To many people, sinus problems are a consolation of winter. There is nothing better than the blissful feeling of taking your first deep breath in weeks and knowing that your respiratory system is up to snuff. But those with chronic sinus problems know that this feeling comes with a high price. The trouble starts when one’s nose produces too much mucus and swells shut, trapping bacteria inside the head and forcing it deeper into the sinuses, where it can cause inflammation and infection. This article discusses sinus problems that can lead to breathing difficulty.
Chronic Sinus Problems
There are many reasons one develops a chronic sinus condition, such as genetic predisposition, health problems, allergies, and even colds. But the most common cause of a chronic sinus condition is an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are the first step to battling an allergic reaction; this medication is used to relieve the symptoms if they become too severe. This is usually done by taking one tablet daily. But if the condition does not improve or worsen, it is recommended to consult with a doctor.
Sinusitis
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, “sinusitis” is inflammation within one or more of the sinuses (the three chambers filled with respiratory mucus). It can affect any sinus, including the maxillary, ethmoid, frontal or sphenoid sinuses. Sinusitis occurs when antigens and other irritants infiltrate the sinustrus due to weakened defense mechanisms that allow for infection. The common symptoms of sinusitis include congestion, pain, pressure, and tenderness in the affected sinus. The most common bacteria involved are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
Allergic Rhinitis
Also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, this condition begins with a runny nose. The patient often experiences sneezing, even early in the day. But if the symptoms progress, they can include closed or inflamed eyes that sting when touched, redness and discomfort in the eyes, nose, and throat, and a hoarse voice. This condition is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a specific allergy to pollen and other airborne matter.
If you find yourself facing these symptoms and are looking for a permanent solution to your sinus problems, there is an FDA-approved non-invasive procedure that may be able to help. The radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure uses radiofrequency heat energy to eliminate the turbinates within the nose, thus improving patients’ breathing conditions.
Turbinates
The turbinates are structures in the nose that serve as a filter for air flowing into the body. When turbinates are tightly packed together, mucus does not pass through efficiently. This congestion can lead to swelling of the sinuses and the possibility of infection – a condition known as “sinusitis.” Turbinates are located in the nose on either side of the nasal passages. They are made up of cartilage and covered with a thin layer of skin. When they become swollen and inflamed, they interfere with breathing by trapping respiratory mucus.
Sinus Surgery
If your sinus problems do not improve with medication and home remedies, you may need surgery. The most common procedures are endoscopic sinus surgery, which uses a small camera attached to a tube called an endoscope inserted into the nose to help the surgeon see what is going on inside. This procedure can be performed in an office and takes about an hour. Another option is traditional open surgery, which involves making an incision in the patient’s face and using instruments to remove the problem areas.
Nasal Packing
If there is severe congestion in the nose and sinuses, a saline solution is injected into both nostrils using a thin plastic tube known as a “nasal packing.” This procedure helps drain the nasal cavities, allowing mucus to drain through the nasal passages and not get trapped in the sinuses. Over time, this will eliminate fluid drainage and decrease swelling in the nose.
Nasal packing is often used as a temporary measure to deal with fluid problems and congestion. A doctor or nurse performs the procedure, and different types of packing can be used. One type of packing is extremely thin and is made out of surgical gauze. Another type is made out of a silicone material, which helps to keep the nasal passage open longer.
Febrile Rhinitis
This condition is frequently confused with sinusitis, but it is a lower respiratory infection such as a cold. The main symptoms include sneezing and a runny nose that start suddenly. The symptoms usually last for several days but may last up to six weeks. This condition causes the patient to have a particularly high temperature.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a condition that makes people very sensitive to airborne substances such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. This condition can be severe enough to lead to a monthly flare-up of symptoms. If you have allergic rhinitis, it is important to talk with your doctor about medications or allergy elimination treatments that may help you with the problem. The symptoms of allergies can lead to shortness of breath and sinus problems. Airborne allergens can come up under the skin in allergic rhinitis, leading to skin rashes accompanied by severe pain or discomfort.
Nasal Polyps
Polyps are growths on the septum of the nose, which may be benign (noncancerous) or cancerous. They develop when abnormal cells become trapped under the nose due to a genetic condition called “Hereditary Nasal Polyposis.” The polyps, which are often small and soft, can get big enough to block the nasal passage when they grow into the airway. Although they do not cause pain, they may lead to breathing problems or infection. Some people with nasal polyps experience a foul or bloody discharge or a loss of sense of smell.
Rhinosinusitis
Rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the nose and sinuses caused by environmental factors such as pollution or pollen. It is the leading cause of chronic nasal inflammation. There are two types of rhinosinusitis: acute and chronic. Chronic rhinosinusitis is a nasal problem that interferes with quality of life for at least three months. Rhinosinusitis can also cause facial pain, numbness, and headache, leading to decreased ability to smell odors in certain parts of the nose.
Conclusion
Sinus problems are not uncommon, but they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. To alleviate the pain and discomfort that often accompanies sinus symptoms, you may need a visit to your doctor. They will be able to analyze the cause of your pain and diagnose the condition. After this analysis is complete, a treatment plan will be put into place to remove obstructions in your nasal passage. Treatment options include medication, allergy elimination treatments, and surgery. Surgery is likely only to be performed in the most severe cases. In some cases, patients can have a sinus procedure in the office within an hour with minimal discomfort or side effects.
