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THE sinusitis is often associated with allergic rhinitis🇧🇷 It is an inflammatory disease that has a specific treatment, which should be guided by your doctor or an otolaryngologist.

Get to know this disease and find out what you can do to prevent it.

Sinusitis: the complete ABC’s

Sinusitis: what is it

THE sinusitis it is an inflammation of the sinuses usually caused by an infection. This infection is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or even fungi.

It is a very common disease that interferes with your physical and psychological well-being. That is, it can cause significant changes in your quality of life.

In order to better understand this disease, you need to understand what the paranasal sinuses are and how they are related to sinusitis.

In this way, the sinuses are air-filled cavities lined with a mucous membrane (very similar to the membrane of the nasal passages), located inside the bones that are found around the nose. Through small holes, the paranasal sinuses are able to establish communication with the nasal passages.

The mucus that is produced by these cavities is drained through the nose, and its function is to protect the airways.

Sinusitis happens when inflammation occursthat is, when the sinuses are blocked by accumulating mucus, thus causing pain and infection.

Sinusitis: causes

But then why does the sinusitis🇧🇷

As we explained earlier, this is an inflammation resulting from the accumulation of mucus which, in turn, causes the sinuses to become blocked. Therefore, the causes of this disease are related to any factor that prevents nasal secretions from draining naturally.

In general, sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. We have created a list of all the possible causes associated with the appearance of this disease.

• Respiratory allergies: are a frequent and relevant cause of sinusitis. Inhalation of dust or house dust, animal hair and pollen contribute to the onset and development of the disease. Furthermore, all these factors will worsen your state of health and well-being;
• Climate changes: weather changes are another cause associated with sinusitis. Thermal shocks, especially with cold and humidity, can cause the accumulation of mucus in the paranasal sinuses;
• The flu;
• Nose injuries: these traumatisms can occur due to extreme changes in pressure, as for example in flights or during sudden diving;
• Poor nasal hygiene: it may also be another cause for the onset of sinusitis;
• Deviation in the nasal septum;
• Atmospheric pollution: such as inhaling gases caused by cars;
• Tobacco: it is another factor that can provoke the appearance of sinusitis and that is also strongly associated with the accumulation of mucus in the nose;
• Excessive use of decongestants;
• Swimming: may increase the risk of developing sinusitis.

Now that you can identify the causes of the appearance of sinusitis, it is essential that you are aware of some of the signs of this disease. Shall we meet them?

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Symptoms to be aware of

There are 2 types of sinusitis, acute and chronic sinusitis. Thus, acute sinusitis has a short duration, that is, it is characterized by the presence of symptoms for a period of less than 4 weeks.

With regard to chronic sinusitis, this goes beyond this duration.

The symptoms of this disease can be many, however some more common ones stand out, such as:

• Fatigue;
• Cough;
• Weakness;
• Fever;
• Congestion;
• Sensation of drained mucus in the throat;
• Feeling of pressure in the head, nose or area between the eyes;
• Reduction in taste and/or smell;
• Bad breath.

Chronic sinusitis usually has fewer symptoms than acute sinusitis, however there may be exceptions, and it is important to be aware of any of the above symptoms.

In children these symptoms can also manifest themselves, however the diagnosis is easier due to the regular respiratory infections that develop during childhood.

In the presence of any of these types of sinusitisyou should talk to your doctor so that you can establish the proper treatment.

Associated treatments

The treatment of sinusitis will depend on the associated cause. However, it is usually done through oral antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers.

The use of sprays Saline nasal sprays can also help relieve a stuffy nose, just as pain relievers can help relieve headaches and the feeling of pressure in your face.

The treatment must always be indicated by a doctor, so that it can be fast and effective. So you already know, the treatment for a friend of yours may not be the right one for you.

In some cases, if treatment is not effective or if there is an obstruction, surgical intervention may be necessary.

prevention of sinusitis

THE sinusitis it seems to be quite a stressful illness. Don’t be scared, we have some prevention tips.

If you are one of those people who always have a cold, you should resort to oral decongestants more often than opting for sprays nasals. In addition to this, you must be careful when blowing your nose, so that the secretions do not rise.

In the presence of allergies, it is essential that you are well informed through your doctor so that you know exactly which medication is best for you. It is important that you do some tests to be able to distinguish the substance to which you are allergic.

In addition to this, drinking fluids throughout the day is also something you should do to prevent sinusitis. In this way, you will be able to keep the nasal secretions more fluid.

As we know, air pollution is present in our lives every day, however you should avoid direct inhalation of polluting gases as much as possible.

Do not put your hands and fingers in your nose, or any type of foreign object that is not determined for this purpose.

Also avoid blowing your nose several times, and of course, as we have already mentioned, humid air, very cold or very hot, is also something you should avoid.

Now that you are well aware of the prevention of sinusitis, you can and should protect yourself against this disease.

Article originally published in October 2021. Updated in September 2022.