Tuesday, 19 November 2013

About Allergies: Do You Have Chronic Sinusitis?

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From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies

 

Sinusitis, or infection of the sinuses, affects millions of Americans every year. Symptoms of acute sinus infections typically include facial pain or pressure, colored nasal discharge, nasal congestion and fever. When a sinus infection lasts for more than 3 months, it becomes chronic sinusitis. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be subtle, and often can be difficult to differentiate from allergies. There are a number of different types of chronic sinusitis, including infectious, allergic, fungal, and aspirin-exacerbated -- the treatment for which is different for each type. Learn more about chronic sinusitis, and find out if your chronic nasal allergy symptoms might be something more serious.


All About Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a common condition that quite a few of us will experience at some point. While not necessarily serious, it's a pain -- literally. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include nasal irritation, runny nose, post nasal drip, nasal congestion and sinus pressure or pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. The diagnosis of chronic sinusitis requires signs of inflammation of the sinuses on a CT scan of the sinuses or by direct visualization by nasal endoscopy.
Search Related Topics:  sinusitis  allergic rhinitis  allergen immunotherapy

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sinus Infections
Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are defined as inflammation of one or more sinuses. Sinuses are hollow cavities within the bones of the face. The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that normally produce fluid – this fluid usually drains into the nasal passages and is swallowed throughout the day. However, when the drainage sites for the sinuses are blocked, the sinuses cannot drain, and an infection may develop.
Search Related Topics:  allergic rhinitis  allergen avoidance  antihistamines

Nasal Saline Rinses for Sinus Infections

Saline rinses help to prevent the crusting of secretions in the nasal passages, which may otherwise block the sinuses from draining. If the sinus drainage sites become blocked, which could also occur with swelling from allergies or irritants, a sinus infection may develop. Saline rinses also serve to reduce tissue swelling in the nasal passages, and improve the clearance of mucus.





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