subject: Sinusitis Treatment Options [print this page] To be able to determine your treatment for sinusitis, you should have a basic understanding of what sinusitis is first. It is the swelling of your nasal sinuses that can be caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection or perhaps other reasons such as allergic reactions or environmental elements. The sinus cavities, mainly above your eyes and behind your cheekbones, have mucus secretions that, if blocked from draining can grow thicker and become inflamed.
Risk Factors for Sinusitis
Your treatment for sinusitis will depend on your risk factors for this inflammatory condition. Infection is usually the predominant cause of sinusitis and often follows on the tail end of a bad cold or even the flu. Allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, smog and even excessive dryness due to central air or heat can also cause sinusitis.
More unusual risk factors of sinusitis involve immune system deficiencies and actually nasal structural abnormalities. Polyps, a deviated septum, tumors or in fact bone spurs in the sinus cavity may also lead to sinusitis. Knowing the way you develop this condition will assist in choosing a treatment method for the condition.
Treatment for Sinusitis
When the culprit is a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics will often be prescribed by a doctor as the primary medication for sinusitis. In the unusual cases that a fungal infection occurs, anti-fungal drugs may be prescribed. Furthermore, a decongestant may be prescribed too to help with the swelling of the nasal tissues.
An expectorant can help thin the mucus secretions so that you may discharge them easier and these are usually used with antihistamines which help with inflammation only. When a tougher treatment for sinusitis is needed, the physician may prescribe a nasal steroid which usually will work harder to decrease sinus swelling and promote sinus drainage.
For non-medicated options of therapy for sinusitis, a salt water nasal spray can help keep the nasal passageways moistened as well as rinse out bacteria and other irritants which may be lying calm to create an infection. Additionally, a humidifier is a great way in order to reduce indoor dryness which can irritate the sinus membranes, causing sinusitis.
During times of particularly high pollen counts or when air pollution is bad, stay indoors as much as possible to avoid the likelihood of sinusitis. Additionally, during your treatment for sinusitis, sleep with your head elevated to encourage healing and sinus drainage. Obviously, it goes without saying that a wholesome diet, exercise and preventing sick people is the ultimate preventative treatment for sinusitis.
by: David King
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