When colds and other viruses are going around, the sinuses can get into a lot of trouble. The sinuses normally secrete mucus to help moisten the air you breathe and to trap pollution and particles of dirt. When viruses, allergies or weather changes cause congestion, the sinuses cannot work properly.
The sinus openings become blocked and cannot drain adequately. The normal secretions accumulate, and the bacteria can multiply since the body cannot easily remove them from the plugged nose and sinuses. Then the mucus becomes thicker, and the color turns to yellow or gray -- an infection has started.
The infections may cause pain in the cheeks and along the sides of the nose. There is often a fever and pain in the teeth, especially the upper molars.
What can you do to prevent or treat sinus infections? It is useful to open the nasal airways with decongestants such as pseudoephredine. Antihistamines are often used, especially if allergies are involved. You should also raise the humidity in the house and drink plenty of warm liquids to keep the secretions thin and liquid. Salt water nasal sprays and washes are helpful in cleaning the passages too.
Cigarette smoke paralyzes and eventually kills the cilia which sweep the sinuses clear of mucus. This damage from smoking allows the mucus to build up, and the amount of secretions is increased because of the irritants in smoke. Always avoid smoking.
When a bacterial infection develops, you will usually need antibiotics to help clear it up. It may take a prolonged course of antibiotics or a change of antibiotics if there is a slow response. Cortisone nasal sprays may be useful depending on the cause of the sinus infection. Viral infections are the most common cause and, unfortunately, do not respond to antibiotics.
For more information about this topic and other health related topics, call Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center at (843) 339-2100.
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