Monthly Archives: May 2018

Sinusitis

Sinusitis

 

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a common inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the cavities that produce the mucus necessary for the nasal passages to work effectively. It can be acute or chronic, and it can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergies, or even an autoimmune reaction. A sinus is a hollow space in the body. There are many types of sinus, but sinusitis affects the paranasal sinuses, the spaces behind the face that lead to the nasal cavity. Sinusitis occurs when mucus builds up and the sinuses become inflamed.
Symptoms:
  • Facial Pain and Pressure
  • Blocked Nose
  • Nasal Discharge
  • Reduced Sense of Smell
  • Congestion
  • Cough

In more advance cases, following symptoms may be presented:

  • Fever
  • Halitosis, or foul-smelling breath
  • Tiredness
  • Toothache
  • Headache
Types of Sinusitis:
  • Acute sinusitis: This lasts up to 4 weeks and is the most common type.
  • Subacute sinusitis: Symptoms last longer than the normal acute period, for between 4 and 12 weeks.
  • Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms persist, or continually return, after 12 weeks. It may need more invasive treatment, and possibly surgery.

Rhinitis

Rhinitis

 

What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by a virus infection (e.g., the common cold) or by an allergic reaction (e.g., hay fever).

 

There are two types of Rhinitis:

  • Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
  • Nonallergic Rhinitis

 

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

An allergic reaction that mimics a chronic cold. Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis associated with a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, animal dander, or pollen. Symptoms can also occur when you eat a food that you are allergic to.

Symptoms:

  • Nasal Congestion
  • Runny Nose with a clear mucus
  • Sneezing
  • Nose and Eyes itching
  • Excess tear production in the eyes

 

Nonallergic Rhinitis

Nonallergic rhinitis involves chronic sneezing or a congested, drippy nose with no apparent cause. The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are similar to those of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), but none of the usual evidence of an allergic reaction is present.

Nonallergic rhinitis can affect children and adults, but is more common after age 20. Triggers of nonallergic rhinitis symptoms vary and can include certain odors or irritants in the air, changes in the weather, some medications, certain foods, and chronic health conditions.

Symptoms:

  • Stuffy nose
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip)
  • Cough

Ear Infections

Ear Infections

 

Ear Infections: An ear infection (acute otitis media) is most often a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Ear infections frequently are painful because of inflammation and buildup of fluids in the middle ear.

Symptoms In Children:

– Ear pain, especially when lying down
– Tugging or pulling at an ear
– Difficulty sleeping
– Crying more than usual
– Acting more irritable than usual
– Difficulty hearing or responding to sounds
– Loss of balance
– Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher
– Drainage of fluid from the ear
– Headache
– Loss of appetite

Symptoms In Adults:

– Ear pain
– Drainage of fluid from the ear
– Diminished hearing