Sinus Relief Is In Your Hands

You've had a cold for about a week when you begin to feel pain and pressure around your nose, above your teeth, and along your forehead. What started as a common cold may have become a sinus infection, or sinusitis.

What Causes Sinus infections?
"Sinuses are air pockets within the bones behind the cheeks, eyebrows, and upper jaw," explains Clifford Chu, M.D., a board certified otolaryngologist with Ocean Medical Center. "They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. When you have a cold, the linings of the sinuses become inflamed, trapping the mucus and making the sinuses an ideal spot for bacteria to grow." This growth of bacteria is the most common cause of sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis include the following:

• Pain or pressure in and around the forehead, cheeks, and nose
• Congestion
• Headache
• Coughing
• Fever
• A toothache
• Nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip

Who is at risk?
Some people are more likely to get sinusitis than others. "Your risk is greater if you have a weakened immune system, allergies that affect the nose, or asthma," says Dr. Chu. "Tobacco use also can increase risk."

Sometimes your nose is at fault. Having small nasal passages or soft growths called polyps makes it easy for mucus to become blocked. People who have these problems often suffer from chronic sinusitis.

When To Call The Doctor
Because colds and sinusitis have similar symptoms, it's easy to confuse the two. A cold, however, usually goes away within about seven to 14 days. Sinusitis often lasts longer.

If you think a cold actually may be sinusitis, call your doctor. Treatment can include antibiotics and, for chronic cases, surgery.

There are also things you can do at home to treat sinusitis. "Overthe- counter nasal decongestants can be helpful, but they should not be used for more than three days," says Dr. Chu. "If used longer, they can make symptoms worse." He adds that saltwater rinses also can be helpful (see sidebar). When the air is dry in the winter, a humidifier may help.

About The Doctor

Brandeisky, Thomas E., D.O. Board certified in Otolaryngology Bricktown, NJ  08724 (732) 458-8575

Chu, Clifford T., M.D. Board certified in Otolaryngology Bricktown, NJ  08724 (732) 458-8575