Sinusitis

Definition:

Sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which may be due to infection, allergy, or autoimmune issues.

Classification:

By duration

Acute (going on less than four weeks)
Subacute (4–8 weeks)
Chronic (going on for 8 weeks or more)

By location:
* Maxillary – can cause pain or pressure in the maxillary (cheek) area (e.g., toothache, headache)
* Frontal – can cause pain or pressure in the frontal sinus cavity (located above eyes), headache
* Ethmoid – can cause pain or pressure pain between/behind the eyes and headaches
* Sphenoid – can cause pain or pressure behind the eyes, but often refers to the vertex, or top of the head

Causes:

The common causes of this condition include:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungus
• Excessive nose blowing
• Foreign objects in nostril (especially in children)
• Scuba diving
• Side effects of certain drugs
• Tooth caries
• Allergies

Symptoms:

The common symptoms of sinusitis include:

*Nasal congestion and discharge that may be yellowish or greenish
*Cough with production of mucus
*Discharge from the back of the nose into the throat
*Bad breath
*Reduced sense of smell/ taste
*Headache
*Toothache
*Pain in the region of the affected sinus (see the illustration on Sinuses)
*Fever
*Tiredness
*Weakness

Diagnosis:

* Physical examination: A doctor can look into the nose with a lighted viewer to see the turbinates, which may be swollen. She may press or tap on the face over the sinuses to check for pain.
* Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scanner uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the sinuses. CT scanning can help diagnose chronic sinusitis.
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic waves create highly detailed images of the sinuses. CT and MRI scans may be used together.
* Endoscopy (rhinoscopy): Using a flexible tube with a camera on its end, a doctor can examine the inside of the nose and sinuses.
* Sinus cultures: A mucus sample can be taken from inside the sinuses. This is done with a needle or during endoscopy.
* Skin Test for Allergies: Skin testing for various allergens can help determine if allergies are contributing to sinusitis.
* Sinus X-ray: A plain X-ray may show problems with the bones around the

Suggestion about homeopathic treatment:

What needs to be treated in sinusitis is not only the acute infection or inflammation, but also the inherent tendency to have sinusitis repeatedly. Individual tendency to frequent upper respiratory infections or sinusitis can best be treated with homeopathic approach of individualistic treatment. Recurring sinusitis finds wonderful treatment with homeopathy. Homeopathy treats acute infections as well as the tendency to have infections or allergy. It is almost always possible to avoid antibiotics and sinus surgery if one adopts the homeopathic alternative.Homeopathy is strongly indicated for sinusitis.