The connected system of hollow cavities in the skull are known as sinuses. Located between the forehead and the nose, the major function of sinuses is producing the mucus that protects nose and throat from the pollutants, microorganisms, and dirt.

Sinuses contain nothing but air. But when there is a sinus blockage, the tissue called mucosa, surrounding the cavities, releases mucus.

Mucus gets discharged into the nose through a small drainage called the middle meatus. The secretion of mucus occurs as a counter reaction to the dirt particles, microorganisms, and other pollutants. Sinusitis occurs when there is a block in this discharge,

What exactly leads to sinus infection?

Sinus infection is basically the inflammation of the mucosa tissue that does not stop the secretion of the mucus for a long time. Sinusitis is just like cold but runs for an extended period.

What causes sinus infection or sinusitis? The answer is no one knows the exact reason but medical experts decipher it to be a result of many triggerants.

And, the list of triggerants is plenty starting from common cold, hay fever, allergens, to changes in the atmosphere. Based on the cause of the infection, there are many types of sinusitis.

Types of sinusitis

There are mainly 4 types of sinusitis and your ENT specialist might segregate your issue into any one of these buckets.

• Acute sinusitis - Runs for 2-4 weeks. Sometimes this will be confused with the common cold.
• Subacute sinusitis - Can last for 4-12 weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis - Symptoms of sinusitis can last for more than 12 weeks.
• Recurrent sinusitis - As the name implies, the symptoms can reoccur many times over an year.

The symptoms of the sinus problem

Sinus infection shares most of its symptoms with common cold. Nasal congestion, facial pain, runny and stuffy nose, loss of smell, and congestion. Sometimes these symptoms might get associated with fever, fatigue, and nausea.

Treatment for sinusitis

Sinus treatment consists of using decongestants, nasal washes, and antibiotics. The medication will be prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort.

Decongestants are widely used to get relieved from a stuffy or runny nose and can be availed as an over-the-counter medicine. Using any type of decongestants, if it’s not prescribed it should be avoided.

Home remedies that can ease symptoms of sinusitis

Combined with the prescribed medication from your ENT doctor, there are a few home remedies that you should try if you are suffering from chronic sinusitis.

• Use a vaporizer and steam water and inhale the steamy air. Use a towel and cover your head and the steam bowl. However, ensure that the water is not too hot.
• Hydrating yourself frequently helps your system flush out the virus easily. Ensure you drink enough water every day.
• Consuming foods that contain antibiotic properties can help you at a great level. Use garlic, ginger, and onions in your everyday meal preparation.
• Nighttime nasal blockages are common in chronic sinusitis condition. Take a hot shower at least an hour before the bed and use natural nasal saline washes before you go to the bed.
• Using warm compressors can clear the blockages. Heat a towel and keep it on your forehead, nose, and cover your face with it.
• Using essential oils such as eucalyptus has a very progressive impact on chronic sinusitis. However, follow your doctor’s advice before using any type of essential oil.

Understanding your sinusitis

Finding the exact reason behind your sinusitis helps you and your doctor tackle it better. If your sinusitis issue lasts for more than a month or two, note down the symptoms and your lifestyle changes. This will help your ENT specialist to determine the triggering.

Sinusitis is a common issue. With an effective ENT care and with a little bit of self-care, you can ease the symptoms and make your everyday life easier. Do not rely too much on OTC medications, follow the natural remedies for sinus issues and your doctor’s advice to find peace with your sinusitis issue.