Sinus Topics on this Page
Sinus
You may have sinus trouble for a number of reasons. Sinusitis occurs when the mucous membranes lining the facial sinuses become inflamed. This inflammation is often caused by a bacterial infection, although viruses, fungi, allergies and air pollution can also cause irritation.
A lot of people mistake a particularly bad cold for sinusitis. Many of the symptoms are the same, including headache or face pain, a nasty runny nose and nasal congestion. If you have allergies, asthma, physical abnormalities in the nose or sinuses, or a compromised immune system, you are at greater risk.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Postnasal drip
- Stuffiness
- Congestion
- Tenderness of the face (particularly under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose)
- Coughing
- Pain in the teeth
- Pressure headaches
- Fever
What to Do
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment to be avaluated by Dr. Damask. She will examine your nose, throat, & sinuses. She will order any necessary tests to determine the best treamtent plan for you. She will also determine if allergies may be a contributing factor to your recurrent sinus infections.
How to make your own nasal saline irrigation
Preparation of solution:
- Clean a 1-quart glass jar carefully, and then fill it with bottled water. You do not need to boil the water.
- Add 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of pickling or canning salt. DO NOT use table salt because it contains additives.
- Add 1 rounded teaspoon of baking soda (pure bicarbonate).
- Store at room temperature and shake or stir before each use.
- Mix a new batch weekly
Use of Solution:
- Pour some of the mixture into a clean bowl. Warming it to body temperature may help, but make sure it is NOT HOT.
- Fill the bulb syringe (to avoid contamination, DO NOT place bulb directly into jar).
- Stand over the sink or in the shower and squirt the mixture into each nostril several times.
- Rinse the nose two or three times daily.