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You don't have a
cold or allergy–you have a sinus condition. What does that mean? An ear,
nose, and throat specialist will determine if your sinus pain results from:
Allergic
rhinitis:
This condition is
an inflammatory nasal response, most commonly to inhalant allergens. Symptoms
include sneezing and itchy eyes, nose, and palate. Allergic rhinitis can
induce sufficient inflammation to obstruct the openings to the sinuses.
Consequently, the sinuses become infected and a bacterial sinus infection
occurs.
Infectious sinusitis:
When chronic, this
bacterial disease produces nasal secretions that are yellow and green and
contain bacteria. Patients may feel pain and pressure in the involved sinuses
and may be ill with fever, malaise, and other symptoms. The classic symptoms
of this condition are nasal obstruction, congestion, facial pain, and post-nasal
drip.
Septal deviation:
A nose that is not
properly aligned may result in an airway obstruction, thereby causing sinus
problems. Standard surgical or medical treatments for sinusitis will not
aid in treating sinus pain resulting from this condition.
Vasomotor
rhinitis:
This disorder is
caused by stress or a psychological disorder, manifesting as congestion,
obstruction, sinus pain, and nasal secretion. Unlike other sinus disorders,
this condition “comes and goes,” presenting itself episodically with stress.
Nasal polyps:
Nasal polyps are
a consequence of inflammation that results from a wide range of sinus disorders.
Treatment should entail addressing the root causes of the polyps as well
as excising the growths.
Fungal sinusitis:
An allergic response
to fungi can result in chronic sinusitis. This condition affects approximately
seven percent of those suffering from chronic sinusitis.
HIV illness:
Those diagnosed
as HIV-positive will often have thick nasal secretions, which become increasingly
sticky as the disease progresses. This often presents as chronic sinusitis.
Aging
rhinitis:
As one ages, the
nasal mucus loses its water content and becomes increasingly thick and
sticky. Patients complain of post-nasal drip, cough, and hoarseness; the
condition is best treated with nasal irrigation and increased hydration.
Tumors:
The presence of
tumors in the sinuses is relatively uncommon. They are discovered with
a nasal obstruction, often with heavy nosebleeds.
Copyright ©2002 content.
The information provided by Health Solutions Medical Products Corp. is
not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health-care
provider. Please consult your health-care provider for advice about a specific
medical condition.
© 1995 American Academy
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc.
© 2002 Health Solutions
Medical Products Corp. All rights reserved.
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