Table of contents:
- Types of sinusitis infections can vary
- Acute sinusitis
- Subacute sinusitis
- Chronic sinusitis
- What are the risk factors for sinusitis in adults?
- Can sinusitis be prevented?
Sinusitis is a condition when there is infection or inflammation that attacks the sinuses. The sinuses are small air pockets on the back of the face that lead to the nasal cavity with the task of producing mucus for the nose. You are diagnosed with sinusitis when you have too much mucus due to viruses or bacteria. That is why people with sinusitis usually suffer from colds and nasal congestion. But in fact, there are various risk factors for sinusitis that increase your chances of developing it.
Types of sinusitis infections can vary
Sinusitis symptoms are actually similar to flu symptoms in general. Starting from decreased function of the sense of smell, nasal congestion, headaches, fever, fatigue, coughing, to sore throat.
Even so, not all sinusitis that everyone experiences are the same. There are several types of sinusitis, the symptoms of which are often difficult to distinguish. The type of sinusitis for each person is distinguished by the severity of the condition and the length of time the symptoms last, namely:
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis has the shortest duration among other types of sinusitis infections. When compared to viral infections that cause acute sinusitis which usually last one to two weeks, acute sinusitis caused by bacteria can last up to four weeks.
Subacute sinusitis
Subacute sinusitis is generally triggered by a bacterial infection or seasonal allergy that makes it considered more severe than acute sinusitis. This condition will usually last for about three months.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is arguably the most severe type of sinusitis because the symptoms can last for more than three months. This condition is not only caused by viruses or bacteria, but can also occur together with an allergy attack or because of a problem in the inside of the nose.
What are the risk factors for sinusitis in adults?
Sinusitis infection can affect anyone indiscriminately. However, there are several risk factors for sinusitis that can increase your chances of developing it.
For example, if you have an unusual nose structure. Either because the wall that divides the nasal cavity has shifted from the midline (nasal septal deviation), or the growth of tissue inside the nose (nasal polyps). Environmental allergies will also trigger sinusitis.
Reporting from the Very Well Health page, people with weak immune systems are at risk for sinusitis. Includes people with HIV / AIDS, multiple myeloma, blood cancer, or someone who is routinely undergoing chemotherapy treatment or with corticosteroid drugs.
In addition, there are various other medical conditions that are unknowingly associated with sinusitis risk factors. Including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, and autoimmune diseases.
Can sinusitis be prevented?
As explained earlier, sinusitis usually begins to develop after the body is exposed to allergens, cold, viruses, or bacteria. So, one of the first steps you can take to prevent sinuses is to live a healthy lifestyle, which in turn can ward off allergens and germs that cause infection.
Start adopting a regular diet; fill the source of nutrition that the body needs; and diligently wash your hands, both before and after eating, from the toilet, from outside the house, or after handling anything that is considered to contain lots of germs. Do not forget, limit the body from exposure to cigarette smoke, chemicals, pollen, and other allergens.
