Sinusitis: what is it and what can you do?
The other day, I was at the doctor's following up on my dengue. He casually mentioned that I had sinusitis.
What is sinusitis and why do you get it?
Sinusitis is often mistaken for a lingering cold. But it is a very specific condition. Your sinuses are hollow cavities in the bones around your nose the size of a golf ball.
The cavity has mucous membranes.
These membranes help humidify the air you breathe and trap unwanted particles. When inflamed fluid builds up, creating the perfect environment for germs to thrive. That is sinusitis.
Why does it happen?
The trigger is usually a viral infection. Allergies can also cause a swelling of the nasal passage. Some people have deviated septum's.
In all cases, the underlying issue is the same. A poor drainage of the sinuses, turning them into a breeding ground for bacteria or viruses.
You will feel experience a runny nose, nasal congestion and sometimes tooth pain. Your voice may change and you may find it harder to breathe. Fatigue is common.
The discomfort comes from your body’s attempt to fight inflammation in a confined space.
So what can you do?
Warm steam, saline sprays, and hydration help thin mucus and restore flow. If allergies are the trigger, reducing exposure can reduce flare-ups.
Humming helps. Humming helps dislodge the tiny particles trapped within your sinus cavity.
Make sure that you breathe only through your nostrils. Your body is not built to breathe through your mouth.
Your nostrils cool the air and also trap foreign particles preventing allergies.
One of the best ways to reduce your risk is to build immunity.
Immunity is much misunderstood. Immunity is built when your body has all the resources necessary to do its job.
These resources are provided through the food that you eat, through sleeping well. Moving helps remove dead toxic cells building immunity.
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