Saturday, July 26, 2008

Sinusitis Treatments: Chronic vs. Acute

By Paul Tamens

Sinusitis occurs as a result of the sinus membranes in the nasal passages swelling up as a result of a variety of different factors. A sinusitis condition can develop as a result of two reasons. The first reason is a reaction to an allergenic. The second reason is a reaction to contracting a virus or bacteria.

There are two types of sinusitis that can develop. The first type of sinusitis that can develop is referred to as acute sinusitis. This type is the lesser of the two as only lasts a few days or a few weeks. Acute sinusitis occurs from either allergies or an infection of viruses or bacteria. The second type of sinusitis that can develop is referred to as chronic sinusitis. It comes from the same places as the acute version but lasts longer. It can last for several weeks or even several months.

The treatment for acute sinusitis depends on the root cause of the condition. Treatment of the symptoms is universal regardless of the cause of the condition. However, depending on what the cause of the condition is, you will also have to treat the trigger of the condition. For example, if acute sinusitis is being caused by an allergic reaction, then it makes sense to limit or eliminate exposure to whatever is causing the reaction. If acute sinusitis is being caused by exposure to bacteria or viruses then it makes sense to eliminate the bacterial or viruses that trigger the condition.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by many of the same sources as acute sinusitis. Prolonged exposure to the causes can result in this condition. In addition, there are several other causes above and beyond the root causes identified for acute sinusitis that can trigger a chronic sinusitis condition. A really bad common cold can cause a respiratory tract infection, resulting in chronic sinusitis. Other causes include injury to the face, airborne fungi exposure or other medical conditions.

Acute sinusitis can be treated using several different methods. Over the counter medicine is one way you can treat it. There are many medications that you can purchase at your local pharmacy or drug start to treat sinusitis. Some examples include Claritin OTC, Dayquil, Nyquil, Actifed and Sudafed. Drinking hot soup or tea, doing a nasal rinse and inhaling hot steam are also ways you can help treat acute sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis should be treated by seeking out a medical professional. There are several treatments that a medical professional can recommend that you personally cannot engage in on your own. For example, chronic sinusitis may require access to medications that are not available over the counter. There are drugs such as Flonase and Prednisone that can reduce inflammation of the sinuses directly. Sometimes a medical procedure is needed in order to treat chronic sinusitis. A doctor can recommend procedures such as a ballon rhinoplasty as well as an endoscopic sinus surgery. This is why it is important that you seek out a doctor to treat chronic sinusitis. Otherwise you will simply suffer through the symptoms indefinitely.

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