We all need to breathe to live, and the sinuses (collectively known as the paranasal sinuses) play a key role in moving air through your head as it travels into the body. Named for the bones they’re found in, the maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal sinuses are the hollow cavities (empty spaces) where air goes once it enters your nose.
Illnesses that affect your sinuses can make breathing harder, and nasal congestion often makes it frustrating to get air through this part of the body. Several conditions, including allergies and sinusitis, can cause congestion, but there are ways to get long-term relief.
Residents of the Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida area looking for ways to reduce the impact of nasal congestion and manage related illnesses can find help with otolaryngologist Dr. Wade Han and the medical staff at Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center.
While both conditions lead to some similar symptoms, they come from fundamentally different causes. Sinusitis, also referred to as sinus infections, frequently occurs due to upper respiratory illnesses such as colds, the flu, or other viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Whatever the cause, it results in inflammation of the sinuses, which can be acute, subacute, or recurrent.
Nasal congestion occurs in most cases, but symptoms may vary depending on the type of infection and its duration. Facial pain, drainage, facial pressure, and decreased sense of smell lasting less than a month are typically due to a cold, the most common cause. Bacterial infections often lead to chronic sinusitis, and fungal infections result from a weakened immune system.
Allergies are the immune system’s overreaction to one or more harmless substances that commonly come in contact with the body, known as allergens. When inhaling, touching, or ingesting an allergen, the body activates defenses that try to flush it out, often triggering symptoms via antibodies.
Allergic reactions can occur in many parts of the body, and when they affect your sinuses, you often experience a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and airway swelling. Other signs common with these reactions include coughing, wheezing, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
Several over-the-counter and home remedies can reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion, like staying hydrated, using hot steam to open sinuses, using humidifiers, keeping your head elevated, using a warm, damp washcloth, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding allergic triggers. You can also get saline nasal sprays, decongestants, antihistamines, and a neti pot rinse from the store.
Prescription medications may be necessary to manage congestion if viral or bacterial infections are involved, so antibiotics or antivirals may become necessary. Corticosteroid nasal sprays and Ipratropium bromide sprays can help manage congestion, and if allergies are causing your symptoms, immunotherapy can provide long-term relief.
Nasal congestion is often irritating, and getting infections or having allergies can lead to recurring problems. However, relief is just an appointment away, so make one with Dr. Han and the Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center team today to find the solution that works for you.
