SinusSuccess

If Humming Helps; Why Not – Give it a Try

2011-01-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

More than 37 million people have sinus infections every year in the US. Usually, the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, trapping air and pus and other secretions and leading to pain, headaches and congestion. Because the inflammation is often caused by upper-respiratory infections, people with asthma and allergies are more vulnerable than others to chronic sinusitis. Keeping the sinuses healthy and infection-free requires ventilation - keeping air flowing smoothly between the sinus and nasal cavities. In a study in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers examined this by comparing airflow in people when they hummed and when they quietly exhaled. Specifically, they looked to see if humming led to greater levels of exhaled nitric oxide, a gas produced in the sinuses. Ultimately, nitric oxides during humming rose 15-fold. Another study a year later in The European Respiratory Journal found a similar effect: Humming resulted in a large increase in nasal nitric oxide, "caused by a rapid gas exchange in the paranasal sinuses.”

The Cilia are the Key to Sinus Health

2010-11-18T13:36:00.001-08:00

The function of cilia in the sinus cavities is to clear mucous out of the cavities. Mucous in turn is produced to protect the body from contaminants we breathe in all day long.
Contamination from impurities; is lodged to the mucous and this mucous is pushed out by the cilia. The sinuses are literally moist air spaces within the facial bones and surrounding the nose area.

When the cilia aren’t functioning correctly, mucous collects in the sinus cavities due to inhaling external pollutants; they drain into the nasal passage; and the cavities become inflamed as they are not able to drain properly. You become congested and infection sets in.

Infections cause swelling in the sinus passages and prevent the cilia even more from moving the built up mucous. Then, sinusitis has set in. This mucous which now cannot be expelled through the nose will drip down the back of the throat - post nasal drip - and into the lungs causing a consistent cough and more possible infections.

If your immune system is down; chances are that your cilia are not functioning correctly; as the cilia are weak and are unable to clear all the debris from the sinus cavities while normal functioning cilia would clear the irritating matter out. With this congestion you probably will experience bad breath as well.

768,000 Ways to Get Quick Sinus Relief!

2010-11-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

A Google search will bring up 768,000 ways to get “Quick Sinus Relief”. Isn’t that great news for sinus sufferers? Probably not! Sinusitis is a debilitating problem, and it is pretty obvious that the quick fixes don’t work. If our ancestors had these severe sinus problems; they would have been eaten alive by Saber Tooth Tigers.

So, what has changed – stress, pollution, processed food, sleep deprivation, allergens and more. It all adds up to a weakened Mucociliary Clearance System (MCS). Now, you’ll just figuratively get eaten alive every day.

Your MCS is still there, but for some people, the modern amenities have weakened its effectiveness. It isn’t a quick fix for a bunch of ‘symptoms’, but in a fairly short period of time a thoughtful person can easily restore their MCS. Stop searching for “Quick Sinus Relief” and start searching for ways to “Feel Sinus Health Again” or to learn about "your body’s own Mucociliary Clearance System".

Sinus infections are colds gone wild?

2010-11-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

A recent Newsday article just discussed something that a lot of sinus sufferers already know all too well. “It's not unusual for the common cold to morph into a sinus infection. Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a cold that inflames the sinuses, and that leads to a bacterial infection that may last up to four weeks.” And, real sufferers know – it can last months. And, something that lasts for months and happens 4-5 times a year; that’s more than a math problem.

Pollen through an Electron Microscope

2010-09-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hay fever sufferers can now see the face of their invisible enemy - thanks to these Scanning Electron Microscope images of pollen grains. A Swiss scientists named Martin Oeggerli, who uses the name Micronaut for his art, uses a Scanning Electron Microscope in his cellar to capture images of pollen grains at
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/picture-galleries/7606811/Hayfever-sufferers-know-your-enemy-Scanning-Electron-Microscope-pictures-of-grains-of-pollen.html

100 Ways to Treat & Prevent for Sinusitis

2010-07-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

Almost 100 Ways to Treat & Prevent for Sinusitis - Although some will seem unconventional; each has its proponents, and only some are physician recommended. ...a reference list, and anyone pursuing new treatments should follow the 1st idea below:

1. Consult your doctor.
2. Rest and relaxation.
3. Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day.
4. Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.
5. Be more gentle when blowing your nose.
6. Stay away from sick people to prevent illness in the first place.
7. Wash hands diligently and frequently to kill germs that can lead to colds.
8. Inhale steam 2 - 4 times per day (for example, sitting in the bathroom with the shower running).
9. Spray with nasal saline several times per day.
10. Use humidifiers at home and work.
11. Improve ciliary activity by warming with chicken soup or tea.
12. Clear mucus and warm cilia to improve functionality with warm water sinus irrigators.
13. Use mentholated preparations, such as Vicks Vapo-Rub.
14. Use over-the-counter spray nasal decongestants. They may help at first, but using them beyond 3 - 5 days can actually worsen nasal congestion. The generic: Oxymetazoline. The brands: Afrin, Afrin Nasal Sinus, Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duramist Plus, Dristan Nasal Spray, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla, NRS Nasal, NTZ Long Acting Nasal, Oxyfrin, Oxymeta-12, Sinarest Nasal, Sinex Long-Acting, Twice-A-Day.
15. Use pseudoephedrine (Brand name: Sudafed) which is an oral decongestant. It usually requires identification at a pharmacy due to its use in making methamphetamines.
16. Take phenylephrine (Brand name: Sudafed PE) an oral decongestant that is more easily available than pseudoephedrine.
17. Avoid flying when you are congested.
18. Where a mask while flying to avoid other fliers illnesses.
19. Use nasal saline lotions inside your nose when flying.
20. Avoid temperature extremes and sudden changes in temperature.
21. Do not bend forward with your head down to avoid congestion.
22. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce swelling or pain.
23. Use antibiotics for acute sinusitis.
24. Receive allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help prevent the sinus disturbances in the first place.
25. Avoid as many allergy triggers as possible by creating a more sterile environment.
26. Consider nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamines to decrease swelling, especially if there are swollen structures (such as nasal polyps) or allergies. Some relevant brand names include: mometasone Nasal Spray (Nasonex), fluticasone Nasal Inhalation (Flonase and Veramyst), beclomethasone Nasal Inhalation (Beconase AQ), triamcinolone Nasal Spray (Nasacort AQ), budesonide Nasal Inhaler (Rhinocort Aqua), flunisolide Nasal Inhalation (Nasarel), ciclesonide (Omnaris).
27. Treat a runny nose with Atrovent (ipratropium nasal inhaler 0.03% and 0.06%). This medication reduces the secretion of the nasal glands.
28. Treat thick secretions with Guaifenesin (eg Mucinex®).
29. Suck on zinc lozenges. Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral. Claims have been made about its effectiveness in reducing the duration of symptoms.
30. Some people with chronic sinusitis may need special medicines to treat fungal infections.
31. Surgery to clean and drain the sinuses may be necessary, especially in patients whose inflammation returns, despite medical treatment. An ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) can perform this surgery.
32. Stand in a shower hot enough to fog up the mirror. Or lean over a pan full of steaming water with a towel draped over your head, creating a steam tent. Inhale the vapors as they waft up toward your nostrils.
33. Eucalyptus oil is often used in a steam inhalation to help clear nasal and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil works similarly to that of menthol by acting on receptors in the nasal mucosa, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of nasal congestion.
34. Flush out nasal secretions. Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt or sea salt with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda. Pour it into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side.
35. Try an Ayurvedic solution, similar to this is done in the same manner with a Netti Pot. It looks similar to a tea pot, but with a longer, narrower spout for the nostrils.
36. To clear excess mucus from the sinus, combine the juice from the horseradish root with the juice of 3 lemons. Take a 1/2 teaspoon between meals for several months until the mucus in the sinus clears.
37. Some people recommend bromelain, a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. It is primarily produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan. Local swelling is the releasing of histimines in a localized area causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels.
38. Some use cayenne peppers because they contain Capsaicin, a substance that can stimulate the nerve fibers and may act as a natural nasal decongestant.
39. Natural foods stores sell elderflower for catarrh and sinusitis.
40. Garlic has a chemical similar to that found in a drug given to make mucus less sticky. It may also help with immunity.
41. Horseradish has been mentioned for its properties that may dissolve mucus when eaten.
42. Horseradish tinctures are also used instead of the food variety.
43. Stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) has been said to relieve hay fever symptoms in some people.
44. Wood betony is used in traditional European herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy for those with sinusitis.
45. Some people use BreathEasy which is an herbal tincture combination of Lobelia, Pleurisy, Marshmallow, Mullien, Coltsfoot and Licorice.
46. Some people use Colds & Flu which is a tincture combining Echinacea, Goldenseal and Cayenne.
47. Some people use Echinacea & Goldenseal which is a combination of Echinacea & Goldenseal.
48. A few people have recommended Headache Support which combines White Willow Bark, Feverfew, Chamomille, Pepermint, Scullcap, Catnip and Fenugreek.
49. Another herbal tincture is Immunity which is a combination of Astragalus, Pau D'Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw and Kelp.
50. An herbal tincture that implies protection from illness is called Infection, and it combines Echinacea, Yarrow, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Black Walnut, Marshmallow, Plantain and Cayenne.
51. Allergy Tea is used as to clear up allergy symptoms and relieve asthma related problems. It claims to reduce congestion and open sinuses. It contains Mullen, Echinacea, Burdock, Nettle, Licorice, Fo-To, and Astragalus.
52. Breath of Life Tea is a tea that claims to help with deep congestion and tightness in the chest and upper respiratory region. It includes Feenugreek, Slippery Elm, Wild Cherry, White Pine, Licorice, Astragalus, Ginger, Orange Peel, Oska and Pleurisy.
53. Cough and Cold Tea is a blend that is supposed to nourish the body during cold and flu season. It contains Echinacea Purpurea, Echinacea Angustiotia, Mullen, Catnip, Goldenseal Leaf, Parsley, Fo-Ti, Comfrey, Spearmint and Uta Seed.
54. Immune Builder Tea is supposed to build the immune system using Astrugalus, Echinacea, Hawthorne, Peppermint and Spearmint.
55. Stop Smoking Tea is supposed to reduce cravings for nicotine. It is made of Spearmint, Lobelia, Kudzu, St. John's Wort, Peppermint, Marshmallow Root, Mullen, Licorice Root, Stevia, Clove, Eucalyptus and Orange Peel.
56. Aromatherapy can clear sinusitis by combating infection, opening up nasal passages, reducing congestion and relieving pain.
57. Some people believe that eucalyptus fights bacterial and viral infections.
58. Using a Ginger aroma is said to stimulate the immune system, reduce the drainage of a runny nose and help with respiratory infection.
59. Lavender scents are claimed to clear congestion, stuffiness and soothe respiratory disorders.
60. Marjoram is said to ease respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, colds and sinusitis.
61. Peppermint can be used to clear sinuses and improves breathing.
62. A strong pine scent has been said to encourage the release of mucus; making it easier to breathe.
63. Rosemary has been used to expel phlegm.
64. Tea Tree is a cousin to eucalyptus that is often said to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi.
65. Thyme aromas are said to improve immunity by boosting the production of white blood cells.
66. Pantothenic Acid supplements are believed to help with allergic rhinitis, a significant predisposing factor for sinusitis.
67. Quite a few people use Vitamin C in an effort to reduce histamine levels.
68. Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, has been reported to relieve symptoms of acute sinusitis.
69. Many people try to eliminate milk and milk products from the diet, and report sinus improvements.
70. Do not smoke. Do not spend time around smokers or in smoky environments.
71. Belladonna is an herbal remedy that has been mentioned as helpful for those whose head feels full, as if it could burst. Before the Middle Ages, it was used as an anesthetic for surgery.
72. Kali bichromicum has been mentioned by people dealing with thick, stringy nasal discharge as a homeopathic remedy.
73. Mercurius has been mentioned as a mineral-based remedy when a patient felt his head was in a vise.
74. Homeopathic pulsatilla was indicated for sinus complaints with excess mucous, often yellow or yellow-green mucous that is worse in the morning.
75. A few people with head maladies, such as migraines, general headaches, and sinus infections, used spigelia anthelmia to reduce issues.
76. Exercise may bring relief because it releases adrenaline, which constricts the blood vessels, thereby possibly reducing swelling in the sinuses. A brisk walk with deep inhaling can even work.
77. Traditional Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners.
78. Acupuncture is often used as a therapy for sinusitis. An acupuncturists shared its support to the underlying energetic spheres affected by your sinusitis, helping to resolve the cause or effects of your sinus pain and pressure. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the pressure and blockage experienced by you.
79. Acupuncture - Bitong: Located on each side of the nose, at the bottom edge of the nasal bones.
80. Acupuncture - Yingxiang (LI 20): Located in the groove on each side of the nostrils, at the widest point of the nostrils.
81. Acupuncture - Hegu (LI-4): Located at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand when the thumb and index finger are close together.
82. Many people will avoid certain foods which produce phlegm, such as cheese, ice cream, milk, butter, and fried foods.
83. Massage Therapy has been discussed as a holistic procedure that affects all systems of the body; digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems.
84. Hot Stone Massage Therapy has been recommended as an ancient Ayurvedic therapy with river bed stones which draw out stress, tension and impurities from the body.
85. Reduce irritants from those around you: Stress from a relationship with a loved one or family member can set off your sinusitis.
86. “Speak your peace.” Express what is on your mind. If not verbally, write it out. Holding in emotion can cause stress that generates congestion.
87. Learn to breathe deeply and fully. Your breath is your connection to relaxation and inner peace.
88. Some people chose a relaxation affirmation, such as “I declare harmony surround me at all times!”
89. You can’t always get all of the time you’d like with medical professionals; sharing your own experiences often helps others and yourself.
90. Yoga poses can be good alternatives to "traditional" health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through its healing process.
91. Some sinus sufferers mentioned specific yoga poses including: Child's Pose, Cat, Head to Knee, Knee to Chest, Laying Down Twist, Standing and Seated Forward Bends and Standing Back Bends.
92. Some people described specific exercises for relaxing congestion: Sit up, with your back straight in any position. Place your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise. Exhale completely through your mouth. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. Try to do this breathing exercise at least twice a day. You can repeat the whole sequence as often as you wish, but don't do it more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice.
93. Deep Diaphragm Breathing - Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That's it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breathe deep.
94. Meditation Therapy - Meditation is a time-honored technique that can take you into infinite dimensions of consciousness. One major principle to meditation is in the ability to completely quiet your mind. Quieting the mind comes as a result of meditating over a long period of time, but any time you are looking within, you are meditating.
95. It has been said that Color Therapy can help physical symptoms. Color inteacts with the human energy system to stablize physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions. Purple, Indigo and Violet - Are all associated with the upper Chakra, which are centered in the head. They may influence the pituitary and cerebral cortex and have shown to be helpful with sinusitis in this combination of colored light.
96. Music/Sound Therapy - Vibrational medicine, which validates that everything in the universe is in a state of vibration and the frequency at which an object or person most naturally vibrates is called resonance. The chakras, bones, and organs in the body all possess a different resonant frequency. When an organ or part of the body is vibrating out of tune or nonharmoniously, it is called "dis ease" or disease.
97. Metaphysical Remedies - The power of your mind and your belief system could have something to do with your condition, the speed and the way that you heal. Energy follows thought; program thoughts to be positive and your energy will reflect it.

Sinusitis - Treatment & Prevention

2010-07-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Treatment & Prevention
For chronic sinusitis sufferers, treatment and prevention are closely tied together. Successes treatment and prevention often requires individually tailored combinations of solutions; sometimes traditional and sometimes non-traditional. Since there is no single cure for all patients, many have found it helpful to learn about the innumerable treatments that are available.

Sinusitis Causes - Developmental Causes - Tumors

2010-07-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Causes – Tumors
When tumors or growths occur near the sinus openings (ostia), the sinuses can become obstructed. When the ostia become obstructed, the normal flow of air into the sinuses and mucus drainage out of the sinuses is impeded. The reduced flow of air and mucus allows mucus to back up in the sinus and become stagnant, which in turn contributes to the growth of bacteria and infection. Once a bacterial infection is present, it causes inflammation and swelling, which leads to increased mucus production. Additional swelling intensifies the already-restricted flow of air and mucus, and contributes to even more bacterial growth. The cycle continues and ultimately leads to sinusitis.

Benign tumors of the sinuses are uncommon; however, sometimes a nasal polyp may be cause for concern. Most polyps are benign, but there is one form called an inverting papilloma that can develop into a malignancy. Unlike most benign polyps, which typically occur on both sides of the nose, an inverting papilloma is usually found on just one side. This is why most clinicians recommend that all unilateral polyps (those occurring on one side of the nose only) be biopsied, or tested for malignancy. An inverting papilloma that is removed completely will not recur, but because it is difficult to tell if the papilloma has been entirely removed, extended post-surgical follow up is required.

Although malignant sinus tumors are very rare, they occasionally do occur. The most common of them is squamous cell carcinoma. Even with surgery and radiation treatment, this type of sinus tumor has a poor prognosis. Adenocarcinoma is another form of malignant tumor that can invade the sinuses. In a very small number of cases, lymphoma tumors are found in the sinuses, and even more rarely, melanoma.

Sinusitis Causes - Developmental Causes - Cystic Fibrosis

2010-07-30T12:05:00.001-07:00

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a non-contagious disease caused by an inherited genetic defect. About 1 in 23 Americans carries at least one defective gene for CF, making it the most common serious genetic defect in the US. CF commonly affects the nose and sinuses. Sufferers are also prone to polyps. Their mucus becomes sticky and thick. Treatments include frequent irrigation of the nose and sinuses and topical antibiotics.

People with cystic fibrosis also suffer from chronic lung problems and digestive disorders. Their lungs become coated with sticky mucus, a condition which promotes bacterial infection and is difficult to treat. Many people with CF require frequent hospitalizations and continuous use of antibiotics, enzyme supplements, and other medications.

Sinusitis Causes – Lifestyle Causes - Smoking and Sinusitis

2010-07-30T12:04:00.004-07:00

Smoking and Sinusitis - An adult produces approximately one liter of mucus a day in the nose and sinuses, most of which is carried through the nose and down the back of the throat where it is swallowed. We are generally unaware of this constant cleansing movement, which is facilitated by microscopic hairs called cilia that beat inside nasal and sinus passages. Cigarette smoke, however, slows down the sweeping action of the cilia. The thin mucus blanket that covers the nose and sinus lining thickens, and postnasal drainage can become quite thick and noticeable. Smokers are less likely than non-smokers to have the same degree of improvement after sinus surgery. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause similar problems – even if you are not yourself a smoker.

Sinusitis Causes – Lifestyle Causes - Children and Sinusitis

2010-07-30T12:04:00.002-07:00

Children and Sinusitis - Adults who live or work with young children are susceptible to repeated episodes of colds and bacterial sinus infections. Because young children are more likely to carry bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics, adults who catch an infection from a young child may not respond to first-line antibiotics like erythromycin, sulfa drugs, and amoxicillin. A culture grown in a laboratory can guide the selection of the right antibiotic treatment.

Sinusitis Causes – Lifestyle Causes - Pregnancy and Sinusitis

2010-07-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy and Sinusitis - During pregnancy, many women experience rhinitis of pregnancy, an inflammation of the nasal lining that blocks mucus drainage. This condition is due to natural hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Women who take birth control pills may experience similar nasal symptoms. The nasal congestion associated with rhinitis of pregnancy can be mistaken for a sinus infection. However, there is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to contract sinusitis. When they do, treatment can be problematic because of the pregnancy. In some cases, a saltwater nasal spray or nonprescription decongestant spray can safely open nasal passages. If an infection develops, an antibiotic may be necessary. If you are pregnant, check with your obstetrician before using any medication.

Sinusitis Causes – Lifestyle Causes - Water and Sinusitis

2010-07-30T12:03:00.003-07:00

Water and Sinusitis - Another risk for acute bacterial sinusitis is diving or swimming in polluted water. Even chlorinated water can increase risk since it reduces the beating of the microscopic cilia that line the nose and sinuses and facilitate mucus drainage.

Sinusitis Causes - Causes – Anatomical Causes - Polyps

2010-07-30T12:03:00.001-07:00

Polyps - Nasal polyps are smooth, pear-shaped outgrowths of nasal mucosa that are gelatin-like, semi-translucent, and pale or white in color. They can be found in any of the sinuses or nasal cavity. Nasal polyps are one of the most common group mass lesions of the nasal cavity, and occur more often in middle-aged men. There seems to be some relationship between polyps and immune response to various types of fungus. Symptoms of nasal polyps include nasal congestion, loss of smell and/or taste, sneezing, postnasal drip, facial pain and itchy eyes.

Sinusitis Causes - Causes – Anatomical Causes - Abnormal Turbinates

2010-07-30T12:02:00.002-07:00

Abnormal Turbinates - Swelling of the turbinates, three small bony projections inside the nose, can also cause nasal blockage. The turbinates serve a useful function by providing increased surface area to warm and humidify air that passes through the nasal passages. But an infection or allergies can cause them to swell and interfere with nasal drainage. A concha bullosa is a common anatomical variation that occurs when an air pocket forms in the middle turbinate. On a CT scan, a concha bullosa looks almost like a small balloon with a thin, bony lining. If you develop this condition, you may be symptom-free, or you may have facial pain and pressure and nasal blockage. A concha bullosa is easily corrected with endoscopic sinus surgery.

Sinusitis Causes - Causes – Anatomical Causes - Deviated Septum

2010-07-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Deviated Septum - More than 80% of people have some degree of deviation, or crookedness, in the nasal cartilage called the septum. For a few, deviation is severe enough to affect breathing and block nasal drainage. Blocked drainage pathways can affect normal clearing of the sinuses which can lead to sinus infection. Symptoms can often be confused with sinusitis. A deviated septum can be straightened with an operation called a septoplasty.

Sinusitis Causes - Inflammatory and Infectious Causes - Reflux

2010-07-30T12:01:00.002-07:00

Reflux - Reflux occurs when stomach juice (acid) is released back up into the esophagus (feeding tube) between the throat and stomach, sometimes as high as the larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), or even higher – causing heartburn, sore throat, phlegm, post-nasal drip, cough, choking, and/or hoarseness.
There are two major types of reflux: GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) and LTR (laryngotracheal reflux), which is sometimes referred to as Extra Esophageal Reflux Disease (EERD). EERD differs from GERD in the following ways:

EERD may not be associated with the typical heartburn symptoms that are seen with GERD. With EERD, patients frequently complain of post-nasal drainage, but are unable to cough productively. This is because acid irritation makes the patient feel that there is phlegm on the vocal cords – when in actuality, the vocal cords are merely irritated. For this reason, EERD may mimic sinusitis and the drainage associated with it. Other common EERD symptoms include hoarseness, throat clearing, dysphagia (pain on swallowing) or a feeling of fullness in the lower throat below the Adam's apple. Rarely, EERD may cause sphenoid sinusitis. In children, EERD can both mimic and cause otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) and sinusitis.

The treatment for EERD may require behavioral changes such as not eating before bedtime or raising the head of the bed, coupled with medical therapy like proton pump inhibitors or H2-blockers. In extreme cases, surgery to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that controls reflux, can cure the condition.

Sinusitis Causes - Inflammatory and Infectious Causes - Polyps

2010-07-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Polyps - About 25% of all chronic rhinosinusitis patients have polyps that are generally related to fungus. These polyps sometimes block nasal airways and create breathing difficulties. They may also inhibit proper drainage of the sinus cavities, creating stagnant secretions that stay in the sinuses, become infected, and lead to sinusitis. People who suffer from nasal and sinus polyps are frequently very uncomfortable and may feel as though they have a cold much of the time, with symptoms like nasal obstruction, decreased sense of smell, recurrent sinus infections, and profuse nasal drainage.
If your doctor suspects that you may have nasal or sinus polyps, he or she may recommend an endoscopic examination in an ENT (ear, nose and throat) physician's office. This procedure uses a small telescope placed inside of the nostrils to examine the nose and sinuses. Computed tomography (CT) scans may help to identify the precise location of polyps within these cavities.
Once polyps are diagnosed, multiple medical treatments can begin. Medications generally include anti-inflammatory sprays, decongestants, inflammatory mediator inhibitors, and systemic steroid medications. Long-term medication is often required to reduce polyp size and prevent their re-growth.
In some cases, polyps must be surgically removed. The surgeon inserts a thin telescope (endoscope) through the nostril to visualize the polyps, then removes them with a microdebrider. This procedure can take place in the operating room or in the office. To make sure polyps do not recur, regular rechecks are required. In many cases, if a proper medical and surgical treatment plan is followed, nasal polyps will not re-grow large enough to cause future symptoms.

Sinusitis Causes - Inflammatory and Infectious Causes - Fungal Infections

2010-07-30T12:00:00.001-07:00

Fungal infections - Fungi, such as Aspergillus, are plant-like organisms. Unlike plants, however, they cannot produce their own food from photosynthesis; they must absorb their food from other organic material. Like bacteria, fungi possess the important ability to consume and break down complex organic substances. Fungi usually consume organisms that are no longer living; however, occasionally a fungus begins feeding off of a still-living organism, which causes a fungal infection.

In the past 30 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of recorded fungal infections. This can be attributed to increased public awareness, new immunosuppressive therapies (medications that suppress the body's immune system to prevent organ rejection), and the overuse of antibiotics (anti-infectives).

When the body's immune system is suppressed, fungi find an opportunity to invade the body and a number of side effects occur. The moist, dark cavities of the sinuses are a natural home to the invading fungi, and when this occurs, fungal sinusitis results.

Sinusitis Causes - Inflammatory and Infectious Causes - Bacterial Infections

2010-07-30T11:59:00.002-07:00

Bacterial Infections - Symptoms of bacterial sinusitis can be identical to those of a viral infection, although bacterial sinusitis symptoms are usually more severe and last longer. Acute bacterial sinusitis is most often caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. This kind of infection must be carefully treated. In fact, in some areas of the country, more than half of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria are resistant to amoxicillin at standard dosages. The pneumococcal vaccine prevents most, but not all, infections caused by Streptococcus pneumonia. If you have had repeated bacterial sinus infections, your doctor may encourage you to get this vaccination. Another bacterium that is a frequent cause of sinusitis is Haemophilus influenza. Almost 30% of Haemophilus influenza bacteria are resistant to amoxicillin, but there are other antibiotics that are effective for resistant Haemophilus influenza infections. A third bacterium that is a common cause of sinusitis is Moraxella catarrhalis. Although it is almost always resistant to amoxicillin, sinusitis caused by this bacterium frequently resolves even without antibiotics, and rarely causes a long-term problem.

Sinusitis Causes - Inflammatory and Infectious Causes - Viral Infections

2010-07-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

Viral Infections - A viral infection, also known as an upper respiratory infection (cold) can last 7 to 10 days, is the most common cause of sinusitis. It may be caused by hundreds of different strains of viruses. About half of the time, a cold begins with a scratchy or sore throat. Over the next day or two, other symptoms like nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sometimes facial pain or pressure develop. Increased postnasal drainage may also cause a cough. Asthma sufferers may experience a worsening of asthma symptoms after the onset of a cold.
Occasionally, a cold progresses into an acute bacterial sinus infection or persistent chronic sinusitis. If you catch a cold, expect symptoms to improve after five or seven days, and be aware that it may take up to three weeks for thick mucus drainage to resolve.
About 20% of colds in children and about 1 to 2% of colds in adults become complicated by bacterial infection. Because more than 80% of cold patients have sinus swelling that is identical to the swelling seen in bacterial sinusitis, a sinus CT scan will not distinguish between the two conditions.

Sinusitis Causes - Inflammatory and Infectious Causes - Allergies

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Allergies - A runny nose, itchy eyes, sore or scratchy throat, uncontrollable sneezing and sometimes itching of the skin are all symptoms of what is commonly called hay fever. The condition is more accurately known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs when airborne pollutants (such as pollen, animal dander, mold spores, etc.) come into contact with the lining of the nose, eyes, or throat.
The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Sometimes, however, the immune system mistakenly tries to protect against a harmless substance, and in the process, causes an allergic reaction. Allergens that are known to trigger nasal allergies include pollens, animal dander, molds and dust mites, among others. In the United States, the most prevalent pollen comes from ragweed. It begins pollinating in late August and continues until the first frost.
When pollen triggers an allergic reaction, the condition is referred to as hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis, or pollinosis. If you have hay fever, you are not alone. An estimated 26.1 million Americans experience hay fever symptoms each year. In addition, 14.6 million Americans have asthma, which often accompanies hay fever.
The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Sometimes, however, the immune system mistakenly tries to protect against a harmless substance, and in the process, causes an allergic reaction. There are many such substances, or allergens, that can trigger allergies. Allergens that are known to trigger nasal allergies include pollens, cat dander, molds and dust mites, among others.

If you suffer from severe or chronic sinus-related allergies, if your symptoms do not respond to allergy medications, or if you are symptomatic more than six months a year, your physician may prescribe immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, is a treatment for allergic reactions to grass pollens, dust mites and other known allergens. It is the only therapeutic treatment that has the potential to cure allergies.
The first step in the immunotherapy process is to screen for allergens. Your physician will ask for a thorough medical history and then administer tests to help identify your specific allergens. Skin tests (either prick or intradermal dilutional testing) are slightly more sensitive than blood tests (RAST, ELIZA, etc.).
Afterwards, you will be given increasing doses of the allergens to which you are allergic. Incremental doses administered over time prompt the immune system to become less and less sensitive to these allergens. Besides easing or eliminating allergic reactions, immunotherapy also reduces the chronic inflammation that characterizes rhinitis (nasal inflammation) and asthma. While you are undergoing immunotherapy, you may also be counseled on ways to reduce allergens in your environment.

Causes of Sinusitis

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The causes of sinusitis may be categorized in the following ways:

Inflammatory and Infectious Causes - Sinusitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, as well as allergies, polyps and reflux disease.

Anatomical Causes - The anatomy of the sinuses varies tremendously from person to person. In some individuals, anatomical differences may affect breathing and block nasal drainage. Common anatomical causes of sinusitis are a deviated septum and swelling of the turbinates.

Lifestyle Causes - Pregnancy, working with children, and smoking are some of the lifestyle choices that increase one's susceptibility to sinusitis.

Developmental Causes - Developmental disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, can lead to sinusitis.

Tumors - Sinus and nasal tumors can block critical drainage pathways and possibly lead to sinusitis.

Anatomy of Your Sinus Cavities

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The sinuses are air-filled bony cavities located in the face and skull adjacent to the nose. There are four pairs of sinuses. The right and left frontal sinuses are found in the forehead region, the maxillary sinuses are in the cheek area, the ethmoid sinuses are between the eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses lie deep in the center of the skull. Each sinus is connected to the nose by a small opening called an ostium. All except the frontal sinuses begin growing before birth as small pockets approximately the size of a pea. They increase in size through childhood until they are about as large as a walnut.

The purpose of the sinuses is not fully understood. Some experts maintain that they exist to lighten the skull, while others note that sinuses improve vocal resonance. Most physicians believe that their chief function is to produce a special mucus that keeps the inside of the nose moist and protects it from dust, dirt, pollutants, and microbiologic organisms. The mucus layer is propelled by tiny hair cells called cilia toward the back of the nose and throat, where it is swallowed.

Your head has a cavity, the nasal cavity, which connects directly to the nose, but is not part of the sinus. The important stuff, the cilia, are in the four sinuses, which each have left and right halves -
Frontal Sinuses - above your eyes, just behind the forehead.

Maxillary Sinus - to the side of the nose, and below the eye, just above the upper teeth, below the eyes and in back of the nose at the top of the throat.
Ethmoid Sinus - between the eyes (actually within the spongy ethmoid bone).
Sphenoid Sinus - WAY back in the head, far behind the eyes, above the throat (in back of the nasal cavity). This sinus is just forward of the brain case, making complications here quite serious.

Sinus Infection Checklist

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If you have 3 of the 7 issues below, contact your doctor about sinusitis.

Do you have facial pressure/pain?
- Facial pressure/pain that persists for over 10 days may indicate inflammation and swelling of the sinus. Sinus inflammation is sometimes a symptom of sinusitis.
Do you have headache pain?
- While headache pain is a symptom for many medical conditions, it may also indicate inflammation and swelling of the sinus and may be a symptom of sinusitis. Always consult a physician if you experience persistent headache pain.;
Do you have congestion or a stuffy nose?
- Congestion or a stuffy nose that exceeds 10 days may indicate sinus blockage. Sinus blockage is sometimes due to sinusitis-related infections.
Do you have thick, yellow-green nasal discharge?
- Thick, yellow-green nasal discharge that exceeds 10 days is an indication of sinus infection that may be related to sinusitis.
Do you have a low fever (99ºF - 100ºF)?
- A persistent low fever that exceeds 10 days is one way the body tries to fight off an infection. Always consult a physician if you experience a prolonged fever.
Do you have bad breath?
- Persistent bad breath may indicate the presence of sinusitis.
Do you have pain in the upper teeth?
- When the maxillary sinuses become inflamed and swell they may sometimes cause pain in the upper teeth.