Sinuses are hollow areas, aka cavities inside the skull. The primary function of sinuses is to release mucus to keep the inside of the nose moisturized. It helps to combat dirt, dust, microorganisms, and other pollutants from the environment. These air spaces form the upper part of the respiratory system that runs from your nose to the throat. Typically, sinuses are clear from mucus and dirt, but sinuses may become clogged with runny mucus and dryness due to an infection or respiratory condition. This leads to inflammation. The swelling of sinuses is called sinusitis. Various causes of sinusitis include environmental factors like dust, pollen, pet dander, and personal factors like smoking, allergies, and existing health conditions. But one must understand that sinusitis can be both chronic and acute.
What is Chronic & Acute Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be both acute and chronic. Lasting only for a short period, acute sinusitis can be caused by a respiratory illness or a common cold. Even viral infections can trigger sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis stays for longer, probably more than a month. It is followed by congestion, facial pain, nasal discharge, and sore throat. Many sinusitis symptoms are common for both acute and chronic forms of this illness. Hence, it is essential to consult the doctor when you suspect you are suffering from sinusitis. In fact, sinusitis can be a symptom of a long-standing allergy or a chronic respiratory problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
When should one consider an ENT sinus specialist for sinus treatment in Singapore?
The following symptoms are the red flag to consider treatment from an ENT sinus specialist:
Experiencing Pain
Pain is a common symptom of this illness. When the sinuses become stuffed with mucus, it causes the sinuses to swell and get inflamed. The dull pressure on your facial muscles with a stuffy nose signals sinus issues. Experiencing pain between one’s eyes, upper jaws, forehead, and nose is a hint that sinus problems are on the way.
Runny Nose
A runny nose is a classic symptom of upper respiratory problems. Nasal discharge often makes the person blow his/her nose. Infected sinuses drain into the nasal passages, creating a blockage. Postnasal drips may cause coughing in the morning and night as well as while sleeping. Hoarseness of the voice is also a symptom of a runny nose and clogged nasal passages.
Congestion of Nasal Passages
Breathing through a congested nose can be difficult. The congestion of the nose causes loss of smell and taste. Even the voice of the person suffering from sinusitis sounds stuffy and hoarse. Breathing problems at night that replicate an asthma attack without bronchitis are also signals of sinusitis.
Aching Head
Sinuses are cavities in the skull. The forehead holds sinuses that may trigger pain when full. The pain in one’s jaws, cheeks, ears, and teeth can also result from stuffed sinuses. Sinusitis pain is usually worse in the morning as the fluids collect all night long. Pain in the head also changes with a change in the barometric pressure of the environment. Sinus pain is triggered by the pressure that is induced due to the clogging of the air sacs beneath the skin.
Throat Irritation
Postnasal drip can cause throat irritation in the long run. The cough is usually worse during the night, morning, and while sleeping. This coughing happens because the lining of the throat becomes infected due the dripping mucus from the nasal passages. Sleeping in an elevated position can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your coughing.
All these symptoms make it essential to consider sinus treatment in Singapore.
Doctor's Life 