Views on health wellness
It's that time of the year again! Time for the nasty cold and flu season to start. One of the most aggravating parts of colds and flu is the sinus pressure and pain that often go hand in hand with them.
In many cases, you can easily develop inflammation of the sinuses, better known as sinusitis. In some cases, you might even find yourself with Acute Sinusitis.
This condition is caused by a variety of organisms. These can included bacterial, fungal, or even viral infections. Other causes may be structural in nature. The failure of the cilia in the nose to move out mucous is one structural defect that may lead to infection. Over-production of mucous that acts a breeding ground for organisms is another (that coupled with the blockage of the ostia).
Other factors that increase your likelihood of developing sinusitis are: deviation of the septum, asthma history, not using nasal decongestants properly (causing nasal passages to become blocked, due to the effects of over-usage on the sinus membranes), frequently swimming, or even dental work. GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) and Cerebral Palsy are two diseases that can contribute to Acute Sinusitis, as well. Those with compromised immune systems (due to HIV or Chemotherapy) are at a greater risk for contracting sinusitis.
To better understand sinusitis, it is important to know what sinuses actually are. They are composed of spaces in the skull that are filled with air. These spaces have linings that are covered by a mucous membrane.
In Chronic Sinusitis, these tissues become inflamed and block the openings with mucous that then becomes infected. This can last 2 to 8 weeks or longer.
What are some of the symptoms that I might be developing Acute Sinusitis? Remember, these symptoms present themselves after a cold or the flu. Sore throat with postnasal drip, nasal congestion, headache with pressure behind the eyes, fever, cough, fatigue, and even loss of your ability to smell and bad breath, are many of the common symptoms associated with Acute Sinusitis.
Your doctor may perform physical assessments to determine if you have sinusitis. He or she may tap gently over the sinus area to determine if there is any tenderness. This may be a sign of infection. Using transillumination to light up the sinus with dark areas showing that there might be possible inflammation.
Using a fiberoptic scope that views the sinuses is another important tool. X-rays of the affected sinuses and even cultures of the nose, have been proven helpful in diagnosing sinusitis. A CT sinus scan is far better in helping to diagnose sinusitis. The next step may be an MRI, if there is evidence that tumor or fungal infection may be present.
Laboratory tests may be required, if you continue to suffer from recurrent or chronic sinusitis, to determine if you have any other underlying disorders. Examples could be allergy testing, sweat chloride tests that show presence of cystic fibrosis, tests for HIV, to name a few.
Is there any way to treat Acute Sinusitis? The good news is that there are treatments available today. Some examples of home treatments are using a humidifier, employing nasal saline, and drinking lots of fluids to help thin out the mucous. OTC (over the counter) medications should be used sparingly, as they can often have a rebound effect in which the very use of the nasal decongestants causes even worse symptoms of nasal congestion. You can also use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to aid in pain control.
What about medications that the doctor can prescribe, are they helpful? To control swelling or edema of the sinuses, often your doctor may prescribe Nasal corticosteroids such as Nasonex, Flonase or Nasacort AQ. Antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Bactrim, and Augmentin have been prescribed to treat sinus infections. The treatment time for Acute Sinusitis is around 10 to 14 days. On the other hand, weeks of treatment are required for Chronic Sinusitis.
In some extreme cases, the surgical option may be the only one left. In brief, the surgeon cleans and drains the sinuses, in order to provide relief from sinusitis. This surgery is performed by a specialist known as an ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat). This MD specializes in treating disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.
Consult with your ENT on the best course of treatment for Acute Sinusitis. Which, if properly treated and managed, the severity of the disease can be minimized and your suffering time greatly reduced.
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Fast Track Hypnosis - Rundtownnews.co.uk
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:44:21 GMT
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In many cases, you can easily develop inflammation of the sinuses, better known as sinusitis. In some cases, you might even find yourself with Acute Sinusitis.
This condition is caused by a variety of organisms. These can included bacterial, fungal, or even viral infections. Other causes may be structural in nature. The failure of the cilia in the nose to move out mucous is one structural defect that may lead to infection. Over-production of mucous that acts a breeding ground for organisms is another (that coupled with the blockage of the ostia).
Other factors that increase your likelihood of developing sinusitis are: deviation of the septum, asthma history, not using nasal decongestants properly (causing nasal passages to become blocked, due to the effects of over-usage on the sinus membranes), frequently swimming, or even dental work. GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) and Cerebral Palsy are two diseases that can contribute to Acute Sinusitis, as well. Those with compromised immune systems (due to HIV or Chemotherapy) are at a greater risk for contracting sinusitis.
To better understand sinusitis, it is important to know what sinuses actually are. They are composed of spaces in the skull that are filled with air. These spaces have linings that are covered by a mucous membrane.
In Chronic Sinusitis, these tissues become inflamed and block the openings with mucous that then becomes infected. This can last 2 to 8 weeks or longer.
What are some of the symptoms that I might be developing Acute Sinusitis? Remember, these symptoms present themselves after a cold or the flu. Sore throat with postnasal drip, nasal congestion, headache with pressure behind the eyes, fever, cough, fatigue, and even loss of your ability to smell and bad breath, are many of the common symptoms associated with Acute Sinusitis.
Your doctor may perform physical assessments to determine if you have sinusitis. He or she may tap gently over the sinus area to determine if there is any tenderness. This may be a sign of infection. Using transillumination to light up the sinus with dark areas showing that there might be possible inflammation.
Using a fiberoptic scope that views the sinuses is another important tool. X-rays of the affected sinuses and even cultures of the nose, have been proven helpful in diagnosing sinusitis. A CT sinus scan is far better in helping to diagnose sinusitis. The next step may be an MRI, if there is evidence that tumor or fungal infection may be present.
Laboratory tests may be required, if you continue to suffer from recurrent or chronic sinusitis, to determine if you have any other underlying disorders. Examples could be allergy testing, sweat chloride tests that show presence of cystic fibrosis, tests for HIV, to name a few.
Is there any way to treat Acute Sinusitis? The good news is that there are treatments available today. Some examples of home treatments are using a humidifier, employing nasal saline, and drinking lots of fluids to help thin out the mucous. OTC (over the counter) medications should be used sparingly, as they can often have a rebound effect in which the very use of the nasal decongestants causes even worse symptoms of nasal congestion. You can also use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to aid in pain control.
What about medications that the doctor can prescribe, are they helpful? To control swelling or edema of the sinuses, often your doctor may prescribe Nasal corticosteroids such as Nasonex, Flonase or Nasacort AQ. Antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Bactrim, and Augmentin have been prescribed to treat sinus infections. The treatment time for Acute Sinusitis is around 10 to 14 days. On the other hand, weeks of treatment are required for Chronic Sinusitis.
In some extreme cases, the surgical option may be the only one left. In brief, the surgeon cleans and drains the sinuses, in order to provide relief from sinusitis. This surgery is performed by a specialist known as an ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat). This MD specializes in treating disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.
Consult with your ENT on the best course of treatment for Acute Sinusitis. Which, if properly treated and managed, the severity of the disease can be minimized and your suffering time greatly reduced.
Recent News on plastic surgery
Fast Track Hypnosis - Rundtownnews.co.uk
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:44:21 GMT
Fast Track Hypnosis Rundtownnews.co.uk, Spain - For the sake of my integrity, I decided to write this article to let people know exactly how and why I do Fast Track Hypnosis. Originally, I came over to ... |
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