Featured Topic: Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis:

Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It is usually preceded by a cold or allergy attack. When you have a cold or allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain normally into the nasal passages. This can lead to congestion and infection.

How to Diagnose:

Many people may fail to realize that they have sinusitis because the symptoms are difficult to distinguish from colds or allergies. As a result, they attempt to self-medicate with over-the-counter treatments such as decongestants and antihistamines. Acute sinusitis, however, can become chronic if not properly treated with antibiotics and, in extreme cases, can result in significant complications which may require surgery.

If you have three or more of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor.

• Facial pressure
• Headache
• Congestion/stuffy nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Thick yellow-green nasal discharge
• Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days
• Low grade fever
• Bad breath
• Pain in the upper teeth

Recommended Treatment:

Proper therapy for bacterial sinusitis should include antibiotic therapy. In addition to an antibiotic, an oral and/or nasal spray or drop decongestant may be recommended to relieve congestion, although the prolonged usage of non-prescription nasal sprays should be avoided. Inhaling steam or using saline nasal sprays may relieve some of the discomfort. If your sinusitis was triggered by allergies, you should avoid contact with the substances that trigger attacks.