Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses that can be caused by things like a cold, allergies, poor air quality, or other irritants. If left untreated, it can lead to significant pain and discomfort. But if you don’t have the proper care and knowledge to manage this condition, you risk making mistakes in treating your sinusitis. In this article, we’re going to show you 4 common mistakes people make when trying to treat their sinusitis, according to an experienced pharmacist!
How does sinusitis develop?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are the hollow cavities located around the nasal passages. It can be caused by various factors:
Allergic reactions:
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is one of the most common causes of sinusitis. This condition occurs when your body produces an immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody in response to certain allergens. These allergens can be dust mites, pet dander, pollen or mold spores. These antigens cause inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes which protect the nose and sinuses from irritants and pathogens. This tissue swelling can make it difficult for mucus to drain properly, leading to sinus blockage and infection.
Viral infections:
Viral infections are another common cause of sinusitis. The common cold is a viral infection that often leads to inflammation of the walls of the nose and sinuses due to increased production of fluid by the cells lining them. Viral respiratory diseases, such as the flu, can also lead to acute sinusitis if they affect these mucous membranes with symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. As these same symptoms produce excessive buildup of mucus which in turn becomes an ideal environment for bacteria to grow which further irritates and clogs these spaces and leads to infection.
Bacterial infections:
Bacterial infections are another common cause of sinus infections. The bacteria that cause acute sinusitis usually enter the maxillary sinuses located inside each cheekbone, below the eyes. Either through a small opening located between two adjacent bones of the face, called the ethmoidal socket, or through the nostrils.
Infections spread quickly in these areas. Causing inflammation and pain, as well as increasing difficulty in breathing through the nose due to obstruction caused by swollen tissues and thick secretions produced by the infected areas. Which further exacerbates the problem if left untreated for long enough periods. The result is a chronic disease if one does not consult a doctor immediately at the onset of the first symptoms.
Structural problems in the nose:
Structural problems inside the nose, such as a twisted or deviated septum, can also contribute to the formation of blockages inside these spaces, which can lead to chronic sinusitis. This is why it is important to consult a medical professional in time in order to diagnose any potential underlying problem related to this condition before it worsens over time.
Here are 4 mistakes that only make your sinusitis worse instead of relieving it.
Error 1: You are not addressing the potential cause.
The first mistake not to make with sinusitis is to treat only the symptom, not the underlying cause. Often people take over-the-counter medications to relieve congestion and pain without seeking further treatment or advice from a medical professional. This can be problematic, as it only masks the symptoms without addressing their root cause. It is important to seek treatment to ensure that you do not suffer from recurrent episodes of sinusitis or more serious complications from an unresolved infection.
2ᵉ error: you choose self-medication as the main solution.
Sinusitis is a complex health condition that requires an accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional before treatment can be prescribed. It is strongly advised to seek professional help and not attempt to self-medicate for sinusitis as this can worsen your symptoms and even lead to further complications in the future.
Mistake 3: You choose a nasal spray because you think you are allergic.
Although corticosteroid nasal sprays are often used for other conditions such as allergies, these drugs should not be used to treat sinusitis. Corticosteroids can adversely affect the protective mucous barrier of the nose and sinuses, which can lead to new tissue inflammation and worsening of existing symptoms.
Mistake 4: You opt for a nasal spray with essential oils for quick healing.
Many people believe that essential oils or other home remedies can help relieve their sinusitis symptoms. But these treatments are not recommended by pharmacists and medical professionals due to the lack of scientific evidence. In fact, some studies suggest that essential oils can make sinusitis worse by causing irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
