With winter in full swing, more respiratory illnesses become prevalent. Sinusitis is one of the most common conditions affecting people during the cold season.
Sinusitis, often mistaken for a prolonged cold or allergic reaction, is an inflammation of the sinuses that can cause discomfort, breathing difficulties and other complications.
Winter conditions tend to exacerbate respiratory diseases due to factors such as cold air, increased indoor exposure to dry heat and the spread of infections in enclosed spaces.
Sinusitis is a common yet often overlooked respiratory condition that can significantly impact daily life, especially during winter.
Understanding sinusitis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment can help you manage and prevent this condition effectively.
Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the sinuses. These are air filled cavities located within the bones of the face and skull. This inflammation leads to swelling and blockage of the normal drainage pathways, resulting in a build-up of mucus that can cause pain, pressure and difficulty in breathing.
Sinusitis can be classified into four major types namely acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent. Acute sinusitis is caused by viral or bacterial infections. It typically lasts less than four weeks.
Subacute sinusitis persists for about four to twelve weeks and is often linked to bacterial infections.
Chronic sinusitis is usually associated with persistent inflammation rather than infections. It usually lasts longer than twelve weeks. Recurrent sinusitis is often triggered by allergies or structural nasal issues. People with this type of sinusitis experience multiple episodes throughout the year.
Causes
Sinusitis can develop due to a variety of factors, including viral infections. The common cold often leads to sinus inflammation, blocking mucus drainage and creating an environment conducive to bacterial overgrowth.
Bacterial infections that develop when the sinuses remain blocked for extended periods, cause the trapped mucus to become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Allergies can also cause sinusitis by triggering inflammation that leads to mucus build up and potential sinus blockages.
Some environmental irritants can cause sinusitis. Exposure to pollutants, smoke and chemicals can aggravate the sinuses, causing inflammation.
Structural abnormalities may lead to sinusitis too. Deviated nasal septums, nasal polyps, or other anatomical variations may restrict normal sinus drainage.
Cold temperatures, combined with heated indoor environments, dry out mucous membranes, making the sinuses more susceptible to irritation and infection, leading to sinusitis.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion or blockage, facial pain or pressure, particularly around the forehead, eyes and cheeks and a thick nasal discharge, often yellow or green in colour.
Other symptoms include headaches, especially in the front of the head or temples, loss of smell or taste, sore throat, postnasal drip, fever and fatigue.
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the type of sinusitis and its underlying causes. It is recommended to seek professional medical attention if symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen after initial improvement.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose sinusitis based on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination and medical history.
In some cases, additional tests may be required. These may include a nasal endoscopy were a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted into the nasal passages to assess inflammation and blockages.
Imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI can be used in chronic or recurrent cases to evaluate sinus structures for abnormalities. Allergy testing can be performed to help determine if allergies are contributing to sinus inflammation.
Bacterial cultures can be taken if a sinusitis infection is suspected. A sample of nasal discharge may be analysed for specific pathogens.
Treatment
Treatment for sinusitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Home remedies can be used to treat mild cases. Hydration is on top of the list. Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and clear blockages.
Steam inhalation can also be done at home. Breathing in steam from hot water or using a humidifier can soothe nasal passages. Saline nasal spray can be used to help flush out irritants and moisture nasal tissues. Getting enough sleep and relaxation also supports the immune system.
Medications that can be used include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These help ease facial pain and headaches. Nasal sprays and oral decongestants can be used to reduce swelling but not for more than three days to avoid dependency.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for bacterial sinus infections that persist for more than 10 days. Antihistamines may be useful for sinusitis caused by allergies. Steroid nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation in chronic cases.
If sinusitis becomes recurrent or chronic, further medical interventions may be necessary. Sinus irrigation also known as a Neti pot or saline rinse can help remove mucus accumulation.
Prescription sprays such as nasal corticosteroids can be used for people with chronic inflammation. In some cases, surgical procedures can be performed if structural issues contribute to chronic sinusitis. Surgery such as sinus drainage or septoplasty may be recommended.
Prevention
As respiratory diseases are more common in winter, preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing sinusitis. These include washing hands frequently to prevent viral infections that lead to sinus inflammation and using a humidifier to maintain moisture levels indoors.
Other prevention methods include avoiding smoking and exposure to pollutants, staying hydrated to keep mucus thin and flowing, managing allergies with proper medication and avoidance of triggers. Practising nasal hygiene with saline rinses if you are prone to sinus infections can also help prevent sinusitis.
- The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas.co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663