Sinusitis and What You Need to Know

Sinusitis is a common condition that often recurs and causes significant discomfort for patients. Having some understanding of sinusitis can help alleviate the troubles caused by this condition.

The facial sinuses are connected to the nose through sinus openings. The mucous membranes of the sinuses are very sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, air pressure, and levels of O₂ and CO₂.

How Sinusitis Affects the Brain

When sinusitis spreads to the brain, it can lead to life-threatening brain infections.

Sinus infections that reach the brain can result in serious conditions such as encephalitis, meningitis, and brain abscess.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The disease occurs suddenly with worsening symptoms. Meningitis is rare when sinus infections spread to the brain but is very serious.

Encephalitis due to the spread of sinusitis to the brain can range from mild to severe, with most cases being mild. Mild encephalitis symptoms may resemble flu symptoms. The disease can become severe with symptoms such as changes in vision, difficulty speaking or hearing, loss of sensation, memory loss, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, and seizures.

Both encephalitis and meningitis require aggressive treatment to prevent brain damage due to swelling. Treatment options include antibiotics, antiviral medications, anti-seizure medications, and corticosteroids. In severe cases, doctors will provide appropriate treatment plans.

Brain abscess caused by sinusitis is a collection of infectious material from the sinuses that spreads to and forms in the brain, surrounded by tissue, creating a fluid-filled pouch.

Brain abscess is treated with medication and surgery. Once the infection is controlled and the patient is stabilized, recovery from the sinus infection depends on the brain functions lost due to the infection. Common rehabilitation methods include physical therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.

Causes of Sinusitis

Blocked sinus openings: Due to rhinitis or small openings, drainage may not occur promptly, causing inflammation and further narrowing of the openings.
Poorly functioning cilia in the nose.
Overactive mucous glands in the sinus mucosa.
Caused by allergic rhinitis, post-viral rhinitis (influenza, measles…), and superinfection, chronic rhinitis causing nasal polyps, use of Aspirin in cases of drug intolerance worsening existing nasal polyps.
Infections from the nose or from upper molars (teeth 5, 6, 7).
Injuries leading to damage to the sinus mucosa.
Certain systemic causes such as: Immune deficiency, weakened respiratory mucosa, autonomic nervous system disorders.

Sinusitis is a common condition that causes significant discomfort for patients.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

The anterior sinuses typically present symptoms related to the nose, while the posterior sinuses often show symptoms in the throat.

Acute pharyngitis will commonly present the following symptoms:

Clear nasal discharge, mucus, or pus. If the discharge is purulent, the patient may notice a foul smell in the nose, especially when the pus is due to maxillary sinusitis from dental issues.
Nasal congestion, which may temporarily lead to loss of smell.
Pain around the eye socket, facial heaviness, and pain in certain facial areas: cheek pain during maxillary sinusitis, inner corner of the eye during ethmoid sinusitis, and the area above the eyebrows during frontal sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis Cases

In the case of anterior sinus involvement, there may be little discomfort, no headaches, no nasal discharge, and sometimes fatigue; systemic symptoms may appear in the gastrointestinal tract, bronchial system, kidneys, or joints.
For posterior sinus involvement: patients may not have purulent discharge but may need to clear their throat due to post-nasal drip, experience eye pain, neck pain, and in some cases, blurred vision due to optic neuritis.

Treatment for Sinusitis

Treating sinusitis is not overly complicated, as long as patients adhere to prescribed medication, treatment duration, and the doctor’s advice. It is advisable to seek treatment at specialized clinics; self-medication can lead to drug resistance or adverse effects that can harm health.
For symptoms like nasal discharge, nasal congestion, headaches, or phlegm down the throat… antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants (such as Decolgen, Actifed… those with hypertension must be cautious when using these), and nasal sprays may be prescribed by the doctor.

What to Note for Sinusitis Prevention?

Wear masks when outdoors and during dusty work.
Before experiencing sinusitis symptoms, some may feel itchy in the nose or want to sneeze but cannot; some may clean their noses, which may relieve discomfort but can easily introduce bacteria and worsen the condition.
Early examination and treatment of nasal and throat symptoms to prevent chronic sinusitis.
Avoid swimming when experiencing a sinus flare-up.
Do not forcefully blow your nose when congested as this can push inflammatory substances into the Eustachian tube and ear.
Only blow your nose outward, avoiding the common practice of sniffing back in like children often do.
Sinusitis can be contagious; therefore, do not share personal items with those afflicted.
In addition to medication, some cases may require home nasal inhalation as advised by a doctor. Patients can easily purchase nasal inhalation devices at pharmacies.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Daily oral and throat care, such as brushing teeth before and after sleep. After each meal, gargle with saline solution. Keeping the throat and mouth free of inflammation will limit the risk of sinusitis and its recurrence, as the sinus system and upper respiratory tract are interconnected.
Avoid alcohol: Limit excessive alcohol consumption, as these stimulants can cause nasal mucosa swelling, leading to sinusitis.
Consume fruits and vegetables: To prevent sinusitis, experts recommend drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables. Water helps thin mucus, improving drainage, and preventing the accumulation of dust and bacteria. Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants and vitamins, strengthening the body’s immune system against infections.

Nasal Inhalation Techniques

Apply nasal drops like Rhinex or Nasoline, 3-4 drops in each nostril. Note: Do not use for more than 3 to 5 days, as prolonged use can lead to medication-induced rhinitis.
Fifteen minutes later, clear your nose.
Mix 200ml of hot water with 4-5 drops of Melyptol in a nasal inhalation device, then breathe in deeply with your nose and mouth for 10-15 minutes.
Limit nasal inhalation to 1-2 times a day.

Tips for Treating Sinusitis

Historically, before the advent of antibiotics, people used the following natural remedies to treat this condition.

Drink Warm Water

Drinking hot tea or chicken broth helps moisten the mucous membranes and expel mucus from the sinuses faster.

Place a Warm Towel on the Face

Use a small towel dipped in warm water and place it on your face, under your eyes for 5 minutes. This method helps increase blood circulation in the sinuses, speeding up the removal of mucus from the nose. Perform this three times a day.

Cleanse the Nose with Saline

It is advisable to make your own saline solution at home to avoid preservatives that may irritate the nose.

How to prepare: Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in half a liter of water. Use this solution to rinse or spray the nose to expel mucus, reduce nasal inflammation, and eliminate impurities and bacteria causing rhinitis.

Clearing Nasal Passages with Essential Oil Steam Inhalation

To help relieve nasal congestion and clear blocked sinuses, add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil to a bowl of hot water, then inhale the steam deeply.

Sleep with a High Pillow

Using a high pillow while sleeping can reduce uncomfortable symptoms caused by sinusitis, allowing mucus in the nasal cavities to drain more easily.

Air Purification

Dust in the room and small insects like mites and bugs can be harmful to the mucus in the nose, especially while sleeping. Using an air purifier or growing air-purifying plants can help eliminate a significant amount of allergenic dust from the surrounding environment.

What Should Sinusitis Patients Avoid Eating?

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are generally not good for health, especially for those suffering from sinusitis. They can irritate the stomach, leading to gastric acid reflux into the throat. This continuous process causes the acid to damage the throat lining. Simultaneously, mucus production is stimulated, resulting in further accumulation in the sinuses.

At this point, the nasal and throat lining may become swollen and severely inflamed. There is even a risk of infection, causing discomfort and danger to the patient. To promote healing from sinusitis, patients should avoid spicy foods rich in seasonings.

Dairy Products

Sinusitis patients consuming dairy or dairy products may worsen their condition.

Sinusitis is related to various immune factors in the body, and dairy contains high levels of protein. When patients consume dairy or dairy products, it can exacerbate sinusitis, as mucus in the nose increases in both quantity and viscosity, leading to more severe blockage of the sinuses.

Allergenic Foods

For individuals with sinusitis, it is important to be cautious with allergenic foods such as shrimp, crab, seafood, chicken, beef, and duck.

Those with sinusitis often become more sensitive to foods they could previously tolerate. Therefore, patients should monitor for any allergic reactions. The condition will worsen if there is an allergy, leading to swelling and inflammation of the nasal lining, accompanied by discomfort and pain. In some cases, this can lead to serious complications. If a history of food allergies is known, those foods should be strictly avoided.

Some allergic reactions may only surface after developing sinusitis. Thus, patients need to be careful with their diet concerning allergenic foods.

Refined Sugar

Sugar provides energy for important metabolic processes in the body; however, this is only true when consumed in moderation. Excessive intake of refined sugar can exacerbate sinusitis. Therefore, patients should limit these foods and instead opt for natural sweeteners (from fruits and vegetables) to meet their body’s sugar requirements.

Alcohol and Stimulants

Alcoholic beverages and stimulants include beer, wine, carbonated drinks, and coffee. These can irritate the throat, causing a burning sensation and nasal swelling, worsening the condition. These drinks stimulate the stomach, leading to acid reflux that damages the nasal lining. The sinuses are stimulated to produce more mucus, which becomes trapped in the cavities.

Additionally, these beverages can lead to dehydration, causing mucus in the sinuses to thicken and blockages to worsen, intensifying symptoms. Alcohol and beer can also lead to fatigue and reduced immunity, prolonging the healing process.

Cold Foods

Sinusitis patients should avoid cold foods as they can cause sudden temperature changes, irritating the throat and exacerbating sinusitis. Other cold foods, such as ice cream and cold desserts, can promote bacterial growth in the nasal cavity, increasing the risk of superinfection in the inflamed sinus lining.

Processed and Greasy Foods

Foods high in saturated fats, such as animal fat and skin, desserts, fast food, and certain dairy products can trigger inflammation and prolong recovery times.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce belongs to a group of foods that contain histamine. The sinuses are sensitive and can trigger allergic reactions upon contact with histamine. This substance is also abundant in canned fish, smoked meats, sausages, and wine.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a high acid content, which can increase histamine levels in the body and trigger allergic reactions. Allergies can activate sinus inflammation, prolonging symptoms and recovery time.