What Causes Sinus Problems and What Can Be Done About It?
Knowing what causes sinus problems can help you to treat them effectively.
What Causes Sinus Problems and What Can Be Done About It?
Sinus problems are highly common and are characterized by inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. During a sinus infection, sinuses that are normally filled with air are blocked with fluids that contain germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi). It causes pressure in nasal cavity and results in facial pain, loss of smell, nasal discharge, and cough.
Common causes of sinus problems
A cold or the flu
In most circumstances, sinus problem develops with an infection in the respiratory tract. A common cold or the flu can inflame and thicken sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. It leads to a condition that accelerates the growth of bacteria in the respiratory tract. Sinus infection can be viral, fungal, or bacterial in nature.
Dental infection
Dental infection of the teeth and gums can result in sinus infection. A sinus infection can spread to the maxillary sinus from an impacted wisdom tooth, crown fracture, cavities, or incomplete dental work.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are benign tissue growth that causes the nasal passages or sinuses to become blocked. It prevents mucus from flowing easily and leads to sinus infection.
Allergic Reactions
An allergy can cause swelling of the tissues on the inside lining of the nose and block nasal passages. Allergens and pollutants in the air such as dust mites, strong perfume smell, pollen, pet dander, or mold can cause irritation in your nose and increase your risk of sinusitis. Hay fever and persistent rhinitis can aggravate the symptoms of sinus infection. If you are prone to allergies, you become more susceptible to sinus infection.
Other causes of sinus problems
- Facial injury or surgery ? A broken or a fractured facial bone may cause blockage of nasal passages.
- Medical conditions - Medical problems such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, or rare tumors of the nose may cause sinus inflammation.
- Smoking - Cigarette smoke can trigger the symptoms of sinus and causes irritation and inflammation of sinus tissues.
- Deviated septum - A shift in the nasal cavity can lead to sinus problems.
How can you cure sinus problems?
The chief goal of sinus treatment is to eliminate bacteria and curb their further growth in the respiratory tract. It helps to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of further complications. Here are some of the popular treatments that you can try right in your home for treating sinus problems:
- Vapor therapy is a very simple and effective sinus treatment. It opens up your nasal passages, promotes effective evacuation of mucus, and depletes your sinuses.
- Drinking a lot of fluids can help your sinuses to function properly. It is important to keep yourself hydrated, so be sure to drink lots of warm fluids such as soups, broth, or clear liquids to ease your symptoms. Drinking ample amounts of water is highly recommended by the experts during a sinus infection.
- If you are sensitive to any allergens, it is best to avoid them during your infection. Undue exposure to your allergens may worsen your symptoms.
- For a quick relief, add some drops of eucalyptus oil on your handkerchief and inhale its perfume regularly.
- Include pungent foods such as onion and garlic in your daily diet. Their antibacterial and antifungal properties play a significant role in treating sinus infection.
- Use Neti pot to flush out the nasal cavities including harmful bacteria and other impurities. It is an effective and safe treatment to relieve congestion and alleviate infection.
- Saline nasal treatments such as NeilMed Sinus Rinse Nasal Wash or NeilMed Sinugator Cordless Pulsating Nasal Wash may help to soothe, moisturize, and clean your nasal passages. It can help to treat your symptoms effectively and quickly.