Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the frontal sinuses (above the eyes), maxillary sinuses (to the side of the nose), sphenoidal sinuses (behind the nose) or ethmoidal sinuses (in the upper nose). Sinuses are air-filled areas that are in contact with the nasal passage and throat. Most cases of sinusitis affect the frontal or maxillary sinuses. Sinuses can be clogged if they are anatomically small or poorly positioned to handle the amount of mucous produced. As pressure in the sinuses increases, it causes pain and creates an ideal environment for infection. Acute sinusitis is normally caused by bacterial or viral infections of the throat, nose and upper respiratory tract.

Causes of chronic sinusitis: growths in the nose, injury of nasal bones, air pollution, dental complications, emotional stress, smoking and exposure to irritant fumes.

Symptoms of sinusitis: fever, cough, headache, earache, toothache, facial pain, difficulty breathing through the nose, loss of the sense of smell, tenderness over the forehead, pain or sensitivity over the sinuses, facial swelling, stuffy nose and a thick discharge of mucous.

Who to consult: GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, pharmacist