Sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when the air-filled spaces in the skull called sinuses get inflamed or swollen. According to a survey by The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), an estimated 134 million Indians suffer from chronic sinusitis. These numbers are surprisingly double the number of people with diabetes in India.
The human body has four pairs of sinuses. In a healthy person, each sinus is lined by a membrane that produces mucus. This is a thin, watery fluid that flows freely from the sinuses into the upper part of your nose. However, when sinuses get inflamed by some viral, bacterial infection, allergens or irritants, the mucus gets thick and sticky and cannot flow into the nose. This results in fluid build up in the sinuses, causing pressure, pain and other symptoms.
Home care tips like application of warm compress on your face, use of saline nasal drops, maintaining adequate hydration of the body, steam inhalation and use of a humidifier can provide great relief from symptoms of sinusitis. In case of severe or prolonged symptoms, it is always advisable to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment usually involves use of antibiotics, antiallergics, decongestants and medications for pain relief.
