|
Article Excerpt
What to do about sinusitis
A step-by-step approach starts with a simple nasal wash.
If you've ever had a cold that just wouldn't go away, chances are it was sinusitis * an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the cavities within the bones that surround the nose. The sinuses are lined with a thin membrane that produces mucus, which is normally swept along by hair cells and drains through small openings into the nasal cavity. Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) starts when this drainage system becomes blocked, usually from swelling due to inflammation caused by infection or allergy. Soon, your head hurts, you feel facial pressure or pain, and thick mucus clogs your nose. The symptoms may clear on their own, but often they persist or repeatedly return.
Several years ago, Dr. Ralph Metson, a sinus specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, conducted a study of the effects of chronic sinusitis on daily functioning. Dr. Metson says he and his colleagues undertook the research because so many of his patients felt that no one understood how miserable sinusitis could be. Comparing the impact of chronic sinusitis with that of other chronic illnesses * including heart failure, back pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * the Harvard researchers found that sinusitis sufferers reported the highest levels of pain and the lowest levels of social functioning, as well as significant problems with work, energy, and mental health.
Until the late 1970s, there were few tools to help pinpoint sinusitis, and treatment was difficult. Medications were limited, and surgery involved major incisions and a lengthy recovery time. In recent years, diagnosis and treatment have vastly improved. The course of sinusitis is better understood, and advances such as CT scans, minimally invasive procedures, and more powerful antibiotics are...
|
|
More articles from Harvard Women's Health Watch
In the journals: experts revise guidelines for irritable bowel syndrom..., March 01, 2009
Conditions: cold fingers, cold toes? Could be Raynaud's.(Disease/Disor..., March 01, 2009
By the way, doctor: Why is it unhealthy to have high triglycerides?(Re..., March 01, 2009
By the way, doctor: I have a joint replacement - should I take antibio..., March 01, 2009
Looking for additional articles?
Search our database of over 3 million articles.
Looking for more in-depth information on this industry?
Search our complete database of Industry & Market reports by text, subject, publication
name or publication date.
About Goliath
Whether you're looking for sales prospects, competitive information, company
analysis or best practices in managing your organization,
Goliath can help you meet your business needs.
Our extensive business information databases empower business
professionals with both the breadth and depth of credible,
authoritative information they need to support their business
goals. Whether it be strategic planning, sales prospecting,
company research or defining management best practices -
Goliath is your leading source for accurate information.
|
|
