Written by Dr. Rachna Kucheria (MBBS MAMC New Delhi, MD AIIMS New Delhi, MD (Family Medicine) USC California), one of the best general physicians in Delhi NCR

Today, let’s embark on a journey to understand a common yet often misunderstood health issue: the sinus infection, also known as sinusitis. We’ll dive into its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What is Sinusitis?

First, let’s get to know our sinuses. Picture four pairs of hollow spaces in your skull, located around your nose, eyes, and forehead. These are your sinuses. They’re lined with a soft tissue called mucosa and are typically filled with air. The primary job of these sinuses is to produce mucus, which helps keep the inside of your nose moist. This moisture, in turn, protects against dust, allergens, and pollutants.

Now, sinusitis happens when these sinus cavities get inflamed. This inflammation can block the normal drainage of mucus, leading to a buildup that causes pressure and pain.

Causes of Sinusitis

So, what causes this jam in our sinuses? There are several reasons:

1. Infections: The most common cause of sinusitis is an infection, which can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. A simple cold can lead to viral sinusitis. If the infection lingers or worsens, it might turn bacterial. Fungal infections are less common but can occur, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
2. Allergies: Allergens like pollen, dust mites, air pollution, pet dander, etc can trigger an allergic reaction, causing your sinus tissues to swell and block the nasal passages.
3. Nasal Polyps: These are non-cancerous growths in the nasal passage that can obstruct airflow and drainage, leading to sinusitis.
4. Deviated Septum: The septum is the wall between your nostrils. If it’s crooked or deviated, it can restrict sinus passages and cause inflammation.
5. Environmental Factors: Irritants such as smoke, pollution, and strong odours can irritate the sinuses and cause inflammation.
6. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and immune system disorders can increase the risk of developing sinusitis.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

How do you know if you’re dealing with sinusitis? The symptoms can vary, but here are the common ones to watch out for:

1. Nasal Congestion: A stuffy or blocked nose is one of the hallmark symptoms. You might feel like you’re constantly battling to breathe through your nose.
2. Facial Pain and Pressure: This can range from a dull ache to intense pain around your eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead. Bending over might make it worse.
3. Headache: The pressure and congestion can lead to a headache, often felt in the forehead or behind the eyes.
4. Postnasal Drip: This is when mucus drips down the back of your throat, causing a cough or sore throat.
5. Thick, discoloured Mucus: The mucus from your nose might be thick and yellow or green.
6. Reduced Sense of Smell and Taste: Sinus congestion can dull your senses of smell and taste.
7. Fatigue: Chronic sinusitis can make you feel unusually tired.
8. Fever: A fever might accompany sinusitis, particularly if it’s due to a bacterial infection.

Diagnosing Sinusitis

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor on DocGenie. Diagnosing sinusitis typically involves:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll also examine your nose and sinuses.
2. Imaging Tests: In some cases, a CT scan or MRI might be needed to get a detailed look at your sinuses.
3. Nasal Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into your nose to examine your sinuses more closely.
4. Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, allergy testing might be recommended.

Treatment Options for Sinusitis

Now, let’s talk about how to treat sinusitis. The treatment approach depends on the cause and severity of your condition.

1. Home Remedies and Self-Care

For mild sinusitis, especially viral sinusitis, home remedies could work. But incase of any doubt, we recommend consulting a doctor before you self medicate.:

• Rest: Give your body time to heal by getting plenty of rest.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin the mucus.
• Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help relieve congestion. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can be soothing.
• Warm Compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth to your face can alleviate pain and pressure.

2. Medications

For more persistent or severe sinusitis, medications might be necessary. But medications should be taken only on recommendations of a doctor. Please do not self medicate. 

• Decongestants: These can reduce nasal congestion. However, they should not be used for more than a few days, as overuse can worsen congestion.
• Nasal Corticosteroids: These sprays help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed. It’s important to complete the full course, even if you start feeling better.
• Antihistamines: If allergies are contributing to your sinusitis, antihistamines can help reduce allergic reactions.

3. Surgical Options

In some cases, surgery might be needed, especially for chronic sinusitis or when structural issues like nasal polyps or a deviated septum are present. Surgical options include:

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): This minimally invasive procedure uses an endoscope to remove blockages and improve drainage.
• Balloon Sinuplasty: A small balloon is inserted and inflated to widen the sinus openings and improve drainage.

Preventing Sinusitis

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some tips to help prevent sinusitis:

• Manage Allergies: Keep allergies under control maybe with medications recommended by your doctor and/ or by avoiding triggers.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin and flowing.
• Humidify Your Home: Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, especially during dry months.
• Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke and other pollutants that can irritate your sinuses.
• Practise Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of infections.
• Treat Colds Promptly: Address colds early to prevent them from progressing to sinusitis.

When to Seek Medical Help

While many cases of sinusitis can be managed at home, it’s important to know when to seek medical help. Consult  your doctor on DocGenie if:

• Your symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement.
• You have severe symptoms, such as intense facial pain, swelling, or a high fever.
• Your symptoms worsen after initial improvement.
• You have recurrent episodes of sinusitis.

Conclusion

Sinusitis can be a real nuisance, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you manage it effectively. Remember, your sinuses play an important role in your respiratory health, so taking good care of them is crucial.

If you’re ever in doubt or feel overwhelmed by your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor on DocGenie whom you can quickly consult from the comfort of your home. . And as always, take care of yourself and your loved ones. Here’s to clear, easy breathing and a healthy life!

If you have any concerns or queries about Sinus Infection .Consult a highly experienced general physician on DocGenie. All our GPs are available for online video sessions. With DocGenie you can get quality medical help from the comfort of your home, in a cost effective way.

About the Author

Dr. Rachna Kucheria is one of the best general physicians in Delhi NCR. She is a US-trained Physician (Family Practice) on the lines of the old-fashioned ‘Family Doctor’ we grew up with and hope to find again. Her emphasis on early, accurate diagnosis; appropriate (few) medicines; and clear patient communication, sets her apart as one of the most trusted physicians in Delhi. She is licensed to practice medicine both in India & California