
Treatment of Sinusitis
Sinus infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi (molds) or other microorganisms. Symptoms occur when the tissue lining of the sinuses becomes swollen or inflamed. These air-filled spaces in the skull are located behind the forehead, nose bones, cheeks and eyes. Normally, sinuses drain their own mucus into the nose and mouth through narrow channels. Infection causes the sinus lining to swell, blocking the channels and causing mucus and pus to build up. If left untreated, infection can spread to the lungs or brain.후비루치료
Treatment of sinusitis starts with a medical or surgical evaluation by a health care provider. The provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. The exam may include feeling for tenderness in your nose and face or looking inside your nose. The provider might also insert a thin, flexible tube with a light on the end (endoscope) into your nose and up to your sinuses. Imaging tests, such as a CT or an MRI scan, might help the doctor find out what’s causing your sinus problems. A doctor might also get a sample of tissue from the nose or sinuses to test for infection, allergies or other health problems, such as immotile cilia syndrome.
If your provider thinks you have a bacterial sinus infection, they might prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections and decrease the length of time you have symptoms. However, overuse and misuse of antibiotics can cause unnecessary side effects and lead to antibiotic resistance. Your provider will try to use the least amount of medication needed for the shortest time possible to treat your sinus infection.
You can help your symptoms at home by rinsing the nose with saline (salt water). You should not blow the nose too hard or for too long. Forceful blowing can irritate the sinuses and propel bacteria-laden mucus back up into the nasal passages. You should also take medications, as directed by your provider, to reduce inflammation and help drain the sinuses. These can include over-the-counter or prescription nasal sprays, decongestants and oral antihistamines.
To prevent future sinus infections, you should avoid allergens that make you sick and wash your hands often. You should also drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and keep your mucus thin, so it can drain easily. If you have chronic sinus problems, talk to your provider about allergy shots or other forms of immunotherapy. You might also consider surgery to drain your sinuses. This surgery is done in an outpatient setting and doesn’t require a hospital stay. However, it is a major procedure and you should consider all the pros and cons with your provider. They might recommend a specialist, such as an ear, nose and throat surgeon, for this procedure.라경찬한의원