Affecting an estimated 37 million people each year, sinusitis is a common condition that affects 14% of the adult population in the United States. Having issues with your sinuses have a significant impact on the quality of your life and can lead to many office visits with your doctor! Sinus trouble can distract you during the day and can interfere with your ability to sleep at night. While some sinus infection cases run their course in a few days, other cases can be persistent and can last for months. Knowing and being educated about this condition can help you in your fight against it. Check out these interesting sinusitis facts to learn more about this common condition.
Top Sinusitis Facts:
1. Sinusitis falls under two main categories, acute and chronic.
2. Chronic sinusitis results in an estimated 18-22 million doctor visits each year.
3. Allergies, colds, and irritants can cause swelling of the nasal passages and can obstruct sinus openings.
4. Irritants can include cigarette smoke, recreational substances, household chemicals, car exhaust, perfume, paint fumes, over-the-counter nasal sprays, and paint fumes.
5. The cilia could become damaged due to irritants, and this can have an impact on mucus drainage. This causes stagnated mucus and becomes an ideal place for bacteria to thrive.
6. Acute bacterial sinus infections are often caused by bacteria.
7. Acute sinusitis often can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
8. If not treated, acute sinusitis can lead to chronic sinusitis and other complications.
9. If you have a persistent cold or allergies, it could be sinusitis.
10. Sinusitis can be caused by interference with airflow into the sinuses, and by an interference of the drainage of mucus out of the sinuses.
11. Growths, nasal polyps, or tumors can obstruct the sinuses and the ostium.
12. Antihistamines, air humidity, and disease can thicken mucus secretions.
13. Endoscopic sinus surgery can help relieve nasal obstruction.
14. Sinus infections can occasionally be caused by problems with the immune system.
If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, don’t delay and see your doctor for available treatment options.