Sinusitis is a common problem during the winter season, and fever, headache, and nasal congestion may be a sign of sinusitis. Although sinusitis is common, there are many myths that we learn about in the following lines, according to Health.
What is sinusitis?
The small air pockets that start at your nose around the eyes and go back to your cheekbones and forehead are the paranasal sinuses.
Sinusitis occurs when there is an inflammatory reaction in this area. The sinuses can make mucus, which helps keep the inside of your nose moist. This helps protect against dust, allergens, and pollutants.
Normal, healthy sinuses are hollow and filled with air, but when they become clogged with phlegm, germs can grow and cause infection.
Types of sinus infections
Sinusitis can be of several different types, while all of them may present similar symptoms.
1. Acute sinusitis
An attack of acute sinusitis begins with symptoms similar to a common cold, so if you have acute sinusitis, you may have a runny, stuffy nose and nasal pain that may start suddenly and last for two to four weeks.
2. Subacute sinusitis
This is caused by seasonal allergies and bacterial infections. Sinusitis lasts up to 12 weeks.
3. Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis, whose symptoms last more than 12 weeks, often presents with less severe symptoms than acute sinusitis, and fever is rare. Some of the symptoms associated with this type are nasal congestion, discharge, facial pain, and decreased sense of smell.
4. Recurrent acute sinusitis
Recurrent acute sinusitis is a recurrent form of acute sinusitis with four episodes over the course of one year. Each episode of acute sinusitis lasts at least a week.
Myths about sinusitis and their correction
Myth 1: Sinusitis means going fast for antibiotic treatment
Fact: This is not true. Most sinus infections can be managed very well without antibiotics and unnecessary antibiotics increase the risk of resistance.
Myth 2: Sinusitis is contagious, so people around you should be careful
Fact: It’s not contagious, but people don’t get a nasal infection unless the person with sinusitis also has a viral nasal infection.
Myth 3: Sinusitis will get better on its own over time
Fact: Any type of sinus obstruction should be taken seriously. Common types of obstruction are nasal fluid and nasal polyps.
If left untreated, it can make breathing difficult, interfere with sleep, and lead to serious infections.
Myth 4: Sinus surgery can cure sinusitis
Fact: Sinus surgery is not required for every sinus infection, and most can be managed very well with oral nasal medications.
Allergic sinusitis may recur after sinus surgery as well.
Myth 5: Self-treatment with an over-the-counter nasal spray can cure your sinuses
Fact: Most over-the-counter sprays give you temporary relief from symptoms with the risk that dependence on them will also worsen symptoms with prolonged use.
People often don’t even realize they have a sinus infection and suffer in silence until it starts to hamper their productivity. However, certain health conditions can increase risk factors considerably. It’s more likely to be a problem if you have:
• Previous history with sinus infections
• A deficiency in the immune system or drugs that suppress the immune system
• Blocked nose
• Smoking tobacco
Most of the time, sinusitis resolves after a certain period of time, but there’s nothing wrong with getting your doctor’s opinion.
