Sinusitis, the inflammation of the sinus tissues, affects millions of people worldwide, yet it is often underestimated and overlooked. This condition is not only uncomfortable but can also cause significant disruption to a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to work, sleep, and socialize.
This condition can be challenging and frustrating, from the chronic sinusitis sufferer who has tried every treatment without success to the first-time sufferer with a new onset of symptoms. So, what do patients need to know about sinusitis?
The answers are many, and they could make a significant difference in managing this condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sinusitis. Whether you are a long-time sufferer, a newly diagnosed patient, or just curious about this condition, this blog post is for you.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a common medical condition also referred to as a sinus infection because it features inflammation and irritation of the sinuses. The sinuses are a network of hollow cavities in the skull lined with a thin layer of mucus that helps filter, humidify, and warm the air we breathe. A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses cannot clear and drain the excess mucus, which can happen due to an allergy, a virus, or a bacterial infection. In some cases, a combination of these factors may be at play.
When the sinuses become inflamed, it can cause symptoms such as a stuffy nose, a runny nose, a sore throat, congestion, and facial pain. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable, making breathing difficult to breathe through the nose.
The most common cause of a sinus infection is a bacterial infection. Other causes can include allergies and environmental factors. Treatment for a sinus infection includes antibiotics, decongestants, and nasal sprays. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to open up the sinuses and allow mucus drainage.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis include postnasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, headache, and congestion. Additionally, pain or tenderness in the cheeks and redness of the skin around the nose may be present.
1) Facial pain or pressure
Facial pain or pressure is a common symptom of sinusitis when the air-filled cavities within the bones surrounding the nose become inflamed and swollen. This can lead to a buildup of mucus in the sinuses and pressure and pain in the face.
The feeling of pressure in the face can differ from person to person, with some experiencing a dull ache while others feel a sharp or throbbing pain in their cheekbones or forehead. Headaches, nasal congestion, and a runny nose may also accompany the pain.
