Sinusitis is a very common problem. Unfortunately, not everyone who has it, knows what to do to deal with it. So, before you see yourself running to the nearest drugstore, be sure you know how to handle this condition. Before anything else, let’s know what is a sinusitis.

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a condition wherein there is an inflammation in the tissues that line the sinuses. More often than not, the swelling causes the sinuses to block off, trapping the mucus and air inside. As a result, there is pressure or pain, which often leads to bacterial infection. There are two main types of sinusitis – acute and chronic. While acute sinusitis lasts up to a month, chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, stays for years. Normally, chronic sinusitis is caused by problems in the nasal passages, which prevents the sinuses from functioning properly. Both types of sinusitis have similar symptoms, such as congestion, thick discolored mucus, and facial pain.

How It Is Treated

To treat sinusitis, the best thing you have to do is to identify the cause. For example, if it is caused by allergens, then you should know that decongestants won’t help. If the symptoms you are experiencing have been there for a couple of days, it is best to have a sinusitis testing treatment in Valdese, NC. With this exam, you will be able to determine what exactly is causing the problem.

Medications

After a sinusitis testing treatment in Valdese, NC, your doctor should know what to blame. If it is bacterial infection, he will most likely recommend some antibiotics. Even though these antibiotics will combat the bacteria, they don’t work well with viruses. For cases with lower amounts of mucus in the sinuses, nasal sprays and decongestant pills are often recommended. However, take note that if you use the nasal sprays for more than 3 consecutive days, they could make you feel more congested. To ensure no problems arise, follow the instructions provided. Occasionally, if your sinusitis keeps coming back, regardless if it’s acute or chronic, a surgery is the best solution. The surgeon should be able to enlarge the sinus passages and get rid of the blockages, making it easier for air to go through.

When to See a Specialist

When you feel there is something wrong with your body, such as nasal discharges, congestion, fever, and facial pressure that last up to 2 weeks and keep on coming back, it is about time to see your doctor. A fever is not a usual sign of acute or chronic sinusitis, but it can be. If not, there could be a much serious condition causing your sinusitis problem. But as they say, “Prevention is better than cure.” Thus, avoid things that may potentially irritate your sinuses. Quit smoking and wash your hands frequently. Most importantly, know your allergies to prevent repeated sinusitis problems. If you are suffering from sinusitis, then you might want to undergo sinusitis testing treatment in Valdese, NC. The specialists here should be able to help you find relief. Also, take things easier than the usual. Get enough rest and give your body an opportunity to recover.