Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

How to treat Chronic Sinusitis  

Chronic sinusitis is inflammation in the sinuses that causes pain, pressure, and swelling. It usually lasts for longer than 12 weeks.

Unlike acute sinusitis, which is often due to a sinus infection, chronic sinusitis isn’t often caused by bacteria and therefore doesn’t necessarily get better with antibiotics.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

  • Pain and pressure above the eyes, along the sides of the nose, and behind the cheeks
  • Feeling congested
  • Green or yellow mucous draining from the nose
  • Fever
  • Pain in the nose or throat
  • Difficulty sleeping due to congestion
  • Frequent sneezing

How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?

Imaging tests: Images taken using CT or MRI equipment can show details of your sinuses and nasal area that would otherwise not be seen using a standard test or endoscope. This can help to pinpoint any deep inflammation or physical obstruction that may be contributing to the condition.

Looking into your sinuses: A thin, flexible tube with a fibre-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to see the inside of your sinuses.

An allergy test to help detect whether an allergen is responsible for your nasal flare-ups.

Samples from your nasal and sinus discharge (cultures): When the condition fails to respond to treatment or symptoms appear to get worse, your doctor may swab inside your nose to collect samples to investigate other possible causes, such as bacteria or fungi.

What are the treatment options?

Doctors believe that chronic sinusitis may be an inflammatory disorder, similar to asthma and allergy. Some treatment options include:

  1. Nasal corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and provide some relief. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
  2. Surgery: Some people with chronic sinusitis may need surgery to clean their sinuses. This can sometimes be achieved with a balloon dilation (a procedure that gently expands narrowed airways caused by inflammation).
  3. Nasal irrigation: A non-prescription treatment to clear out the sinuses. Saline sprays, neti pots, and other devices that flush the sinuses with water can help clear out any infection and reduce irritation.

8 ways to prevent sinusitis

  1. Bathe your nasal passages daily
    Twice a day, run water gently into the nasal passages to help clear excess mucus and moisten membranes. During the day, use a nasal saline spray (available at pharmacists) to moisten nasal passages.
  2. Stay hydrated – it helps keep the mucus thin and loose. 
  3. Steam. Take a hot shower or boil water and pour it into a bucket; place a towel over your head and carefully bend over the bucket to inhale the steam. Be careful and keep your distance at first and move in gradually to avoid burns.
  4. Avoid dry environments. Use a humidifier in your home and remember to keep it clean and free of bacteria and mould.
  5. Sleep with your head elevated. Mucus builds up in your sinuses at night when your head is down, so keep your head supported with pillows during sleep.
  6. Blow your nose gently. Forceful blowing can irritate the nasal passages and push bacteria-laden mucus back up into your sinuses. Blow with one nostril at a time.
  7. Avoid antihistamines unless prescribed. Antihistamines can thicken mucus and make it hard to drain.
  8. Be careful with decongestants, which can cause jitters and increase blood pressure. Always consult with your doctor before using any of these types of medications.

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How to treat a post-nasal drip.

Post-nasal drip happens when your sinuses produce excess mucus discharge that runs down the back of your throat.

Every day, glands in the linings of your nose, throat, airways, stomach, and intestinal tract produce mucus. The glands in your nose and throat produce mucus in order to moisten your nasal membranes and fight off infection.

Post-nasal drip can happen for a number of reasons, which include allergies, viral infections (including the common cold), sinus infections, irritants in the air (like fumes or dust), certain weather conditions (especially cold, dry air) and spicy foods.

Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (more common in small children), pregnancy and as a side effect of certain medications.

When too much mucus builds up, post-nasal drip develops. Symptoms include :

  • A sensation of liquid dripping from the back of your nose and into your throat.
  • A cough that tends to worsen at night and/or when you’re lying down.
  • Sore throat or hoarse voice.
  • Tickling, scratchy, or itchy sensation at the back of your throat.

What can you do about it?

  • Treatment depends on the cause.
  • Antibiotics can clear up a bacterial infection.
  • Antihistamines and decongestants can help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections.
  • Although antihistamines can help, these can cause some mucus to thicken.

Always consult your doctor before taking any over the counter medication for post-nasal drip. Side effects range from dizziness to dry mouth.

Other methods you can try:

  • Use saline nasal sprays to flush mucus, bacteria, allergens, and other irritating things out of the sinuses.
  • Use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. Dry air can worsen postnasal drip symptoms
  • Thin your mucus. Thick mucus is stickier and more likely to bother you, so keeping it thin helps prevent blockages in the ears and sinuses. A simple way to do this is to drink more water.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke. Chemicals in cigarettes can irritate your nasal passages, causing an increase in mucus production
  • Gargle with warm salt water. Gargling may help to clear mucus from the back of the throat and soothe a sore throat.

Call your doctor if:

  • You have new symptoms, or your symptoms are worsening.
  • You have trouble breathing because you’re congested.
  • You have a fever or other signs of an infection

While post-nasal drip is sometimes temporary, if you experience symptoms regularly, be sure to talk with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

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Why is my nose runny? 

Your nose and sinuses constantly produce mucus to keep the nose moist. This mucus protects the inside of your nose and stops germs and viruses from progressing further into your respiratory system. A runny nose, also known as rhinorrhoea, happens when excess mucus is produced and drains from the nose. The fluid can be either thin or thick, or clear or cloudy, and the flow can be irregular or constant.

Common causes include:

  • Colds and flu: Mucus from illnesses can fill the nasal cavity and cause temporary nasal obstruction.
  • Crying: When you cry, tears drain through the tear ducts, into the nasal cavity, and then into the nose.
  • Cold weather: Cold conditions can sometimes cause a reaction that produces mucus.
  • Sinuses infection: The sinuses, or cavities of the face that drain into the nose, can fill with infected mucus resulting in sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses).
  • Allergic rhinitis: Allergies or a nasal reaction to allergens like pollen or pet dander.
  • Non-allergic rhinitis: An irritant like smoke or pollution, or the body’s reaction to cold weather or hot food.

How can you relieve a runny nose?

Antibiotics aren’t needed to treat a runny nose, as it usually gets better on its own. Sometimes, an over-the-counter decongestant may help. However, it might not be appropriate if you have certain conditions or take other medications. Check with your doctor to see which over-the-counter medicines are suitable for you.

The best treatments for a runny nose typically include:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water
  • Rest
  • Eating well
  • A saline nasal spray to help relieve symptoms
  • A cool-mist humidifier at your bedside to help with congestion that’s worsened by dry air

How can you relieve a runny nose due to an allergy?

  • Stay indoors when pollen count is high – usually in the early morning and on windy days.
  • Keep windows closed during allergy season, and use air conditioning if possible.
  • Wear a dust mask if you’re working outdoors, change your clothes, and take a shower after coming indoors.
  • Avoid contact with cats and dogs if you are sensitive to animal dander.

Fortunately, there are many safe and effective over-the-counter medications such as nasal steroid sprays and oral antihistamines available to help control allergy symptoms.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may refer you to an allergist for testing. If not, they may prescribe medication to help relieve symptoms.

Prevent the sniffles

These tips can help stop germs from spreading:

  • Wash your hands often.
  • Throw away used tissues after blowing or wiping your nose.
  • Keep away from those who have colds or infections.
  • Eat well and exercise regularly to help boost your immune system.
  • Cough and sneeze into the inside of the elbow, not into your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect tables, countertops, door handles and your mobile phone

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Scientifically proven hay fever hacks

The onset of an allergy is the hypersensitive reaction of your immune system. The immune system is activated when it senses an invasion of a foreign body. A sort of “false alarm” is triggered which activates mast cells, further releasing histamine and causing adverse reactions.

Here are a few hacks to relieve you from the dreadful symptoms.

1. Pineapple power

Add pineapple to your diet. This fruit contains bromelain, a natural protein-digesting enzyme. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory which on its own may be useful for reducing inflammation, especially of the nose and sinuses.

Bromelain has also been shown to enhance the efficacy of quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid that may help stop the production and release of histamine.

The naturally-occurring bioflavonoid can be found in cruciferous vegetables and onions, and is commonly used as a remedy to relieve seasonal allergies. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, especially cranberries, peppers and onions which contain quercetin.

2. Good ‘ol Vaseline

Before heading outdoors, spread a bit of Vaseline on the inside of the bottom of your nose to act as a trap for at least some pollen particles. This method can trap pollen and prevent it from entering the airways. Apply a bit on your lashes too, to prevent itchy eyes.

3. Shades on

The eyes are usually a target for pollen. If you don’t wear prescription glasses, you should consider wearing a pair of shades to minimise their exposure.

4. Wash your face after being outdoors

Wash your face as soon as you get home. Water will slough away allergens so that they can’t cause a reaction. Place a cool compress over sore eyes. Shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles and pet hair from your hair and body.

When changing clothes after a long day, get changed in the bathroom. Just like your hair, pollen can get trapped on clothes. This way you won’t be spreading pollen around your home, and leaving pollen-laden clothes in your bedroom while you sleep.
Wash these clothes as soon as you can, or leave them in a laundry bag in the bathroom.

5. Hydrate more

Research suggests green tea can have an antihistamine effect, which should help relieve your symptoms in the short term at least. Chamomile tea is also recommended; you might want to try using the teabag as a cold compress to sooth those swollen eyes too. Ditch dairy and alternate with almond milk or coconut milk. Dairy increases mucus production which can be a nightmare for hay fever sufferers.

6. Vitamin C

Pump up your Vitamin C intake and fill your diet with plenty of oranges, blueberries and strawberries. Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine to calm allergic reactions.

7. Add some zing to your food

Add a generous portion of garlic, ginger and chilli to your food, they’ve been shown to ease the symptoms of congestion.

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How the ocean affects your health

A cool, salty breeze on your skin, waves softly crashing over you and endless sand to squish your toes into…

There’s nothing quite like frolicking in the ocean to lift your spirits.

But, did you know that taking a dip also has health benefits? Years ago, ancient Greeks bathed in seawater to boost their health, and so can you! Here are some great reasons to dive on in.

It heals your skin

Unlike a river, seawater has large amounts of important minerals like calcium, chloride, sodium, sulphate and magnesium. These minerals are little health helpers for skin and can help clear up conditions like psoriasis and eczema. When you’re swimming in the ocean, your skin is also exposed to the sun. When the mineral salts team up with Vitamin D from the sun, your skin can regenerate itself more easily.

You’ll breathe easier

If you suffer from asthma, a severe cough or phlegm, swimming in the ocean and breathing in the ocean breeze can help. The salt water from the ocean helps rinse out your airways and gets rid of toxins and other substances that attack your lungs and makes breathing more difficult.

Dip to destress

Seawater is full of magnesium; an important mineral that can help calm you. Besides magnesium, plunging into cold water gives you a rush of adrenaline and releases dopamine, the feel-good hormone. This combination can help keep you happy. What’s more, the ocean’s relaxing atmosphere and the weightlessness of the water makes it a great place to meditate and relax.

It boosts your immune system

Blood cells; particularly white blood cells, act as soldiers to guard your body against intruders like viruses and bacteria. A dip in the ocean – specifically cold water – increases the number of both red and white blood cells in your body. This means seawater is a great way to help a weakened immune system gain back its strength.

Your hay fever and sinus symptoms will decrease

Saline (salt) solutions are often used to treat symptoms of sinus and hay fever by flushing out the nasal cavity. They help by reducing inflammation and clearing any infection of the sinuses. Swimming in the ocean and being exposed to a salty environment like the beach offer the same positive effects.

It can help with aches and pains

If you suffer from chronic pain, doing your workout in the ocean or near it is a good choice. In water, there isn’t the same strain and impact that there is on land. As exercising in water makes moving and stretching easier, it also helps with muscle pain and arthritis.

You’ll sleep better

Whether you choose to swim in the ocean or take a walk along the beach, you will be tired out because of the effort of exertion. The exercise combined with the lulling sound of the ocean’s waves can help you to sleep more soundly at night.

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Home remedies for sinus pain

A sinus infection can cause quite a bit of pain. Apart from the annoying stuffy nose, it also comes with symptoms like a headache, facial tenderness, a sore throat, a cough and facial swelling. Your sinuses are found by your forehead, cheekbones and the sides of your nose.

You may get an infection if your air cavities become inflamed within the passages of your nose. This can be caused by allergies or when chemicals or particles irritate your sinuses.

If you’re looking for a fix for your sinus or allergy symptoms, step away from the pills and try a natural, home remedy instead. Here are some options:

Flush your nasal passages

Keep your sinuses moist to help ease your symptoms. Flush them with a saline wash, which will thin out the mucus and flush out your nasal passages. You can make your own at home by adding half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of distilled water in a clean container. The solution can be stored at room temperature for three days. Use it every day.

Inhale steam

The hot vapour from steam can help moisturise your sinuses. Take a steamy shower or bath to help loosen the mucus in your nose. Sprinkling drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil in your bath will also do the trick.  You can also fill a deep bowl or pot with hot, steaming water. Place your face over it and wrap a towel around your head. Now slowly inhale the steam – being careful not to burn yourself! If you’re experiencing sinus pain, try a cold compress.

Drink up

You need at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and keep your sinuses moist. Don’t drink caffeinated or alcoholic drinks which can dehydrate you. To check if you’re hydrated, look at the colour of your urine. If the colour is clear, you’re getting enough water.

Use a warm compress

Keep your nasal tissues moist with a warm compress. Apply pressure on your sinuses with a warm cloth, or a warm water bag. The heat will help stimulate blood flow to your sinuses, which can help open up the sinus cavity, and stimulate natural moisture secretions, to loosen the gooey mucus.

Eat something spicy

A delicious plate of spicy food will give your sinuses a helpful kick. Eat spicy foods like hot peppers, curry and wasabi. Adding hot spices, like chilli, jalapeno, paprika and pepper to your favourite dishes will also help clear your sinuses.

Allergy-proof your home

What’s worse than sinus pain? Sinus pain that comes with allergy aches! Making your home allergy-proof can help prevent your sinus symptoms from worsening. Vacuum regularly to get rid of dust mites, use bedding with allergen barriers and keep pets out of your bedroom. Consider installing an air filter system in your home.

Use a humidifier

Keep the air in your home moist to help your sinuses. You can do this by using a humidifier regularly. Remember to keep it clean though! A dirty humidifier can breed mould, which can trigger your allergies. Only use it during dry months and not when it’s humid.

Talk to your doctor

If the sinus pain doesn’t get better with home remedies or over-the-counter medication, or you have a fever that lasts for more than a week, talk to your doctor. He may do a scan to check that there aren’t blockages in your sinuses that need to be treated with surgery.

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Battling with chronic sinusitis?

What is it?
Sinusitis is triggered by allergies, a cold, or an infection. Chronic sinuses last up to several weeks; even for years. The inflammation of the nasal tissues causes a blockage in the holes that would normally drain sinuses. In some cases, this is caused by the structure of your nasal passages.

What is a deviated septum?
A deviated septum is a nose injury that you could be born with, or developed before birth. In many instances, it could be from an accident later in life, which re-positioned the wall dividing your nostrils. A clear indication of a deviated septum is the blockage of one nostril or both, frequent sinus infections, noisy breathing, snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose, regular nosebleeds and nasal congestion.

One side of the nose may also appear wider than the other. The narrowed side is blocked most of the time as there’s been an alteration with the airflow pattern through it.

Stop the irritation

  • Kick those bad habits that could be triggers (smoking).
  • Ask your doctor about nasal drops, sprays or inflammatory pills.
  • Do a daily saline (salt water) washing of your nasal passages.
  • Use a humidifier.
  • Allergy-proof your home.
  • Apply hot compresses around your head to relieve pain.

Home remedies:

  • Staying hydrated will help thin out your mucous. Drink plenty of water and hot tea (avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking).
  • Two drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oil in hot water will help break thick mucus when inhaled.
  • Two or three teaspoons of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in hot water or tea can thin out excessive mucus. Add honey or lemon for taste. (Gargling with this mixture is helpful too).
  • To ease inflammation, spicy foods help relieve congestion and boosts blood circulation for quick healing.

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The ins and outs of earache

A ringing sound in your ear? A dull ache? It may be an on-and-off pain or a persistent throbbing. Either way, an earache shouldn’t be ignored.

There are two categories of earaches to know about. A primary earache is due to some form of inner or outer ear disease. Secondary earache is due to or associated with problems elsewhere in the body, in which the pain is felt in the ear (this is known as referred pain).

Earache is very common in children, as the anatomy of their Eustachian tube makes them more susceptible to more infections. Earache is also common in children who are around smokers, and in summer, when allergies and swimming play a role.

Primary earache may be caused by conditions affecting the:

  • Outer ear canal: trauma, foreign bodies, infection, (otitis externa), impacted wax, malignancies, and allergies.
  • Middle ear (otitis media) acute or chronic infection, ruptured eardrum, and Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Have you got persistent earache? Speak to one of our doctors about how to fix it today.

You can also get an earache from:

  • A tooth infection.
  • Problems in the jaw joint (temporo-mandibular joint).
  • Parotid (salivary) gland disorders.
  • Tonsillitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis.
  • Cancer of the tongue, pharynx or oesophagus.

General treatment includes:

  • Stop smoking and keep children away from environmental cigarette smoke.
  • Take care to manage your allergies.
  • Keep the ear canals dry – for example, after swimming or hair-washing.
  • Avoid putting foreign objects like cotton-tipped buds into your ears.
  • Relieve the Eustachian tube discomfort in older children by chewing gum.
  • A combination of paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory (e.g. Ibuprofen) will relieve most earaches until it can be assessed by a doctor.

Quick relief
People often use ice packs or warm compresses, like a heating pad or damp washcloth, to relieve pain, and the same can be done for ear pain. This method is safe for both children and adults. Place the ice pack or warm compress over the ear.

Protect your ears

  • Avoid using objects to clean inside your ears. Your ears are self-cleansing. Cleaning inside your ear with an earbud, bobby pin or your fingernail may tear the skin. If you have excess ear wax build-up, have it removed by a healthcare professional.
  • Keep your ear canals dry: dry your ears after swimming and hair-washing, shake out excess water in your ears, wear earplugs while swimming.
  • Control your allergies. Inflammation caused by allergies can contribute to ear infection and ear pain.
  • Stop smoking and avoid exposure to second hand smoke. Cigarette smoke can increase the frequency and severity of ear infections.
  • Stay up to date with immunisations, including those for flu as ear infections often occur after flu.

It’s time to speak to Hello Doctor when:

  • You also have a fever, have recently had an upper respiratory tract infection, or if this pain is plaguing your child who is six months or younger. A fever indicates the possibility of a more serious infection.
  • You frequently develop otitis media; repeated bouts can lead to hearing loss or more serious infections.
  • You have hearing problems; the infection may be affecting hearing ability.
  • You feel nauseous or have bouts of diarrhoea accompanying the earache.
  • You have nasal congestion.
  • You are dizzy or imbalanced.
  • Your eardrum turns yellow or red and bulges.

 

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