Dear Doctors: Can you please talk about sinusitis? I’ve been having headaches and postnasal drip for a few months, and I thought it was because of my allergies. But my brother, who is a nurse, thinks it could be sinusitis. What are the symptoms, and how is it treated?
Dear Reader: Sinusitis occurs when inflammation or infection cause swelling in the tissues that line the paranasal sinuses. Often referred to simply as sinuses, these are two pairs of air-filled cavities that are connected by narrow passageways.
The paranasal sinuses are located behind the lower part of the forehead, just behind and on either side of the bridge of the nose, and within the bony structures of the cheeks. They are lined with tiny, hairlike structures that are bathed in a thin layer of mucus. In a heathy sinus, these hairs and mucus work together to capture and clear away the dust, dirt and other debris that enters the nose.
That mucus continually drains via the nasal passages and into a structure known as the nasopharynx. That’s the name for the area where the far back of the nose meets the throat. At that point, gravity carries the mucus to the esophagus, where it gradually makes its way to the stomach.
But when illness, infection or other inflammation cause sinus tissues to become inflamed, the flow of mucus becomes blocked. It begins to collect within the sinuses and causes a range of symptoms. These include congestion, tenderness in the face, a feeling of pressure in the head, frontal headache, postnasal drip, tooth pain, a loss of the sense of smell, a thick or cloudy nasal discharge that may appear yellow or green and persistent fatigue. The congestion from sinusitis can also affect the middle ear and lead to muted hearing or the symptoms of tinnitus.
A number of conditions, including colds and allergies, can cause symptoms that are similar to a sinus infection. That makes it easy to mistake one for the other. An accurate diagnosis begins with an examination of the throat, nose and sinuses. This may include the use of an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a tiny camera. When infection is suspected, a mucus culture can pinpoint the cause.
If the culprit is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed. Prescription intranasal steroid sprays may also be used. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal decongestant sprays can reduce inflammation. Saline washes with warm, sterile water can clear mucus and debris. People with sinusitis are often asked to drink plenty of fluids, which helps to thin the mucus.
Once the condition is under control, there are steps you can take to prevent future infections. This includes the practice of hand hygiene, staying up-to-date with immunizations, avoiding situations where you’re exposed to people with upper respiratory infections and steering clear of exposure to tobacco smoke. Regular nasal rinsing can also be helpful.
Since your own symptoms have persisted for several months, we think it wise to see your health care provider. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and, if needed, outline a treatment plan.
Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health.
Elizabeth Ko, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health.
Thanks to modern technologies, you and more people are reading the Watauga Democrat than ever before. Freedom of the press is essential to preserving democracy: But a free press isn't free. It takes significant resources for Mountain Times Publications' 10 full-time journalists to provide credible, fact-based and ethical journalism in the High Country. So, we are asking you to join our advertisers and print subscribers in supporting local journalism with your dollar. The Watauga Democrat does not have a paywall, but your financial support will help sustain these services that you use to inform your decisions and engage with your community. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
Your comment has been submitted.
There was a problem reporting this.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!
Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on.
A weekday morning newsletter with a list of local news, sports and community headlines.
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.
Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
A receipt was sent to your email.