What Is Sinus?
Sinusitis is the inflammation and/or infection of sinus cavities. There are 4 sinus areas: Cheeks(Maxillary), Frontal(above eyes), Ethmoid(between eyes), and Sphenoid(behind eyes). The infection is usually caused by a recent cold or allergy attack. This causes congestion of the nose and sinuses, obstructing the natural drainage areas. This, in turn, causes collection of mucous and bacteria in the sinuses causing an acute infection.

Sinusitis can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from a cold or allergy. It is, therefore, important to see your doctor if your symptoms continue to get worse or persist for more than 1 week. A good history and exam will help diagnosis of acute sinusitis and appropriate antibiotic therapy can be initiated.

How Do I Treat My Sinus Infection?
During an acute sinus infection antibiotics are usually needed. Many times your ENT specialist will also prescribe an antihistamine, decongestant, and/or a nasal spray. Some of these medications may be used on a long term basis to control your symptoms. Good hydration is also important(1-2 liters of water per day ). You may start feeling better in 2-3 days but it is very important to continue taking your medication until completed as prescribed by your doctor.

What Causes Allergies?
Allergy symptoms are caused by pollens or foreign particles of plants, animals, molds, etc. come into contact with the nose lining or eyes. The bodies immune system then recognizes these as foreign and sets into motion a system to prevent these pollens from entering the body. Most people are not terribly affected by this response but there are over 35 million people who suffer an over-reaction. The reaction usually occurs after several exposures to certain allergens(substances that cause the allergy reaction.)

Some people have seasonal allergies while others have symptoms year round. Ragweed/Hayfever is the most common in the United States and is prevalent in Fall through frost. Tree allergies occur in spring, while grasses are prevalent in Summer. Allergies such molds, dust and pets are year round.

What Can I Do?
Most symptoms can be treated with medication. Antihistamines, decongestants, and topical nasal sprays usually help control allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes and throat. Scheduled allergy testing followed by injections is also helpful in desensitizing individuals to certain allergens.

A consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist is a good start to addressing your problem. They will get a complete history and exam of your ears, nose, throat and neck. This enables him to determine the best treatment for you.

Prevention Tips:

• Wear a pollen mask when mowing grass or house cleaning(most drug stores sell them)
  
• Change the filters monthly in heating and air conditioning systems, and or install an air purifier
  
• Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons
  
• Rid the home of indoor plants and other sources of mold/mildew
  
• Don’t allow dander producing animals(i.e. cats, dogs, etc.) in the home-or keep your bedroom as a safe haven
  
• Change feather pillows, woolen blankets, and woolen clothing to cotton or hypoallergenic materials
  
• Enclose mattress, box springs and pillows in hypoallergenic barrier cloth
  
• Observe general good health practices; exercise daily, avoid tobacco, and other air pollutants, eat a balanced diet, and supplement diet with vitamins, especially C
  
• Alert your physician to any persistent or new symptoms

Cold, Allergy, or Sinusitis?
Because the symptoms of sinusitis sometimes mimic those of colds and allergies, you may not realize you need to see a doctor. This chart will help you tell the difference and allow you to identify sinusitis symptoms more easily.

SIGN/SYMPTOM SINUSITIS ALLERGY COLD Facial Pressure/ Pain YES Occasionally Occasionally Duration of Illness >10-14 days Varies <7-10 days Nasal Discharge Thick, yellow-green Clean, thin, watery Thick, whitish, or thin Fever Occasionally NO Occasionally Headache YES Occasionally Occasionally Pain in Upper Teeth Occasionally NO NO Bad Breath Occasionally NO NO Coughing YES Occasionally YES Nasal Congestion YES Frequently YES Sneezing NO Frequently YES