• Published on: Nov 12, 2021
  • 4 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Sinus: Causes And Cure

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Sinus: causes and cure.

A sinus infection is an infection of the sinuses caused by a virus, bacteria, or rare fungi. Technically, sinusitis is an inflammation of the delicate membranes that line the sinuses, which may be caused by an allergy, a virus, bacteria, or rare fungi.

Sinusitis is a medical condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and filled with mucous, causing headache, nasal blockage, feverishness, and toothache. This can be due to allergies or an infection. Nosebleeds are a common symptom of a clogged or infected nose.

A nasal examination by a doctor can help determine if this is the problem causing your symptoms. And it's easy to cure-all you need is over-the-counter decongestants such as Sudafed or allergy medicines such as Claritin or Allegra to relieve allergies and antibiotics for infections.  Sinuses produce mucus in order to moisten and clean the air we breathe. The mucus is meant to remove any harmful bacteria in the air we inhale, and also functions as a temperature regulator for the inhaled air.

If you do nothing else, you should always use an over-the-counter decongestant that contains pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (for example, Sudafed). This drug helps reduce inflammation by drying up some of your fluid production. Be careful when using these drugs though—they're not meant for long-term use and can make it difficult for a doctor to accurately diagnose a medical condition if they don't work properly because they may mask symptoms of other conditions. Causes can include allergies, sinus infections, asthma, smoking.

A large number of people with chronic inflammation of the airways are allergic to something within their environment. Information about different types of allergies is available online. Along with type-specific treatments for the allergies themselves, many people find it helpful to avoid whatever they are allergic to in order to help alleviate chronic sinus problems.

The most common physical cause of chronic inflammation involving the nose and breathing passages is a viral infection called "rhinitis." Rhinitis can last up to two weeks or more after being exposed to an allergen that triggered it - the allergen produced interferes with your immune system's function but ultimately makes your immune system less. The primary causes of sinusitis and its complications are inflammation (infection, allergies) and polyps. Nasal intubation has been performed for short-term relief from chronic sinusitis, with success rates reported to be as high as 90%. In patients fitted with a device that blocks the Eustachian tube using a Teflon blockage or nasal balloon catheter, the chance of needing an operation was greatly reduced during a period of about three years. Inserting tubes through the nose have been used successfully in recalcitrant cases to identify and drain maxillary or ethmoid sinuses for temporary relief which is not usually permanent before surgery becomes necessary.

On the other hand, if you had a particularly bad year, it's not surprising that your immune system is more likely to lose its tolerance for bacteria. This might also change how your sinuses respond. Sometimes allergens or irritants can damage sinus tissue and keep the flow of mucus impeded which causes your nose to feel stuffy. The best way to fix this issue is for you to work on improving what you eat so that food allergies don't happen as frequently. Start by taking an allergen avoidant medicine like Allegra or Benadryl regularly when you're around known allergens - supplements often won't do it because they only temporarily mask symptoms with no impact on root causes.

Sinus is a common name for the cavities around the nose - there's one on each side of your nose, and they're filled with mucous. Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinus passages, causing pressure and pain in your head, often near one or both eyes. Treatments include antibiotics if bacterial infections are to blame; usually, these can be self-administered by way of nasal spray. If you have a significant amount of fluid draining from your sinuses, this can lead to a buildup behind your eye sockets which could result in vision problems. The only treatment here would be surgery. Obviously, it would be best to avoid any infection or inflammation which might make these treatments necessary!

Sinusitis is a pretty broad term that encompasses a large array of dysfunctional conditions. The root cause may be different for each person, but the common thread is pain brought on by sinus pressure and mucous build-up. Generalized triggers of sinuses from people with allergies, colds, or hay fever include cigarette smoke, fragrances, house dust mites, or pet dander. In addition to the triggers mentioned above, there are also certain substances such as pollen and different allergens that can considerably intensify an existing response to a trigger substance which is known as aggravation reactions.

There are many causes and cures of congestion and sinusitis, however, they all involve fighting the inflammation that causes pain. There are most often two specific causes of sinusitis: your nasal passages clog due to polyps, infections, or asthma - these occur in 20% of cases; and your Eustachian tube swells with fluid or mucous which blocks it - occurring in 60% of cases. In many cases, allergies or a sinus infection trigger congestion that leads to swollen turbinates and poor air quality.

In other words, one of the most common causes is seasonal allergies which block cells from producing enough mucous. And as the cells become less productive at releasing mucous, they too become congested and leading to inflammation of the sinuses. Allergies can also cause swelling of turbinates (the tissues inside your nose) and loss of smell, all of which make it hard for we to breathe out through our nasal passages. We recommend using a saline spray like Afrin Nasal Spray

There are many causes of sinus problems. The most common is when the nasal passages become blocked and this can happen when you have a cold or an allergy. Sinusitis, or bacterial or virus-caused sinus inflammation, is usually quickly treated with antibiotics like amoxicillin (if it's bacterial) and cleared up in less than two weeks.

The most common symptom of a cold is the production of nasal discharge which will also accumulate in your throat if you swallow it while coughing or talking. Colds may last anywhere from 7 to 14 days and usually go away without treatment (although certain medications such as decongestants and antihistamines can help.)

The nasal airways are lined with thin layers of glossy tissue called epithelia. In response to inhaled irritants coming from the nose and sinuses, the tissue produces white blood cells called macrophages and assorted histamine molecules. The histamine signals nerves in the area, causing mucosal swelling and inflammation and sending messages to other cells which fight infection.

The most common causes of sinus problems are respiratory allergies ( pollen, dust), food sensitivities (e.g., dairy, gluten), systemic levels of inflammation which can affect the lining of the nose and whose associated symptoms may include swelling around your eyes.

Most people have had sinus problems after being up too long following a late-night or staying in warm rooms with poor air quality- hence why sinus medications are often headache relievers as well.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for mucous production but some physicians recommend surgical procedures that remove excess bony bridges from the upper nasal passages to combat decaying tissue which creates large fluid pockets within them that can become infected by bacteria more easily than will other parts of your body.

The cure is to get proper treatment and take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Some potential reasons for chronic sinus problems could be allergies, congestion, and colds, which can all lead to sinus pain and pressure. If these issues are contributing to your problem, talk with your doctor about treatment options. There are a variety of treatments available from doctors who specialize in treating the nose and throat including nasal corticosteroids or decongestants as well as oral antibiotics if the bacterial infection is suspected. There are numerous causes of Sinusitis, the most common being Viral or Bacterial Upper Respiratory Infections or Allergies.

Read Blog
HIV vs. AIDS: Understanding the Symptoms, Treatment

HIV vs. AIDS: Understanding the Symptoms, Treatment, and Key Differences

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are terms often used interchangeably, but they are distinct stages of the same disease process. While HIV refers to the virus that attacks the immune system, AIDS is the final, most severe stage of HIV infection. Understanding the symptoms of HIV and AIDS, along with the treatment options available, is crucial for early detection and effective management of the disease. This blog will explore the key differences between HIV and AIDS, how HIV becomes AIDS, and the symptoms and treatments for both.

What Is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are essential for fighting off infections. When the immune system becomes severely damaged, the body becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. The virus is primarily spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is important to note that HIV can be managed with proper medical care, but it remains a chronic condition.

What Is AIDS?

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, which occurs when the immune system is severely damaged by the virus. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, especially if the virus is diagnosed early and treated effectively with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS in about 10 to 15 years.

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

The primary difference between HIV and AIDS is their stage in the disease process. HIV is the initial infection, while AIDS represents the advanced stage. In medical terms, HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, whereas AIDS is a syndrome—a collection of symptoms and infections that arise when the immune system is significantly weakened.

How Does HIV Become AIDS?

HIV progresses to AIDS when the immune system becomes severely damaged, and the CD4 count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimetre of blood. This makes the body vulnerable to infections and diseases that a healthy immune system would normally fight off. The progression of HIV to AIDS can take several years, and early diagnosis and treatment with ART can delay or even prevent the onset of AIDS.

Early Signs of HIV Infection vs. AIDS

It is crucial to understand the early signs of HIV infection and how they differ from the symptoms of AIDS. While both conditions affect the immune system, their symptoms vary based on the stage of the disease.

Early Signs of HIV Infection

The early signs of HIV infection typically appear within 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus. These symptoms are often referred to as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection. Symptoms may include:

  • Fever

  • Sore throat

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Rash

  • Muscle aches

  • Diarrhea

  • Headache

These symptoms are similar to those of the flu or a common cold, which is why many people might not initially recognize that they have HIV.

Symptoms of AIDS

As the immune system weakens and HIV progresses to AIDS, individuals may experience more severe symptoms. These include:

  • Rapid weight loss

  • Recurring fever or profuse night sweats

  • Extreme and unexplained tiredness

  • Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands

  • Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week

  • Pneumonia

  • Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids

  • Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders

Symptoms of AIDS in Men vs. Women

While the overall symptoms of AIDS are similar in both men and women, there can be some differences.

  • Symptoms of AIDS in Men: Men with AIDS may experience severe weight loss, opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, and increased susceptibility to HIV-associated cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma.

  • Symptoms of AIDS in Women: Women with AIDS may experience vaginal infections, cervical cancer, and higher rates of severe herpes outbreaks. Additionally, women might experience a more rapid progression from HIV to AIDS compared to men.

Stages of HIV Leading to AIDS

HIV progresses through three stages before potentially reaching AIDS:

  1. Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection
    This stage typically occurs 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus and is characterized by acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) symptoms, as mentioned earlier. The viral load is very high during this stage, making the person highly contagious.

  2. Stage 2: Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV)
    During this stage, the virus remains active but reproduces at very low levels. People may not experience any symptoms, and this stage can last for several years if the person is on ART. However, without treatment, the virus continues to damage the immune system.

  3. Stage 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
    This is the final stage, where the immune system is severely damaged, and the body becomes vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers.

HIV/AIDS Treatments

While there is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS, the disease can be managed effectively with treatment. The most common treatment for HIV is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART involves a combination of HIV medicines taken daily to prevent the virus from replicating, allowing the immune system to recover and function properly.

HIV/AIDS Treatments Include:

  • Antiretroviral Medications: These medications work by reducing the viral load in the body, which helps in managing HIV and preventing its progression to AIDS.

  • Prevention of Opportunistic Infections: For people with AIDS, treatments may also include medications to prevent infections that a weakened immune system is more susceptible to, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.

  • Supportive Care: This may involve treatments for pain, nausea, diarrhoea, or any other symptoms caused by opportunistic infections.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between HIV and AIDS is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. While HIV is the virus that causes the infection, AIDS is the final, most severe stage of the disease. By recognizing the early signs of HIV and seeking treatment, individuals can prevent the progression to AIDS and manage the condition effectively with modern treatments. Regular testing, early diagnosis, and adherence to ART can greatly improve the quality of life for people living with HIV, ensuring they can live long, healthy lives.

For more information on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, or if you’re seeking guidance, reach out to Secondmedic Consultants. We’re here to help you take control of your health journey.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic