Lucknow:Sinusitis or Sinus is a very  common problem in winters .In  symptoms it closely resembles to those of Cold and Flu. Ignoring a simple infection may lead to acute Sinus infections hence it should be treated as soon as diagnosed to avoid further increase of bacterial infection.

WHAT IS SINUSITIS ??

Your sinuses are air spaces in your skull and facial bones that make up the upper part of your respiratory tract from your nose into your throat.The sinuses are in your forehead(frontal sinuses),inside your cheekbones(maxillary sinuses) and behind the nose (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses ).

In most of  the cases sinus starts with the inflammation from a virus such as the common cold . This inflammation can lead to bacterial colonization and cause a bacterial sinus infection.A sinus infection occurs when the cavities around your nose become swollen and inflamed.

Sinusitis is most often caused by a virus and often lasts long after the other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. Rarely, fungus or bacteria may cause a sinus infection. Allergies, nasal polyps, a tooth infection, and a deviated septum are other ways in which sinusitis may be triggered.

Some of the primary symptoms of Sinusitis includes :-

• Cough /congestion
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of smell
• Nasal stuffiness
• Facial pain /pressure

There are some additional symptoms that are observed in a person suffering with Sinus . Some of them are :-

• Fever
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Dental pain

How to know if you have a Sinus attack ??

Pain in the forehead or between the eyes? Upper teeth ache? Face feeling full, nose stuffy and congested? These are some of the initial Sinus Attack symptoms.If a person observes two or more of the above signs then its better to see a doctor immediately and get all the medical check ups done .

Treatments and Precautions :-

Nasal sprays and nasal decongestants can be used for relief of the symptoms of acute Sinusitis .These medications help shrink the inflamed tissues and allow secretions and air to pass through more easily. Do consult your doctor before using any drugs to treat your sinus .Usually doctors use combinations of oral medications and nasal anti-inflammatories for the treatment. In chronic cases surgery is also required to control and treat the problem.

It is better not to ignore and complicate the situations as it may lead to further infection around the eyes , into the ear and even around the brain(meningitis).

Here are some preventive measures which may help you avoid the Sinus problems to some extent :-

• Do not smoke .
• Avoid dry environment .
• Use a humidifier when needed.
• Drink plenty of fluid .
• Seek treatment for chronic allergies that can trigger Sinus inflammation.