There are millions of bacteria in our noses, but they usually stay in the passageways that lead to our sinuses. Sinusitis occurs when these passageways become blocked and the bacteria are unable to drain properly. The backed-up bacteria can cause inflammation and an immune response. The white blood cells that fight the infection cause more mucus, which thickens and often tints yellow or green. The resulting pressure, headache and sinus pain can make it difficult to breathe through the nose or mouth. Treatment begins with home remedies and, if necessary, progresses to medical treatment and surgery.비염한의원
A primary care provider can diagnose sinusitis based on symptoms and a physical exam. The provider will check the ears, nose and throat for swelling, drainage and blockage. The healthcare provider may also use a small, lighted instrument called an endoscope to view the nasal and sinus passages in more detail. They might take a sample of the backed-up mucus for testing to identify bacteria. The healthcare provider can also order a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the sinuses and nasal area.
If a person has a bacterial infection, the healthcare provider might prescribe an antibiotic. The most common one is amoxicillin, though a different one might be prescribed if the person is allergic to penicillin or if antibiotic resistance is high in the community. The provider might also prescribe a decongestant to relieve pain, pressure and runny nose. It is important to take the entire course of the antibiotic to avoid recurrent infections.
Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications can reduce swelling and relieve a runny nose, but they don’t cure sinusitis. For recurrent sinusitis, an allergy test might help identify the underlying allergen. A health care provider might also consider antifungal medicine for people with fungal infections in the sinuses.
Some people might benefit from allergy shots or other immunotherapy treatments to treat allergies that might be causing their sinusitis. Other options include over-the-counter mucus-thinning drugs like guaifenesin (Mucinex) and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.라경찬한의원
When symptoms don’t improve with medication, a surgeon can remove nasal polyps and enlarge narrowed sinus passages. This operation is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery. A doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached — an endoscope — and tiny tools to do the procedure.