Acute or Chronic Sinus Problem?

Chronic sinusitis affects between 30 and 40 million people in the United States alone each year, making it one of the most frequently diagnosed chronic conditions. Symptoms of a sinus problem may include trouble breathing through the nose, headache, aching behind the eye area, and tenderness in the cheeks, sinus congestion, nasal discharge, or postnasal drip. If sinusitis lasts less than four weeks, it is most likely acute sinusitis. In most cases, a sinus problem starts with a common cold, which is caused by a virus. Chronic sinusitis, which recurs or lasts longer than 12 weeks, can be caused by upper respiratory tract infection, allergies, deviated septum or other anatomical conditions, and fungi.

If you think you have a sinus problem, it's important to see your healthcare provider. Untreated acute sinusitis can lead to serious infection, or the condition may become chronic. Also, some people may be prone to sinus infections because they have depressed immune function, another reason why it's important to see your healthcare provider.

Acute or Chronic Sinusitis Remedies

One of the factors to consider with regards to a sinus problem is your diet. This theory have been a source of debate for some time now because many conventional doctors do not believe that food sensitivities can cause sinus congestion or sinusitis. It is a fairly common approach used by alternative practitioners, however. Possible offending foods may include dairy, wheat, oranges, and sugar, because these foods are believed to promote the formation of mucous. Sugar is also thought to have a negative effect on immune function. Limiting intake of these foods may help you with your sinus problem.

Nasal irrigation is a simple procedure alternative practitioners also often recommend for a chronic sinus problem. Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage is the personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses. Clinical testing has shown that this practice is safe and beneficial with no significant side effects. The simplest technique is to snort water from cupped hands. Spraying the solution into the nostrils is more convenient, but also less effective. The most effective methods ensure that the liquid enters through one nostril and then either runs out of the other nostril or goes through the nasal cavity to the back of the throat from where it may be spat out. The necessary pressure comes from gravity, from squeezing a plastic bottle or a syringe, or from an electrical pump. Warm salt water is commonly used, often with sodium bicarbonate as a buffering agent. Daily nasal irrigation with salt water is recommended as both an adjunctive and primary treatment for a sinus problem. It is also preferable to use antibiotics or corticosteroids except in the most serious cases of acute bacterial sinusitis, which should be immediately referred to an otolaryngologist.