How Can You Tell If You Have Chronic Sinusitis
Does it feel like your sinus infection just wont quit? If you experience at least two of the following for 12 weeks or more even though youve been treated it may be chronic sinusitis:
- Discharge of mucus or postnasal drip
- Pain or pressure in your face
- Problems with smell
Chronic sinus infections can be triggered by colds but are typically caused by long-term inflammation. Sometimes, when treatments to control that inflammation fail, people with chronic sinusitis need surgery to drain their mucus.
Other Possible Health Benefits
There are several other reasons related to general wellness that people use a sauna, including:
Although these are popular reasons for sauna use, some need more medical research to fully support them.
As far as more specific medical benefits, some studies have found that sauna use has heart-health benefits. For example, a study conducted on middle-age men concluded that frequent use of a sauna was associated with a high reduction of fatal cardiovascular outcomes.
First Soothe Sinusitis Symptoms
The initial symptoms of sinusitis are similar to those of a cold. You might also experience fatigue, cough, impaired sense of smell, fullness or pressure in the ears, or headache.
While your body fights the infection, use nasal rinses, decongestants, and pain relievers to ease your symptoms. Whatever over-the-counter products you use, read the packaging and follow the directions.
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What Are The Sinuses How Many Do We Have
A sinus is a hollow, air-filled cavity. For the purposes of this article, a sinus will refer to those hollow cavities that are in the skull and connected to the nasal airway by a narrow hole in the bone . Normally all sinuses are open to the nasal airway through an ostium. Humans have four pair of these cavities each referred to as the:
The four pairs of sinuses are often described as a unit and termed the âparanasal sinuses.â The cells of the inner lining of each sinus are mucus-secreting cells, epithelial cells, and some cells that are part of the immune system .
Functions of the sinuses include humidifying and warming inspired air, insulation of surrounding structures , increasing voice resonance, and as buffers against facial trauma. The sinuses decrease the weight of the skull. If the inflammation hinders the clearance of mucous or blocks the natural ostium, the inflammation may progress into a bacterial infection.
Benefits Of An Infrared Sauna In Las Vegas
When they go to an infrared sauna, Las Vegas visitors and residents get more than just a warm environment, they also get to enjoy many of the benefits of infrared therapy. Sometimes called red light therapy, infrared light encourages your body to make more white blood cells. When you have an infection, you want as many white blood cells as possible because they fight disease and infection.
On top of that, infrared therapy can also help to speed up healing, promote healthy cell functioning, reduce joint stiffness, relieve muscle spasms, and improve blood flow. When youre not feeling well due to a sinus infection or a similar issue, all of these benefits can help you to feel a bit better.
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Supplements For Dealing With Sinusitis Or Sinus Infection
Following Vitamin Supplements can help in Treating Sinusitis or Sinus Infection:
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Treatment For Sinus Infection
Whether you have an acute sinus infection or a chronic infection, a number of treatment options can relieve your discomfort. If youre in the early stage of an acute sinus infection, it may be appropriate to start at-home treatments while you monitor your symptoms. If your sinusitis worsens, youll need to call your doctor for medication and further care. Even if youre receiving treatment from your doctor, at-home care can help ease your symptoms.
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How To Use The Infrared Sauna For A Nasal Infection
An infrared sauna helps to fight sinus infection by acting as a natural healing weapon. Using it in the best way will ensure you get the most out of it.
In an infrared sauna, the air inside it resembles the air outside the room. The infrared sauna heats the person inside and not the air in it. Since the temperature in an infrared sauna is between 120°F and 140°F, a 15-minute session at a go will do. It is also essential to drink a lot of water before, during, and after the session.
The infrared sauna improves body immunity and increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which are known for their disease-fighting characteristics.
Signs And Symptoms Of Sinusitis
Some of the most common symptoms that can tell you you could have sinusitis are:
- Nasal congestion that makes it difficult for you to breathe through your nose
- Pain, tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
- A headache when you wake up in the morning is a typical sign of a sinus problem
- Pain in the eyes the ethmoid sinuses are near the tear ducts in the corner of your eyes. Therefore, inflammation of these cavities often causes swelling of the eyelids and tissues around your eyes, and pain between your eyes.
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
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Can Sinusitis Be Prevented
Simple changes in your lifestyle or home environment can help lower the risk of sinusitis. For example, during the winter, use a humidifier to keep home humidity at 45%50%. This will stop dry air from irritating the sinuses and make them less of a target for infection. Clean your humidifier often to prevent mold growth.
Treatment Options For Sinusitis
Most of the treatment options for sinusitis and sinus headaches are intended to give temporary relief from the symptoms when they occur:
- Mediation to reduce the inflammation
- Using a humidifier or nasal spray
- Drinking plenty of fluids
Although these treatments can help, they arent always effective for chronic sinusitis and they wont prevent your symptoms from coming back. If you often suffer from sinus infections or sinus headaches, you might be looking for a more permanent treatment.
Permanent cures for chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches are sometimes possible, but it can depend on the reasons why you are affected.
- If your sinusitis is linked to allergies, then you can try allergy testing to find out the cause and then take steps to avoid the trigger. Although this wont always be enough to prevent your symptoms from coming back, it can make a big difference.
- If your symptoms are linked to infections, then simple steps such as washing hands regularly and getting a flu shot can reduce the chances youll be affected again.
- If there is a physical reason why you are more susceptible to sinusitis, it may be possible to correct it surgically and prevent sinus problems in the future.
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Treatment And Medication Options For Sinus Infection
Up to 70 percent of people with acute sinusitis recover without prescribed medications, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Treatment for acute sinus infections focus on relieving symptoms, such as by:
- Drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest
- Flushing out the sinuses with a saline nasal wash like a saline nasal spray
- Inhaling steam several times a day
- Using a humidifier
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Common Side Effects Of Sinus Medicines
All medicines have some side effects or the other. Depending on the type of medicine consumed for sinusitis infection, the side effects can vary.
Some of the side effects that people experience after consuming corticosteroids for sinus infections such as dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, stomach irritation, vision change, irregular periods, mood swings, weakness or disturbed sleeping patterns.
After taking decongestants, some side-effects that people experience are palpitations, nervousness, continuous irritation, difficulty in urinating, low appetite and nervousness.
People who have consumed antihistamines report side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, nervousness, etc.
Common side effects of antibiotics are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, hives or lightheadedness.
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Should You Have Sinus Surgery
Chronic sinus problems can be linked to problems with your nasal passages, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. If there is a specific structural issue that is causing your chronic sinusitis or sinus headaches then an ENT specialist may be able to correct it surgically. In order to find out if sinus surgery is a good idea, youll need to be assessed by an ENT specialist. The doctor will check that surgery is possible and then discuss the risks and benefits with you in detail. Having the procedure could permanently improve your breathing and prevent sinus problems.
How Can I Prevent Sinusitis
Some of the home remedies used to treat sinus infections symptoms may help prevent sinusitis. These include rinsing your nose out with salt water and using medications that your provider might suggest, such as allergy medications or steroid nasal sprays.
You should avoid things you are allergic to, like dust, pollen or smoke, and try to avoid sick people. Wash your hands to reduce your chance of getting a cold or flu.
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Ginger Tea With Garlic
Ginger tea with garlic contains antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, due to the presence of substances like alicin and phenolic compounds, shogaol and zingerone . These substances help to treat symptoms of sinusitis like plugged nose, runny nose, sore throat and general malaise.
This tea also helps to strengthen the immune system and decreases the duration of the sinus infection.
Ingredients
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced in half
- 1 cm of ginger root, or about 1/2 a teaspoon of powdered ginger
- 3 cups of water
- Honey to sweeten
How to prepare
Boil the water with the garlic. Removed from the heat, and add the ginger and honey. Strain the infusion and drink.
Ginger should not be consumed by people who take anticoagulants, and therefore should be avoided in the tea in these cases. During pregnancy, you should not exceed 1 g of ginger per day, for up to 4 days.
Elevate Your Head At Night
Sleeping flat means mucus can collect in your sinuses, aggravating symptoms. Use an extra pillow or put something under your mattress to lift your head upand gravity will do the rest. That should also help you get better sleep, always a good idea while youre getting over an infection.
Bear in mind that raising your head at nightalong with nasal irrigation, drinking lots of water, and inhaling steamcan also prevent many sinus infections. As can washing your hands.
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How Can I Avoid Future Sinus Infections
Once youve had a nasty sinus infection, you wont want to relive the experience. To help prevent them from occurring again, get your annual flu shot and steer clear of people with colds or the flu. Use your humidifier. Live as healthfully as you can get sufficient sleep, reduce stress and eat a wholesome diet with plenty of whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and if you do smoke, take steps to quit. Last, but not least, always wash your hands.
Ultimately, sinusitis is a painful and revolting nuisance. But approaching them with these smart strategies could save you a world of hurt.
This content originally appeared on Sharecare.com.
When Should I Use A Nasal Decongestant
If you have mild congestion caused by cold, flu, or seasonal allergies, you may want to consider an OTC nasal decongestant. This can help clear up your nasal passages and help you breathe more easily.
You dont have to take a decongestant as part of your at-home treatment regimen. Once your infection clears away or your allergies arent triggered, the congestion will clear up on its own.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Sinusitis
When a sinus infection results from blocked sinuses, symptoms may include:
- Thick white, yellow, or greenish mucus from your nose or drainage down the back of your throat
- Bad breath from postnasal drip
- Blocked or stuffy nose
These symptoms may be similar to some respiratory viral infections. They may require different treatments.
How Salt Therapy At The Salt Room And Sauna Helps Your Sinus Infections
Salt therapy at The Salt Room and Sauna recreates the microclimate found in salt caves and mines in a controlled environment. If you are suffering from sinus infections you might be taken into The Salt Room and shown special breathing techniques to maximum effect. The floor of this special room is covered with sea salt. Our clients can read, nap, or listen to music during their sessions. The treatment room also boasts of a halogenerator which is responsible for dispersing negatively charged particles of sodium chloride aerosol. The halogenerator ensures a supply of clean dry air saturated with sodium chloride particles.
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How Is Sinus Infection Diagnosed
Diagnosis depends on symptoms and requires an examination of the throat, nose and sinuses. Your allergist will look for:
- Discolored nasal discharge
If your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working, a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Your allergist may examine your nose or sinus openings. The exam uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end that is inserted through the nose. It is not painful. Your allergist may give you a light anesthetic nasal spray to make you more comfortable.
Mucus cultures: If your sinus infection is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics, a mucus culture may help to determine what is causing the infection. Most mucus samples are taken from the nose. However, it is sometimes necessary to get mucus directly from the sinuses.
Knowing what kind of bacteria is causing the infection can lead to more effective antibiotic therapy. A fungus could also cause your sinus infection. Confirming the presence of fungus is important. Fungal sinus infection needs to be treated with antifungal agents, rather than antibiotics. In addition, some forms of fungal sinus infection allergic fungal sinus infection, for example do not respond to antifungal agents and often require the use of oral steroids.
Chronic Sinusitis And Sinus Headaches
Sinusitis happens when the sinuses or cavities around the nasal passages become swollen. The sinuses can become inflamed if you have an infection or because of an allergic reaction. The symptoms usually go away within a couple of weeks, but some people experience longer or recurring sinus infections. If you have chronic sinusitis, you could be dealing with symptoms such as nasal discharge, congestion, and pain or sinus headaches for many months.
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Fast
You can treat a sinus infection at home or with OTC medications for symptom relief, and/or a prescription antibiotic medication, in the case of a bacterial infection. Stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and sleep at an incline to help resolve your sinus infection quickly. Consult your healthcare provider to see if you need an antibiotic.
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Is Sauna Good For Cold
When you catch a cold or are suffering from the flu, the traditional advice is usually that you need to sweat it out. This isnt necessarily based on science, but old folk remedies like this arent supposed to be rather, they rely on the accumulated wisdom of countless generations.
If its true that sweating it out can cure a cold or the flu, then surely sitting in a sauna must be an effective treatment, right? Well, perhaps not and in this post, well explain why as we consider the question, are saunas good for colds?
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When Antibiotics Are Needed
Historically, sinus infections, also called sinusitis, were often treated with antibiotics. But today, many allergists warn against the random use of antibiotics for a sinus infection.
Antibiotics can help eliminate bacterial sinus infections. But when a sinus infection is caused by allergies, a virus, or other causes such as a structural defect of the sinuses, an antibiotic will not help to alleviate symptoms.
The overuse of antibiotics is when they are prescribed for reasons other than when they are needed. Because of the common overprescribing of antibiotics for the type of sinus infections that do not warrant such treatment, many people have developed whats commonly referred to as antibiotic resistance.