Sinus Lavage

When you have chronic sinusitis, your sinuses or nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. This interference with drainage and causes mucus to build, causing blockage or congestion. This common condition is also known as chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis, it may be difficult for you to breathe through the nose. The area around the eyes and face may feel bloated, and you can have a throbbing pain on the face or a headache.

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are almost the same as for acute sinus infection. But the symptoms of chronic sinusitis lasts longer and are more persistent and recurrent.

You are at higher risk of contracting chronic or recurrent sinusitis if you have:

* An abnormality of the nasal passages, such as a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or
* Sensitivity to aspirin which causes respiratory symptoms
* A health condition such as cystic fibrosis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
* An immune system disorder such as HIV / AIDS or cystic fibrosis
Hay fever or another allergic condition that affects * sinus
* Asthma - about one in five people with chronic sinusitis in asthma
* Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke

If you want to avoid contracting a chronic infection of the sinuses, you can:

* Avoid those with upper respiratory infections. Minimize contact with people with colds. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals.
* Manage your allergies with care. Work with your doctor to keep under control the symptoms.
* Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame the lungs and nasal passages.
* Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, as if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis. Make sure the humidifier is clean and free of mold with regular, thorough cleaning.

If you are suffering from chronic sinus infection, these self-help measures can help relieve your symptoms:

* Get plenty of rest. This will help your body fight infection and speed healing.
* Drink plenty of fluids, like water or juice. This will help dilute mucus and promote drainage. Avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol because they can be dehydrating. Alcohol may also worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.
* Steam your sinus cavities. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water. Keep the steam directed toward your face. Or take a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air. This will help relieve pain and clear mucus.
* Apply warm compresses to your face. Warm, damp towels around your nose, cheeks and eyes to ease facial pain.
* Rinse your nasal passages. Use a squeeze bottle specially designed, pear or a neti pot to irrigate the nasal passages. This home remedy, called nasal washing, can help clear your sinuses.
* Sleep with your head elevated. This will help drain your sinuses, reduce congestion


More information on the treatment of sinus infection, as infection, chronic sinusitis can be found at Sinusitis - Sinus Dynamics .