Wang, Xiaoyan, L. Ac., MD (China)
Phone: (804) 301-1784
Email: xy9803@yahoo.com or info@acupuncturistwang.com
http://www.AcupuncturistWang.com
Sinusitis
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses, which is generally caused by an infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal). The sinuses are air-filled spaces around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes that are lined with mucous membranes. Healthy sinuses are sterile (meaning that they contain no bacteria or other organisms) and open, allowing mucus to drain and air to circulate in the nasal passages. When inflamed, the sinuses become blocked with mucus and can become infected. Each year, over 30 million people (adults and children alike) get sinusitis in the United States at some point. Sinusitis can be acute (lasting anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks) or chronic, with symptoms lingering even longer than that.
Signs and Symptoms
The classic symptoms of acute sinusitis are listed below. These symptoms usually follow a cold that does not improve, or one that worsens after 5 to 7 days of symptoms.
• Nasal congestion (rhinitis)
• Nasal discharge (yellow or green)
• Postnasal drip (a sensation of fluid dripping down the back of your throat, particularly at night or when lying down)
• Headache, often described as a pressure-like pain
• Pain behind the eyes
• Facial tenderness
• Toothache
• Cough, often worse at night
• Sore throat (pharyngitis)
• Fever (may be present)
• Bad breath
• Loss of smell
• General fatigue
• General sense of not feeling well (malaise)
• Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are the same as acute cases of
sinusitis, but are milder and last longer than 8 weeks. Chronic sinusitis is most common in people who have allergies.
Sinusitis typically follows an upper respiratory infection (for example, the common cold) or an allergic reaction (like hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis). These can cause inflammation and swelling that prevents the sinuses from draining properly. This makes the sinuses a great place for organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungus to live and grow rapidly.
Phone: (804) 301-1784
Email: xy9803@yahoo.com
http://www.AcupuncturistWang.com
