What is it?
Sinusitis is a common condition in which the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed. It’s usually caused by a viral infection and often improves within two or three weeks. The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead. The mucus produced by your sinuses usually drains into your nose through small channels. In sinusitis, these channels become blocked because the sinus linings are inflamed (swollen).
What are the symptoms?
Sinusitis usually occurs after an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold. If you have a persistent cold and develop the symptoms below, you may have sinusitis. Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- A green or yellow discharge from your nose.
- A blocked nose.
- Pain and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead.
- A sinus headache.
- A high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above.
- Toothache.
- A reduced sense of smell.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
Children with sinusitis maybe:
- Irritable.
- Breathe through their mouth, and have difficulty feeding.
- Their speech may also sound nasal (as though they have a stuffy cold).
The symptoms of sinusitis often clear up within a few weeks (acute sinusitis), although occasionally they can last three months or more (chronic sinusitis).
What to expect?
You can try the following things:
- Painkillers such as Tylenol might help in relieving pain and fever.
- Steam inhalations may be taken if possible to relieve nasal congestion.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently as cold viruses often survive for hours in the open such as doorknobs, pens & other surfaces.
- Undertake moderate exercise to strengthen the immune system thus preventing cold & other infections.
- Avoid smoking and avoid other environmental pollution if possible.
- Avoid contact with people who have cold or at least avoid sharing their towels, silverware & beverages with others.
Seek consult if your symptoms worsen or persist for more than 4 days.