Take care of your sinuses
If you have a headache and the facial area feels stuffy, puffy or sore, chances are you are suffering from sinusitis. An increasing number of people are suffering from sinusitis due to various reasons including growing environmental pollution. This is why it is important to learn about your sinuses and take proper care.
Dr Ralph Metson, a sinus specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston and a Harvard researcher, conducted a study of the effects of chronic sinusitis on daily functioning to determine how miserable it can be.
Comparing its impacts with that of other chronic illnesses -- including heart failure, back pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Dr Metson and his team of Harvard researchers found its sufferers reporting the highest levels of pain and the lowest levels of social functioning. They suffered from significant problems with work, energy, and mental health, the study revealed, according to an article by the Harvard Health Publishing.
The sinuses are four cavities or spaces in the head. They are located behind the forehead, nasal bones and cheeks. Sinusitis develops when one or more sinuses get blocked leading to infection and inflammation.
Sinus blockage usually happens due to swelling of the nasal passages produced by the common cold or allergies. More serious sinusitis can result from structural problems, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Loss of smell or taste, cough, bad breath, fever, toothache, and fullness in the ears are also symptoms of sinusitis.
Sinusitis is classified as "acute", "subacute" or "chronic" based on how long it lasts. Treatment begins with simple remedies, such as nasal irrigation and, if necessary, progresses to more advanced strategies, such as prescription drug therapy or surgery.
There are many things you can do to reduce your chance of developing sinusitis or to relieve early sinusitis symptoms. One of the most important things is to promote drainage and to keep nasal passages clear.
Some of the preventive measures advised by experts are: bathing your nasal passages daily, drinking lots of water, inhaling steam, avoiding dry environment, sleeping with your head elevated, blowing your nose gently, and avoiding antihistamines unless prescribed.
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