Ever experienced that feeling of pressure behind your nose while you’ve had a cold? Chances are you’ve experienced sinusitis, a condition where our sinuses become inflamed or infected.
Sinusitis is typically caused by a common cold, untreated allergies, structural issues within the nose, smoking, polyps or using too much decongestant nasal spray.
Sinusitis can be either long-term (chronic) or short-term (acute), and can come from a range of causes.
Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, often as a secondary complication from a viral respiratory infection like a cold, or untreated allergic reaction (for example, hay fever or allergic rhinitis). It can last for up to three weeks.
Chronic sinusitis is typically an inflammatory disorder and can last for months or even years. It can be caused by allergies, structural problems with the nose or a deficiency in the immune system. It can be very uncomfortable and distressing for the person experiencing it and can limit quality of life
Our sinuses, air-filled spaces inside the bones of the face, are linked together and connect to our noses via narrow channels called ostia.
Our sinuses are designed to moisten and warm inhaled air on its way to our lungs. They also help prevent infection by filtering the air we breathe in, trapping dirt and pollutants in a layer of mucus. Our sinuses are also important to help us vocalise certain sounds when talking.
These are two separate – although linked – conditions, and have similar symptoms.
Although many symptoms are similar, sinusitis should not be mistaken for rhinitis. Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucus membrane of the nose, not the sinuses. This may be caused by allergies (allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever). Rhinitis can also be caused by increased sensitivity to irritants such as smoke, temperature changes or the overuse of decongestant nasal sprays.
If rhinitis is not controlled, it can lead to sinusitis.
You should go and see your GP if you think you are experiencing sinusitis. Often the condition will clear up on its own, but in some cases, antibiotics may be used if the infection warrants it. If you experience recurring sinusitis, your doctor may need to look at the underlying causes and how to treat them. In some cases, surgical interventions to remove polyps or correct structural issues may be required for treating chronic sinusitis.
If you’re looking to treat sinusitis at home to reduce its symptoms, you can try:
If you have sinus problems, it’s best to avoid environmental triggers including smoke, tobacco, and any allergic triggers. It’s also important to avoid picking up infections like the common cold wherever possible, by keeping away from people who have it and using good hygiene practices.
For people experiencing sinusitis as a result of nasal polyps, symptoms generally include:
Asthma is also present in up to 56 percent of people with nasal polyps. Cystic fibrosis is another linked condition, and children presenting with nasal polyps (which are typically found in adults) should be investigated. 86 percent of people with cystic fibrosis have nasal polyps.
Treating the combination of these conditions generally involves nasal steroid sprays and saline rinses. Steroid sprays can reduce the size of polyps and are safe to use long-term. Surgical options may also be considered, but are less likely to be effective long-term as polyps will generally return.
If you’re looking for advice on diagnosing or treating either condition, contact (07) 3348 7921 today. Our expert team are experienced with all facets of diagnosing and treating both conditions.
