It’s almost that time of year again where first we have the Santa Ana Winds and then we see Fires causing the air quality to become extremely unhealthy. Many people begin feeling tired and weak with cold and allergy symptoms.
According to Ear, Nose and Throat specialist Marc Kerner, MD, FACS, “the unhealthy air conditions cause many people to suffer sinus infections and while many over the counter remedies can give temporary relief to sinus problems it is important that people with sinus infections seek treatment from immediately to avoid further complications.”
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Sinusitis means your sinuses are infected or inflamed. Your sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen, this can block the sinuses and cause pain and infection.
Sinusitis can be acute, lasting for less than four weeks, or chronic, lasting much longer. Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, pollutants, nasal problems and certain diseases can also cause sinusitis.
Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Using heat pads on the inflamed area, saline nasal sprays and vaporizers can also help
For people who do not have symptoms and see that the air quality is unhealthy, limit out door activity as much as possible.
