WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Sinusitis (SINE-uh-SI-tis) is swelling and irritation in
the sinuses (the air spaces behind and above the nose),
especially the sinuses located behind the forehead and
cheekbones. Treatment should relieve the problem within a few
days.
Causes
The problem usually starts during
or just after a cold, when bacteria grow in your sinuses,
causing an infection. It may also be caused by smoking,
allergies (hay fever), swimming in dirty water, staying outside
in cold damp weather, or spending a lot of time in dry indoor
heat.
Signs/Symptoms
Typically, you'll have pain,
pressure, or swelling around the forehead, cheeks, or eyes that
sometimes gets worse when you bend over. You may have a
headache, fever, chills, or other cold symptoms, a dry cough or
tooth pain. The discharge from your nose may be thick and
yellow or green in color.
Care
If an infection is the cause,
your doctor is likely to prescribe an antibiotic. Without
treatment, the infection will continue, and could cause
long-term problems. Decongestants and pain-killers may also be
advised.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to add
moisture to the air. This will help thin the nasal
discharge, allowing it to drain more
easily.
-
To help ease the pain, put heat on your face and nose
with a warm wash cloth or an electric heating pad (set on
low).
-
Blow your nose gently. In very young children, use a
bulb syringe to empty the nose. Place your thumb on top of
the bulb and squeeze it down. Insert the tip of the syringe
into the nose while you hold the bulb with your thumb.
Slowly take your thumb off the bulb. Repeat this 2 or 3
times in each nostril. Do not hold the child's nose closed
over the syringe.
-
You may need decongestant medicine to unplug your
nose and ease the pain. Over-the-counter pain-killers, such
as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, will also help. Always take
these medicines exactly as directed.
-
If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, finish all
the medication even if you feel better. If you stop
treatment too soon, some bacteria may survive and cause a
second infection.
-
If you do not have to limit the amount of liquids you
drink, drink 8 to 10 (soda-can sized) glasses of water each
day.
-
To prevent future attacks, wash your hands after
touching a person who has a cold. Don't smoke or swim in
dirty water.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
Your nose bleeds.
-
You have a really bad headache that is not eased by
over-the-counter medication.
-
You have swelling over the forehead, eyes, side of
the nose, or cheek.
-
Your vision becomes blurred.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have trouble breathing and develop a rash,
itching, or swelling after taking your
medicine.
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