What is SINUSITIS?
The sinuses are air filled spaces in the skull that are lined with mucus membranes. The tiny hair in the sinuses ensures that mucus gets dispelled. Viral, bacterial and fungal infections can block the sinuses and increases mucus production which results in sinusitis. It may be chronic or acute. Acute sinusitis are triggered by a cold or allergies which may or may not resolve on its own. Chronic sinusitis is usually caused by inflammation or infection.
What causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.
Symptoms include:
1.Nasal Discharge
Nasal discharge comes from the infected sinuses resulting in frequent need to blow your nose. This discharge can be cloudy, green or yellow in colour (indicates infection) and can cause a postnasal drip. resulting in coughing at night.
2.Throat Irritation and Coughing
A postnasal drip can cause throat irritation, coughing, a sore throat and a hoarse voice.
3.Nasal Congestion
The nasal congestion can cause difficulty in breathing through your nose and might affect your taste and smell.
4.Facial Pain
Facial pain is caused by the inflammation and swelling as well as a dull pressure that might even lead to headaches. The table and picture below shows the different sinuses and the areas where the facial pain can occur.
5.Headache
Nasal blockage tends to trigger headaches. Often pain from face radiates to the head. Also the difficulty in breathing and irritation can aggravate pain.
6.Redness and Swelling
The running nose and congestion often causes redness on nose and cheeks. Constant rubbing of rose may further enhance the redness and may sometimes even cause swelling.
7.Fatigue
The sinusitis infection often leads to fatigue due to constant irritation of throat, headaches, pain.
Tips to help Relieve SINUSITIS:
1.Add humidity to the air using a humidifier.
2.Sip hot liquids and drink plenty of fluid.
3.Apply moist heat with warm towel against your face.
4.Get plenty of rest. Lie on side that lets you breathe best.
5.Use Saline to flush your sinuses (Your physiotherapist will help you with the procedure).
6.Workout, Breathing exercises and Yoga.
Things to be avoided:
Smoking:
Alcohol and Cold beverages
Hair sprays and Perfumes
Noxious Fumes
Swimming pools and public baths
By thinning secretions– We use humidifying mist that consists of saline and a mucolytic prescribed by your doctor that will thin the secretions and ensure easier drainage of the fluids.
Opening the sinuses and moving the secretions– We have electrotherapeutic modalities such as Laser and Ultrasound that encourages mucus clearance.
Mobilization– By performing neck/head mobilization it helps to ‘open’ the sinuses.
Dry needling– This aid in decreasing pain and swelling.
Fascia Release – Fascia release in the face area has show great results in draining the sinuses. Your physio will do fascia release over the face and can also teach you some self treatment techniques that you can do at home.
Comments