specialist at Hermina Sukabumi Hospital to get appropriate treatment.

Referensi:

Healthline. Diakses pada 2019. What You Need to Know About Sinusitis

American College of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology. Diakses pada 2019. Sinus Infection