Five causes of sinusitis and what you can do about it (P): Europa FM

Sinusitis is a condition that develops when the sinuses become inflamed. Most often, the onset of inflammation is favored by structural changes in the nose or a potential infection. Symptoms associated with this disease are similar to those of the common cold, from fever and cough to nasal congestion or stuffy nose, headache, and decreased sense of smell (smell).

This health problem is quite common, but if you end up facing repeated episodes it could be a chronic form. In this article, you can find out 5 of the most common causes that can lead to such a manifestation, as well as some information on treatment options.

1. Nasal polyps

One of the common causes of sinusitis is the appearance of nasal polyps. These are benign (non-cancerous) tumors found in the nasal lining and can lead to blockage of the nasal passages or sinuses. Their development is favored by conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, and there may also be a hereditary component. Some genes can cause an unusual reaction to inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

The recommended treatments for nasal polyps can be medicinal or surgical. For starters, your doctor may choose to prescribe steroid nasal sprays that can reduce inflammation, polyp size, and symptoms of congestion. If they don’t have the expected effect, you may need an operation to remove the polyps.

2. Deviation of the nasal septum

When the thin wall that separates the two nasal passages, called the septum, is not centrally located, the paranasal sinuses can be partially or completely blocked, leading to the worsening of the specific symptoms of sinusitis. [2]

If you want to correct the deviation, surgery is required, which involves certain costs and risks. To avoid them, you may choose to relieve symptoms with decongestants, antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, or nasal strips. The final decision must be taken only after a specialist medical consultation capable of accurately determining the seriousness of the situation.

3. Respiratory tract infections

Another common cause of repeated episodes of sinusitis is the development of respiratory tract infections. These infections are most often caused by common colds and lead to both inflammation and thickening of the sinus membranes and an inability to drain mucus properly. They are often the result of contracting certain viruses or bacteria.

In this case, the remedies available comfortably at home are recommended, such as rest, increased fluid intake, gargling with warm salted water for adults, common painkillers for fever and sore throat, hot herbal teas rich in lemon and honey. If symptoms persist for more than a week or two, antibiotics prescribed by your doctor may be needed. They are only useful if the infection is bacterial in nature.

4. Allergies

The inflammation that allergies produce in the nasal mucosa can also be a cause of sinusitis. Most often it is allergic rhinitis or hay fever, defined by specific symptoms of a cold and is caused by respiratory allergens such as pollen. The most common manifestations are sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes and itching of the nose, eyes or palate.

To treat this condition, medications such as antihistamines, eye drops, nasal or oral corticosteroids, and specific allergen immunotherapy are recommended. A specialist medical consultation is needed to decide which of these options is right for you.

5. Certain medical conditions

The specific symptoms of sinusitis can also be triggered by certain conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other diseases involving the immune system.

For example, in cystic fibrosis, the production of abnormally thick, sticky mucus leads to blockage of the airways, including the sinuses. The treatments that can be used vary according to the pathology that caused the onset of sinusitis and can only be determined by a specialist doctor.

Sinusitis is a common condition that can be caused by both seasonal colds and serious illnesses involving immune system deficiencies. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor when symptoms don’t respond to the usual remedies or recur periodically.

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