Sinuses are cavities filled with air located in the bones of the face and the skull. Sinusitis is an irritation and redness of sinus soft tissues. Do not let Sinus Problems in Louisville KY ruin your life; contact a professional today.
Types and causes of sinus issues
There are two types of sinusitis:
- Acute, short-term sinusitis, which can be due to a cold, allergy or environmental pollutants
- Chronic sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks
The causes can consist of:
- Anatomic causes – septal deviation or hypertrophy of the turbinates of your nose
- Environmental factors – exposure to tobacco, humidity, air pollution, work with children
- Infectious and inflammatory causes – these are linked to viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, allergies and polyps
- Impaired immune system – related to chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis
- Neoplasms of the sinuses – they can obstruct vital evacuation routes
Symptoms
Sinus congestion, runny nose, and facial pain pressure or headaches may indicate a cold. Nonetheless, if the patient has a runny nose that is discolored or yellow, it probably indicates sinus issues. Chronic sinusitis can affect a person’s life on several levels. If a person has asthma, it can make everything worse.
Risk factors
There are plenty of factors may increase the risk of sinus infection. Doctors advise against swimming in contaminated water, something that exposes the sinuses to bacteria and coming into contact with children exposes people to an increased number of colds and bacterial infections. Active or passive smoking thickens nasal tissues, which reduces the mucus flow and allows germs to grow.
Diagnostics
The doctor will ask patients about their medical history and any present symptoms. He or she will tap areas of the face to see if the person’s sinus orifices are sensitive. A scan can also be useful.
If Sinus Problems in Louisville KY are not resolved with the treatment prescribed by a family doctor, sufferers may be sent to an otolaryngologist (ENT). This specialist will explore the inside of the nose to determine the cause of the patient’s discomfort. An endoscope is a tiny instrument, equipped with light, contact us for more details.
