Sinusitis is caused by swelling or inflammation of the lining of the tissues of the sinuses. Sinuses in their healthy state are bloated with air. But when they get infected, they get filled with germs and infected fluids and cause an infection. Sinuses make mucus, which is a substance that keeps the nasal passage unblocked and free from all the various pollutants and allergens that are inhaled through the air.

Sinusitis is a common problem, and it might get initiated because of allergies or a cold. For people having a weak immune system, even a fungus can lead to sinusitis.

Below is some information about the types of sinusitis, symptoms, treatment options, and more.

What are the conditions that cause sinusitis?

The conditions that cause sinus are:

• A common cold
• Inflammation of the nose lining, also known as allergic rhinitis
• Nasal polyps or tiny growths in the nasal lining

What are the types of sinus infections (sinusitis)?

• Acute sinusitis – An acute sinusitis starts with symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny and stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start abruptly and last for anywhere between two to four weeks.
• Sub-acute sinus inflammation – A sub-acute sinus inflammation often lasts for four to twelve weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis – A chronic sinusitis usually lasts 12 weeks or more and is accompanied by symptoms like a feeling of congestion and/or fullness in the face, nasal blockage, pus in the nasal cavity, runny nose or a discolored post-nasal drainage, fever, etc.
• Recurrent sinusitis – A recurrent sinusitis is a sinus infection that occurs several times in a year.

What are the management options for sinusitis?

The various treatment options that one can take for treating a sinus infection are:

• Antibiotics – In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics might be prescribed by the doctor. For acute sinusitis, it might be for 10 to 14 days while for chronic sinusitis it can stretch longer.
• Painkillers – These options can help relieve facial pain caused by sinusitis. Painkillers should typically not be taken for more than ten days, but one must consult a physician to understand the exact duration.
• Decongestants – These options are taken for relieving sinus congestion as they lower the amount of mucus in the sinuses. Some of these decongestants are available in the form of sprays, while others are available in the form of tablets. However, using decongestant sprays for over three days is not suggested.
• Allergy relief options – Sinus management may at times include anti-allergic treatment options as there are many such cases where sinus infection is caused by some form of an allergy.
• Surgery – For recurrent sinusitis, which doesn’t get treated with the above treatments, a doctor might suggest undergoing surgery. The surgery is used to enlarge the passages by removing the blockages which makes it one of the best sinus drainage treatments for some sufferers of this condition.

Additionally, certain other prescription-based options can reduce the swelling of the sinus membrane.

What are some of the home remedies for treating sinusitis?

Some of the home remedies that can be used to ease the symptoms of sinusitis and treat it are:

• Humidify – Using a humidifier in places where you spend most of your time. Routinely ensure you clean it.
• Steam vapors – The vapors from steam effectively clean as well as ease the congestion and help to clear the nasal passage.
• Warm compress – Using a warm towel on the face can help to take away some facial pressure caused by sinusitis.
• A nasal saline solution – A nasal saline solutions can be of great help and relief. For immediate help, you can carry them around.
• Stay hydrated – Having a lot of fluids helps the mucus to thin out. This, in turn, reduces the blockage in the sinuses. Additionally, the consumption of alcohol must be cut down immensely as it dehydrates the body and makes the inflammation in the sinuses worse.