A Sinus Infections, or Sinusitis, is a condition in Singapore where your nasal cavities become blocked and this causes them to swell. Our body is usually able to drain mucus on its own in order to help keep the nose clean and moist.
Sinusitis is typically due to an allergic reaction which irritates the nasal lining, causing the congested feeling. This condition can also occur as a result of viral infection that causes a buildup of mucus and allows bacteria to grow.
Sinusitis is usually caused by a flu or a cold, which attacks your sinuses and leads to an infection. However, it can also be caused by strong allergens such as inhaling smoke, pollen from plants and the synthetic smell of chemicals.
Sinusitis is a common situation among Singaporeans estimated to be experienced by over 5% of the population. It can last for days to weeks, or it could be a chronic condition that keeps on occurring whether or not allergens are present. You may be experiencing allergic or non-allergic sinusitis depending on the symptoms that you are exhibiting.
Sinusitis can cause discomfort in your daily life and become painful if left untreated for a prolonged period of time. Due to congestion in the nasal passages, pressure is put on the surrounding areas of the face which leads to pain near the cheekbone as well as headaches and temple pain.
You may also find difficult breathing through your nose which causes you to breathe through your mouth. However, this can lead to sore throats and exacerbate postnasal drip. What occurs with postnasal drip is that mucus accumulates at the back of your throat, and this can cause a bout of dry or wet coughing that can further irritate the throat.
With a temporary reduction in your sense of taste and smell due to your blocked nose, you might also find trouble tasting and enjoying foods. This might be a cause for concern for those who keen on being able to do so on a daily basis. Attempting to expel this excess mucus may also worsen discomfort and cause nosebleeds.
A blocked nose can also disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to decreased energy in the day. This could come on top of the fatigue caused by a runny nose especially when it is caused by allergens in your immediate environment.
Sinusitis is a condition that can be common in early childhood and in adults alike. This is usually caused by a viral infection, exacerbated by Singapore’s humid weather. Thick green nasal discharge will be present in children and adults who are suffering from nasal blockage. They may also cough and experience headaches, just like adults who are experiencing sinusitis.
Smokers are also at risk of sinusitis due to inhaling of smoke on a regular basis. This is due to mucus accumulating at the back of the sinuses, and continuing to smoke when you are experiencing sinusitis can lead to a chronic condition if left untreated.
Sinusitis is diagnosed through a physical examination. Your ENT doctor will check your nose for any signs of inflammation using an instrument such as an otoscope.
If symptoms are still unclear at this stage, a nasal endoscopy may be performed. Your doctor will use a numbing spray to help with discomfort in your nose and throat. He or she will insert a long tube called an endoscope to look deeper inside your nasal passages and to check your sinuses.
Treatment for sinusitis in Singapore begins with pinpointing the cause of inflammation. If it is a viral infection leading to congested nasal passages, antibiotics will be prescribed by your doctor for up to 2 weeks.
You may also be given nasal decongestants and saline nasal washes to help with recovery at home. Keeping hydrated when administering is crucial to recovery as it helps to keeps your mucus layer thin.
If symptoms do not go away after treatment, your specialist may suggest a surgical option especially if you have chronic sinusitis or other conditions like nasal polyps.