If you have suffered from pains in forehead, over the cheekbone, behind the eyes and on upper teeth you might know what sinusitis is. It is painful and could make your life miserable. Sinuses are different air cavities present in cheekbones, behind and around the eyes and eyebrow area. These cavities are connected with nasal air passages through holes. Walls of these cavities are filled with mucus. Normally regular mucus drainage happens through the nasal passage connected with the hole. For any reason, if the opening to the nasal passage gets blocked bacteria and virus present in the region create inflammation. This situation is known as sinusitis. Now, there could be various reasons behind such infections. You will find 13 different reasons you might not have known before.
1. Viral infection
Virus is a common factor behind sinusitis. It causes swollen nasal tissue and blocks the passage within the nose, which helps natural drainage from sinuses. Antibiotic drugs are ineffective against viruses. Taking an anti-flu injection and maintaining basic cleanness are the most effective way to treat virus infection in sinus. Also avoid proximity with already infected people as transmitting ability of these viruses are pretty high. Besides, medicines can be used to clear the nasal congestion.
2. Dust and pollen
If you are allergic to specific objects like, dust, pollen, insects or any others please avoid them. Allergies can potentially set off sinusitis. At first, the nasal hole swells following allergy and blocks the passage between sinus and nasal airway. This stops normal drainage of sinus and increases risk of infection in the area. Following such problem, either you can use common antihistamine drugs available over the counter or you could visit the doctor. But most effective treatment would be to avoid objects you are allergic to.
3. Bacterial infection
They are the most infamous for creating complexities on the top of sinusitis. Pneumonia and influenza bacteria are generally found ineffective on healthy body. But following infection, they start working and cause secondary infection. So, if you find someone suffering from fever for prolonged period and sinusitis simultaneously, do not overlook. Things might get very complicated if not treated with urgency. Common medicines for such infections are of course antibiotics.
4. Polyp in the nasal passage
This is another serious problem. These polyps are basically tiny growth of nasal tissues which are apparently not harmful. However, these polyps can potentially create blockage in sinus and restrict mucus drainage. This could lead to infection in the region. This is the most common reason behind chronic problem of sinusitis. Effective cure would be a surgical removal of the polyps. For immediate relief, you can rely of steroids for clearing the passage.
5. Air pollutants and allergens
Various air pollutants and strong odors can create irritation within the nose and swelling of nasal passage. This can lead to infection in the area. Other than common decongestants for immediate relief, the effective treatment would be usage of mask. You can also avoid usage of perfumes that trigger irritation in you.
6. Chlorine in the water
People with chronic sinus problem should avoid diving and swimming in pools with chlorinated water. Chlorine could cause irritation in nasal passage and result in infection. Diving on the other hand pushes water into your nasal passage. For those with sinus problem this can be problematic. Water within the nasal passage blocks the sinus cavity and creates inflammation there.
7. Problems in air travel
People with sinus problem often find air travel quite problematic to their sinus, which gets aggravated during such journeys. It would be unfair to ask you not to travel by flights, but can be avoided, till necessary. Common treatment for such problem is to use decongestant medicine before boarding the flight. Majority of the problems happen during take off and landing of the plane.
8. Fungal attack
These are not very common causes. However, they are tricky to tackle – if happen. Development of fungi generally happens among people with weak immune system. Basic treatments are scraping the infected area or surgery to remove the fungus. If not treated properly, fungi can potentially cause chronic problem.
9. Usage of nasal drops and sprays
Medicines like nasal decongestants can also cause problem, if uses regularly. They are known to shrink the blood vessels. Besides, overuse result in dependency on the drugs and they become ineffective to their purpose. So make sure to avoid prolonged use of such drugs. Try to maintain a gap after continuous use of 4 to 5 days.
10. Cigar and cigarette
With all other ill effects, smoking can cause trouble for sinus. Smoke from cigarettes can cause irritation and resultant inflammation. This is true for both active and passive smokers. You of course understand that the treatment would be to avoid the evil.
11. Dryness in the air
Dry air often creates problem for those with sinus problem. Moisture within the nasal area goes down. As a result, mucus thickens and blocks the passage in the nasal region. Only cure to such problem is drinking loads of water. Room humidifiers can also be used. Besides, irrigating nasal area also helps.
12. Anatomical problem
Abnormal nasal structure often results in sinus problem. Common among such abnormalities are cleft palate, narrow passage or tumor in the nasal passage. Surgeries are common and most effective relief against such problems.
13. Weak immunity due to medical problems
Any medical condition that can weaken your immunity, can result in infection of sinus area. This results in thick mucus and blocks the nasal passage. Cystic fibrosis or HIV can potentially create such a problem.
