SINUSITIS, RHINITIS, AND ALLERGIES Q: What is a sinus?
A: A sinus is a hollow space within the bones of the face. The sinuses are lined by delicate membrane. The membrane is called mucosa. As shown in the
normal anatomy picture, there are four pairs of sinuses. The function of the sinuses is to humidify and warm the air, add to the sense of smell and to play a significant role in the quality of
human sound. It is well known that during acute sinusitis, the quality of our voice changes and the senses of smell and taste are reduced.
Q: What is the estimate of the number of people suffering from allergic rhinitis and sinusitis?
A: The number ranges from 30 to 50 million. It may be difficult to get the exact number. It is a known fact that nasal allergies and
sinus diseases are extremely common. Our goal as a medical product company is to join the health care forces already in play to help people suffering from this disease. We do not claim that
our product "SINUS RINSE™", will cure the problem, but we can certainly say that either alone or with other medical therapies it will reduce symptoms. Q: What is rhinitis?
A: Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucosa (delicate lining of the inner body surfaces) of nasal passages. Q: What is sinusitis?
A: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of various sinuses, which are located around the nasal passages. Usual symptoms
are increased nasal secretions and pain or headache around the sinuses.
Q: Do sinuses usually drain?
A: Yes. Sinuses make mucus and usually drain into the nasal passage through openings called the ostia.
Q: What are the symptoms related to sinusitis and blockage of the ostia or opening of the sinuses?
A: Following are the symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis
which occur when the sinuses are inflamed and ostia are blocked:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny or stuffy nose
- White, yellow, or green discharge
- Headache
- Night time cough
- Pain in the upper jaw or teeth
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Rarely and unfortunately serious infections like meningitis, brain abscess, ear infections,etc.
Q: What are the causes of rhinitis and sinusitis?
A:
- cold viruses
- allergies to various allergens
- smoking in any form
- bacterial or fungal infections
- nasal polyps and deviated nasal septum
- non-allergic hypersensitivities
Q: How do I differentiate between rhinitis and sinusitis?
A: Due to overlapping symptoms, it may be difficult to differentiate between the two. Usually symptoms of rhinitis include: stuffy
nose, runny or drippy nose, scratchy throat, and dry cough. However, symptoms of sinusitis are more severe than the symptoms of rhinitis. We have also described these symptoms above.
Q: What is FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)?
A: FESS is the abbreviation for functional endoscopic sinus
surgery. Current technology of fiberoptics, video camera, and television monitors, allows excellent examination of all openings of
the sinuses, nasal turbinates, and nasal septum. Surgery restores the anatomy to as normal as possible or as functional as possible
in order to help improve or cure the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Q: How do I know if I need surgery for my sinuses?
A: There are various forms of endoscopic sinus surgeries that can often be curative. We strongly advise that you contact your
physician. You can consider consulting an ENT (ear, nose & throat) specialist or an Allergist. Q. Do I need to change nasal irrigation technique after sinus surgery?
A. The patient may need to rinse more carefully and may find
larger amounts of rinse solution are necessary. After they finish rinsing, the patient will probably need to take a little more time to
assume head positions that will allow more complete drainage from the sinuses.
Q: What is a corticosteroid nasal spray?
A: Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs. They are not anabolic steriods. Physicians prescribe corticosteroid nasal
sprays to reduce chronic inflammation of the mucosa (lining membrane) of nasal passage and sinuses.
Q: What are nasal decongestants and when do I use them?
A: Nasal decongestants constrict the dilated blood vessels and reduces nasal and sinus congestion. Please get an approval from
your physician or refer to the literature that comes with over the counter nasal decongestant medication. Q. Can nasal rinses prevent head cold or reduce the symptoms?
A. Saline rinses in the very earliest stages of a head cold can
abort the usual extended duration of the sinus and nasal infection.
Q: What are antihistamines?
A: Antihistamines are the most common medications used to treat allergies. They work by blocking the effects of histamine
which is released during an allergic reaction and help relieve the symptoms of sneezing, itchy nose and eyes and runny nose. They are not as helpful with nasal congestion.
Q: What is an allergen?
A: Allergens are organic particles, which attach to the nasal mucosa or respiratory mucosa and lead to the development of an
antibody, which subsequently creates a series of chemical reactions leading to symptoms. Every individual's reaction to allergen exposure is different. The same amount of exposure to
allergy particles can cause mild, moderate, or severe reaction in different people. Some may not have any reactions at all. Those with moderate to severe reactions will have symptoms. Q: Can you name a few "allergens"?
A: There are indoor allergens as well as outdoor allergens.
Examples of indoor allergens include dust mites, mold, pet dander (from animals and birds) and cockroaches. Examples of outdoor allergens are pollens, grass and mold. We are listing only a few.
Other substances such as cigarette smoke, perfumes and aerosol sprays are irritants which can worsen allergy and sinus symptoms. Q: Are allergens always visible?
A: Most individual allergens are not visible. Dust mites are a typical example. They are not visible to the naked eye, yet they
are present in virtually every house. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on human skin flakes and are present in mattresses, pillows, carpets and upholstery in homes and automobiles.
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Q: How do I reduce the problem of dust mites?
Q: What is a mold?
Q: What is pet dander?
Q: What is seasonal allergic rhinitis?
