Sinusitis is the most chronic disease in the United States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. It affects 34 million Americans, nearly one in seven, but many who have it don`t know it. Though not life-threatening in itself, sinusitis can reduce the pleasure and maybe the length of life.
– Chronic, untreated sinus infections can contribute to allergies as well as diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, whose incidence has increased by 50 percent in the past 10 years. Air pollution is responsible for at least 60,000 deaths from respiratory diseases each year, according to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency.
– Use this guide to identify, prevent, treat and cure sinustis.
The sinus cavities
There are four sets of air-filled cavities behind and around the nose and eyes.
1. Maxillary: Largest, pyramid shaped sinus, inside each cheekbone; present at birth.
2. Ethmoid: Several compartments behind maxillaries and between eye sockets;
present at birth (not shown).
3. Sphenoid: Located deep in skull behind nose, slightly below ethmoids;
present at birth.
4. Frontal: Located above the eyes, just above the nose and behind the forehead; develop at age 8.
Structure
– For mucus discharge and air exchange, each sinus is connected to the nasal passage by a thin duct about the size of pencil lead. Duct openings called
”ostia” (not shown) are at the top of the sinus, making drainage difficult and blockage easy.
– A continuous mucous membrane lines the sinuses, ducts and nasal passages. Cilia (not shown, microscopic hairline filliments, move in sweeping motion to remove mucus and ward off infection.
Quick tip
Inexpensive, over-the-counter nasal saline sprays can ward off sinus trouble by flushing pollutants and irritants of the nose and sinuses.
Sinustis: Causes and treatments
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute sinusitics or sinus infection can include:
– A ”cold” that won`t go away
– Congestion
– Headache or facial pain
– Irritability and fatigue
– Mucus that may be yellow-green, thick
– In children, there may be fever
What makes sinuses sick?
– Common cold
– Cigarette smoke
– Pollution
– Dry or moist air
– Cold air
– Allergies
– Occupational hazards
Treating sinus infections
– Getting relief: Antibiotics kill invading bacteria, decongestants open ostia and ducts and relieve congestion and pain, expectorants thin mucus and provide same relief as decongestants, cough suppressants, control night coughing and enhance sleep.
– Providing moisture: Moisture and irrigation thin mucus and relieve pain and congestion. Use a humidifier, vaporizer, hot shower, bath or warm towels over the face (test temperature to avoid burns).
– Relieving pain:
Ibuprofen relieves pain, reduces inflammation and can reduce fever, aspirin and nonaspirin with acetaminophen are best if fever is a prime problem, but they won`t fight inflammation.
Homemade mixture
To irrigate sinuses, mix one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of salt, a tiny pinch of baking soda and one cup of lukewarm tap water. Pour into palm of hand and sniff, one nostril at a time, and let water run out of mouth. A rubber ear syringe or nasal irrigator can also be used; gently insert only the tip into the nose.
Chicago Tribune/Rick Tuma, Steve Little and Debbie Baurac
Sources: Dr. Barry Wenig, director of head and neck surgery at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and University of Illinois Hospital;
`Sinus Survival,` by Dr. Robert S. Ivker.
