Fall
Sinusitis Season Nearing - Be Prepared!
This
article first appeared in the August 1, 2003 issue of Sinus
News:
Fall
sinusitis season is nearing, making it important for
regular sinusitis sufferers to be prepared. Remember
to consult with your physician in order to obtain proper
diagnosis and treatment.
From
the AAAAI:
The signs and symptoms of sinusitis vary, and many people who suffer from it
may not be aware they have the disease or may be self-medicating improperly.
Symptoms of sinusitis include: thick yellow nasal discharge, headache, a feeling
of facial swelling, congestion, fatigue, and fever.
To
help alleviate sinusitis symptoms, allergists recommend:
• Taking
your medications as prescribed. Do not take more
medicine to alleviate severe symptoms. If you are
prescribed antibiotics, finish all of the antibiotic.
• Breathing in steam
• Using hot packs to alleviate facial pain
• Increasing fluid intake
• Using an over-the-counter sterile salt water nasal spray |
From
Postgraduate Medicine:
There is a strong relation between asthma and sinusitis with some studies showing
that up to 75% of asthma patients develop sinusitis (see quote below for further
information on asthma and sinusitis).
"Prompt
diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis are essential in
the long-term management of chronic asthma. The effect
of treatment of sinusitis on asthma has been documented
in the medical literature and by clinical observation.
Asthma diminishes when coexistent sinusitis is maximally
treated by medical or surgical intervention, such as
topical intranasal corticosteroids, sinopulmonary lavage,
broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (when indicated), and
decongestants." - Postgraduate Medicine, October
2000, "Sinusitis and its relationship to asthma."
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