Diagnosing Sinus Problems in Jasper IN is done primarily with data that is obtained after doctors perform a careful clinical examination. This exam covers the nasal area and sinuses, along with a visual, physiological and radiological exam. Exploring the sinuses can be performed through the above methods or via an endoscopy. In many cases, it is necessary to perform a radiographic examination and a nasal discharge culture to determine the extent of the sinus problem.
Patients who come in with sinus problems will be asked to undergo a comprehensive study of their nasal area. This will allow the physician to provide a viable diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment should always be under prescription and medical supervision. It must be indicated depending on the severity of symptoms and the presence or absence of complications. Sinusitis is known as an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses (maxillary sinus, ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid). Its origin is almost always considered inflammatory, something of which is commonly referred to as rhinosinusitis.
Sinusitis can be acute, and evolution is less than three weeks; subacute sinusitis is when symptoms persist between three weeks and three months, and chronic is when the duration of the disease is more than three months. What are the symptoms?
- Facial pain
- Nasal obstruction
- Rhinorrhea (nasal mucus)
- Postnasal drip
- Decreased sense of smell
- Headaches
The most common cause of sinus and nasal inflammation is the common cold, usually due to a viral infection. Acute sinusitis is usually bacterial and is preceded by a cold of the upper airway or an allergic process or an environmental irritation (fumes, gasses, vapors, and so on). Under normal conditions, mucus is produced and accumulates in the sinuses, which drains into the nasal cavity. However, when a cold is a cause, the mucosa of the sinuses becomes inflamed and prevents mucus from draining. This leads to congestion and infection.
The most common germs responsible for sinus problems are streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus iinfluenza. Unlike an upper respiratory infection or an allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires an accurate diagnosis and an antibiotic to prevent further complications. People with acute sinusitis have facial pain, pressure, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea (heavy flow of nasal mucus), decreased a sense of smell and cough. It can also include fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dental pain. Chronic sinusitis may denote the above along with pus. Visit Accredited Asthma Allergy And Food Intolerance Center to learn more.