• Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Management

    The Ultimate Guide to Sinusitis

    Everything You Need To Know About Sinus

    What is sinus?

    The sinuses are a group of four cavities in the skull that are connected to the nose. They are located behind your cheekbones and brow. Your sinuses produce mucus, which drains into your nose. They help to moisten and cleanse the air that we breathe. They also reduce the weight of the skull and act as resonating chambers for the voice.

    There are four types of sinuses: frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid.

    – Maxillary sinuses: These are the largest of the four sinuses. They are located behind your cheekbones.

    – Frontal sinuses: These are located on your forehead, above your eyebrows.

    – Ethmoid sinuses: These are located between your eyes and behind your nose.

    – Sphenoid sinuses: These are located behind your ethmoid sinuses and behind your nose.

    The most common type of sinusitis is rhinosinusitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal passages and the sinuses. It can be caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold, or by a bacterial infection. Allergies, smoke, air pollution, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to rhinosinusitis.

    What causes sinus problems?

    There are a number of things that can contribute to sinus problems, including:

    – Allergies: Allergies are the most common cause of sinusitis. They can cause the nose and sinuses to become inflamed and block the drainage of mucus.

    – Infections: Viral infections, such as the common cold, are the most common cause of sinusitis. Bacterial infections can also cause sinusitis.

    – Anatomical abnormalities: anatomical abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, can block the drainage of mucus from the nose and sinuses.

    – Environmental factors: smoke, air pollution, and dry climates can all contribute to sinusitis.

    What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

    Sinus Symptoms

    Symptoms of rhinosinusitis include nasal congestion, runny nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, postnasal drip, and a reduced sense of smell. The most common symptom of sinusitis is a blocked or runny nose. Other symptoms of rhinosinusitis can include:

    – Nasal congestion

    – Pain or pressure in the face, jaw, or teeth

    – Headache

    – Fever

    – Cough

    – Bad breath

    – A reduced sense of smell

    If you have had any of these symptoms for more than 10 days, you should see your doctor.

    How is sinusitis diagnosed?

    There are several ways to diagnose rhinosinusitis. A diagnosis of sinusitis is usually made based on the symptoms. However, a number of tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis. These tests can also help to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as a dental infection or a brain tumour.

    – Physical examination: Your doctor will examine your nose and sinuses for signs of inflammation.

    – Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light and small camera attached (nasal endoscope) is inserted into the nose to examine the inside of the nasal passages and sinuses.

    – CT scan: A CT scan can be used to create a three-dimensional image of the inside of the nose and sinuses.

    – Allergy testing: If allergies are suspected to be the cause of your sinusitis, skin or blood tests may be used to identify the specific allergens that you are allergic to.

    How is sinusitis treated?

    The treatment for sinusitis depends on the underlying cause.

    – Allergies: If allergies are the cause of your sinusitis, treatment may involve avoidance of allergens, medications to control symptoms, or immunotherapy.

    – Infections: Viral infections usually resolve on their own and do not require treatment. Bacterial infections may be treated with antibiotics.

    – Anatomical abnormalities: Surgery may be required to correct anatomical abnormalities that are causing sinusitis.

    – Environmental factors: Avoidance of smoke, air pollution, and dry climates can help to prevent sinusitis.

    When to see a doctor and what type of doctor?

    If you have had any of the symptoms of sinusitis for more than 10 days or if your symptoms are getting worse, you should see an otolaryngologist. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck. An otolaryngologist is also known as ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or a sinus doctor. ENTs are often able to treat sinusitis with medication or surgery.

    What is the prognosis for sinusitis?

    The prognosis for sinusitis is usually good. Most cases of sinusitis resolve on their own or with treatment. However, some cases of sinusitis can become chronic. Chronic sinusitis can lead to complications, such as nasal polyps or a weakened immune system.

    What are the complications of sinusitis?

    The most common complication of sinusitis is a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can cause severe problems, such as meningitis (brain and spinal cord lining inflammation) or brain abscess (a collection of pus in the brain). Other complications of sinusitis can include:

    – Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that can form in the lining of the nose or sinuses. Polyps can block the drainage of mucus from the nose and sinuses, which can lead to sinusitis.

    – Asthma: Sinusitis can worsen asthma symptoms or trigger an asthma attack.

    – Immunodeficiency: Sinusitis can cause a weakened immune system, which can lead to serious infections.

    Can sinusitis be prevented?

    There is no sure way to prevent sinusitis. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing sinusitis, such as:

    – Avoid smoke, air pollution, and dry climates

    – Manage allergies

    – Treat nasal congestion and drainage promptly

    – Avoid activities that put pressure on the sinuses, such as flying or diving

    – Use a humidifier to keep the air moist

    – Avoid exposure to sick people

    If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for sinusitis, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

    Can sinusitis be cured?

    Most cases of sinusitis are mild and resolve on their own. However, chronic sinusitis may require treatment. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.

    What food is good for sinusitis?

    There is no specific diet for sinusitis, but you may find relief from your symptoms by eating foods that are high in Vitamin C. These include oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables. You should also drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus in your sinuses.

    How do you clear your sinuses yourself?

    There are several things you can do at home to help clear your sinuses:

    • Drink plenty of fluids. This will help thin the mucus in your sinuses and make it easier to drain.

    • Use a humidifier. This will add moisture to the air and help thin the mucus in your sinuses.

    • Take a steamy shower. The steam will help thin the mucus in your sinuses.

    • Use a saline nasal spray or rinse. This will help flush out the mucus in your sinuses.

    If your symptoms do not improve with home treatment, see your doctor. You may need prescription medication to clear your sinuses.

    What is the best medicine for sinus?

    There is no one “best” medicine for sinusitis. The best medicine for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your sinusitis.

    Mild cases of sinusitis can often be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as:

    – Pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and fever.

    – Decongestants: These medications can help reduce congestion and drainage.

    – Saline nasal sprays: These can help flush out the mucus in your sinuses.

    If your symptoms do not improve with home treatment, see your doctor for an evaluation. You may need prescription medication to clear your sinuses. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms and get back to your normal life.

    Conclusion

    Sinusitis is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own, but some can become chronic and require treatment. If you think you may have sinusitis, see your doctor for an evaluation. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms and get back to your normal life.

  • Sleep Apnea: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

    Sleep Apnea is not restful, take action now.

    Sleep Apnea

    What is sleep apnea?

    Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing ceases during sleep and may actually be obstructive. This is caused by efforts to breathe against blocked upper airways. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and needs treatment to restore breathing to normal. Sleep apnoea is defined by more than 5 episodes of apnea per hour of sleep, associated with significant day sleepiness. Snoring is a symptom, but is not always present. If the condition is allowed to continue it will lead to significant medical complications. If the condition manifests in children it is usually caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

    Causes of Sleep Apnea

    The main cause is being overweight and staying overweight for a long time. Too much alcohol, consumed at night, can contribute to this.

    Some people suffer from poor sleep for years and because it happens gradually they don’t always notice. Your partner will notice the snoring and it may even be waking you. Other people decide to have throat surgery to tighten the flesh at the back of the throat, done by an ENT surgeon, this will help, but unless you lose weight it is not enough. Because these people are tired during the day, some of them drive in a very dangerous manner and should not be behind the wheel.

    Natural Cure for Sleep Apnea

    Sometimes natural health therapies can be tried, and because you are oxygen deprived during sleep practising breathing exercises may help. What this does is strengthen and tighten the muscles in the area and many people say it works. You can sit in front of the television and complete your exercise program as it will take less than 10 minutes a day. The important thing is that the program is worked out specifically for you and will tighten and strengthen the muscles involved in breathing at night. Exercises are prescribed by a specialist practitioner.

    Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

    If you find yourself suffering from any of the above symptoms or your partner is complaining about snoring you need to see your Doctor.

    The first thing that the Doctor will do is to weigh you and if you are overweight he will ask you to lose a few kg which should help.

    He will then ask about smoking and drinking alcohol, you will be told to give up smoking and restrict alcohol intake all this will help. If the problem continues you will be sent to have an overnight sleep study.

    Epworth Sleepiness Scale

    While you are working on your weight at home, download the Epworth Sleepiness Scale on your computer, answer the questions and score it. You can take this test result back to your Doctor on your next visit as supporting evidence. If you are within normal limits your condition may be improving with the weight loss. Increase your exercise levels to an hour a day, even if it is only walking.

    Sleep Clinics and Treatment Centres

    Sleep apnea test in sleep clinic

    There are sleep clinics in all the major teaching hospitals and there are also some private clinics as well. Sleep Clinic Singapore is one of the leading sleep centres in Singapore that conduct sleep studies, as well as diagnose and treat sleep disorders. In the sleep clinic, your respiratory function will be measured, in order to reach a diagnosis and decide on a treatment. While you are asleep they record brain waves, oxygen levels in your blood, heart rate and breathing. Some people say that they would never be able to go to sleep in such conditions, but the room is darkened, and you wear your own pyjamas so even if you only sleep for 1 hour it will be enough. Later the data from the study is evaluated by an ENT doctor.

    PAP Therapy and Sleep Apnea

    If you have had the Sleep Study and are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea don’t worry as at least 10% of the population has sleep apnea and you can be helped. If it is not treated it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes. You will be asked to try some PAP therapy which is noninvasive, and gently blows air into your nose or mouth to prevent your airways from collapsing while you sleep.

    PAP and CPAP Device and mask to prevent Sleep Apnea

    You will be prescribed the correct mask for you, it may cover your mouth and nose or just cover your nose, and the therapy machine/device will be explained to you and there are a couple of different ones to choose from. These days they are quite small and are easily managed on a bedside table.

    The controls and the interface are simple and you will not find it hard to know what to do and how to work it.

    You will be most likely offered a mobile app to monitor your progress on the iPad.

    How long do I stay on a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine?

    Many people stay on a CPAP machine for about 5 years, and during that time tubing and masks need replacing. Once you are on the machine, the snoring should have stopped, and you will need to keep up your exercise program and keep the weight down. You will feel less tired during the day and more alert which is great as most people do not have time to lie down during the day.

    People who do not address their sleep apnea will almost certainly have an early death as it can lead to so many other problems.

    Conclusion

    It may be worth googling ‘Stop Snoring and Sleep Apnea Program’ to try and help yourself. Because Sleep Apnea is a serious health problem it is important to consult an ENT specialist to get the associated health problems under control. Once you have your night sleep under control you will feel so much better during the day and will be far more productive in day to day life.

    If your child is snoring get a referral to the ENT surgeon as the problem is almost certainly enlarged tonsils or adenoids which may need removing, it is not normal for a child to snore. When you read about the side effects of Sleep Apnea and the medical implications involved it definitely motivates you to do something about it as it is an extremely serious health problem and we all want to live long enough to enjoy old age.

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