Sponsored Article
By Dr. JoshbrPrickett, Medical Director, North Tarrant E-Care EmergencybrCenter
Approximately 37 million Americans have to deal with some sort of sinus pain everybryear, and those numbers are on the rise. Sinusitis can lead to congestion andbrmisery, and may even necessitate a visit to an emergency center. Here are some of the reasons that people experience sinus problems andbrwhat you can do to avoid them.
Why They Happen
Allergies are the leadingbrcause of sinus attacks. Some people have issues during spring and fall – whenbrpollen counts tend to be higher – while others have to deal with allergies yearbrround. The second leading cause is the cold or flu. When a cold virus attacksbryour sinuses, they swell. As a result, your drainage pathways shrink and morebrmucus is produced. Even worse, a sinus infection can develop due to the growthbrof the bacteria in the mucus and linger for days or even weeks.
There are a few otherbrculprits, however. These include:
· brIndoor airbrcontaminants such as cigarette smoke, household cleaners and pesticides
· brAn anatomicalbrproblem such as a nasal bone spur or deviated septum
· brDiving orbrswimming, which can cause pressure changes in the nose and sinuses and lead tobran increased risk for sinusitis
Defend Yourself
While there may be nobrfoolproof way to protect yourself from a bout of sinusitis, there are measuresbryou can take in order to lessen the risk, as well as lessen the severity shouldbrit occur.
· brDrink plenty ofbrwater each day – at least a quart. Increased moisture in the body can helpbrmucus drain easier.
· brTry to maintainbrthe proper humidity level in your home, but don’t overdo it. Somewhere in thebrrange of 40-60% would be ideal. If your indoor air is too humid, dust mites andbrmold can accumulate and make you more susceptible to a wide range of problems,brincluding sinus issues. But if the air is too dry, your sinuses could becomebrirritated.
· brWash your handsbrfrequently with soap and water, especially during cold weather when virusesbrlive longer on surfaces such as doorknobs.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you develop sinusitis andbrit does not improve after two days of home treatment, or it is accompanied by abrfever that is 101°F or higher, get in touch with a medical professional as soonbras you can. You should also call a doctor if you experience pain in your face or upper teeth, or if your painbrruns from the bridge of your nose to your lower eyelid.
If you would like to learn more from doctors nearbrSouthlake about reducing your risks of developing sinusitis, call E-Care Emergency Centers at 817-281-7277 If you ever needbremergency or urgent care, use this convenient form to check inbronline.
JoshbrPrickett, MD, is currently medical director for North Tarrant location ofbrE-Care Emergency Center in North Richland Hills. Dr. Prickett graduated frombrthe University of Oklahoma Medical School and has been practicing emergencybrcare in Oklahoma, Minnesota and Texas since 1989. He has been married tobrhis wife Carin for 30 years. They have a son Jonathan, a daughter Whitney,brand a son-in-law John. Dr. Prickett and his family are active in their churchbrand love being a part of the Southlake community.