Page 81 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: MOUTH, NOSE, AND THROAT PROBLEMS 79

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membranes lining the sinuses,
WARNING
which are air-filled pockets located behind the nose, cheeks, and
forehead. It causes pain and tenderness around the eyes and Seek immediate medical help if you
also develop severe headaches,
cheeks; a stuffy and/or runny nose; and, sometimes, aching in
vomiting, and fever.
the upper teeth and jaw. You may also have a foul taste in your
mouth and feel feverish. Sinusitis is usually a complication of
an infection such as a cold or the flu. People who swim or dive
regularly may be more susceptible than usual to the problem.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Make an appointment to see your doctor if
you think you may have sinusitis, to confirm Steam inhalation This helps loosen mucus
the diagnosis and get advice on treatment. in the nose, throat, and sinuses. Children should only
use steam inhalations if supervised by an adult.
● Fill a bowl one-third full with hot, but not boiling,
What you can do yourself water. You can add eucalyptus oil, pine oil, or menthol
(see ESSENTIAL OILS, p.182) to make it smell pleasant.
You can do several things to relieve the “heavy- ● Lean forward, cover your
headed” feeling of sinusitis and speed your recovery. head and the bowl with a
towel, and gently inhale
● Put a warm, moist washcloth over your nose
the steam. If your
to relieve pain, or use steam inhalation up to nose is blocked,
3–4 times a day to reduce congestion (see breathe through
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right). your mouth until
your nose clears.
● If you are in pain or have a fever, take
an analgesic (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
Inhaling steam
● Drink at least 8 glasses of warm fluids a day. Breathe in and
out through your
● Decongestants may help clear your nose.
nose for several minutes.
Alternatively, try using saline nose drops to loosen
mucus. (See DRUG REMEDIES, right.)
● Blow your nose gently.
DRUG REMEDIES
● Get plenty of rest. Sleep with your head raised.
Sleeping on your side may make breathing easier. Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (see
● Try to avoid spending time in cold, polluted, p.177) and ibuprofen (see p.185), will help relieve
pain around the eyes and the cheeks and will also
or smoky atmospheres.
reduce the fever that can accompany sinusitis.
Decongestants (see p.181) help reduce
swelling inside the nose and sinuses.
Seek further medical advice
Saline nose drops (see p.188) can be
Arrange to see your doctor if your sinusitis used up to 6 times a day to help loosen mucus
has not begun to clear up after a few days. in the nasal passages.