Sinusitis 101

In simple terms sinusitis is when the linings of the sinuses are inflamed. Sinuses are air chambers that produce mucus that clean bacteria and other particles in the air that we breathe. These sinuses are located behind the cheeks, eyebrows and jaw and the mucus that is produced is moved out of the sinuses by tiny hairs called cilia in order to drain it through the nose.

Inflammation of the sinuses can be caused by anything that keeps the cilia from moving the mucus or swelling within the sinuses. Some of the more popular causes of sinusitis include changes in temperature or air pressure, allergies, smoking, swimming and heavy use of decongestant nasal sprays. For some, growths called polyps that block their sinus passage are the main cause of their sinusitis. Some of the symptoms of sinusitis are pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, nose or between the eyes, headache, fever, nasal congestion, cough, reduced sense of smell and taste and bad breath.

Treatment of sinusitis depends on the cause and the severity of the attack. For acute sinusitis it is best to seek a doctor’s advice and treatment. However there are a few measures that you can employ to take care of sinusitis, especially chronic sinusitis; sipping hot liquids, applying moist heat by holding a warm wet towel against your face, inhaling steam, lying down on your side that lets you breathe the best and getting plenty of rest, are some of these measures.