Sinusitis
Sinusitis refers to
an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the paranasal sinuses. If
often follows the common cold, influenza and other general infections.
Germs which are usually eliminated from body sometimes find their way
into these sinuses or chambers on either side of the nasal passage,
leading to sinus trouble.
The sinuses
consist of cavities or chambers contained in the bones situated in the
head and face region. The frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid
sinuses are the paranasal sinuses which communicate with the nose. The
frontal sinuses lie on the frontal bone directly above the eyes. The
maxillary sinuses are located one on each side of the nose under the
cheekbone. The ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses are situated behind the
nose or either side of it. These air sinuses lighten the weight of the
skull and give resonance to the voice.
Symptoms
The symptoms of
sinusitis are excessive or constant sneezing, a running nose, blockage
of one or both nostrils, headaches and pressure around the head, eyes
and face. Sinus headaches are usually felt in the forehead and in the
face just below the eyes. The patient may suffer from a low grade
fever, lack of appetite, loss of sense of appetite, and toothache. He
feels miserable because of difficulty in breathing. The voice is also
affected because of the blocked nose.
Causes
Sinusitis results
from the congestion of the sinus passages due to catarrh. It is caused
by over-secretion of mucus in the membranes lining the nose, throat and
head. This over-secretion is due to irritation caused by toxins in the
blood.
A faulty diet is
thus the real cause of sinus trouble. When a person consumes certain
types of foods or drinks regularly, these, in due course, have a
conditioning effect on the entire system.
As a result, some
persons become more sensitive to certain allergens, whose reaction
ultimately turns into sinusitis.
Treatment
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