What is acute sinusitis? How does it affect people with down syndrome? This article will talk about how people with down syndrome deal with acute sinusitis and why they are prone to it. surgeon performing nose jobs in Sydney says that the nose shape of people with down syndrome might make them more susceptible to acute sinusitis. Read more on that below. 

 

What Is Acute Sinusitis? 

Acute sinusitis or acute rhinosinusitis is usually brought on by a viral infection such a cold or the flu. The lining of the nose and sinuses become inflamed, making it more difficult for a person to drain their nose of the mucus that has been building up.  acute sinusitis

As long as no bacterial infection develops, acute sinusitis will usually resolve itself after around 10 days. Most of the time, only home remedies will be needed to aid the person as they wait for their sinuses to clear up. The home remedies used are usually only used to treat the symptoms and help alleviate any discomfort the person is feeling because of the sinusitis.  

 

Home Remedies For Acute Sinusitis 

People who suffer from acute sinusitis and are looking for a way to get relief from their symptoms may stand to benefit from these home remedies. Here is a list of the most common remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of acute sinusitis 

Over-the-counter medicines 

Acute sinusitis may sometimes cause a person to suffer from headaches because of the mucus that is stuck inside the sinus cavities. These headaches may be treated by over-the-counter pain medications. Other medicines that may be bought over the counter may include medicines to help a person expectorate phlegm. 

Nasal Spray 

Nasal sprays can help a person clear their blocked sinuses. These sprays use a saline solution to flush out the stubborn phlegm from the nasal cavity, helping a person be able to breathe better. 

Drink Plenty Of Water 

Increasing fluid intake is one way to help relieve a clogged sinus. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water will help dilute mucus that is stuck in the sinuses and also to promote drainage. 

Steam Inhalation 

The inhalation of steam or water vapor will also help loosen-up the phlegm. You can do steam inhalation by taking a hot shower and breathing deeply while in the shower. You can also pour boiling or very hot water into a bowl and cover your head and the bowl using a large towel. This will trap the steam inside, making it easier for you to breathe it in. 

 

What Is Chronic Sinusitis? 

Acute sinusitis usually resolves itself after a few days of rest and increasing fluid intake. However, in the case of chronic sinusitis, it is a different story. If you have been having a clogged nose and sinuses for more than 12 weeks, even with medical treatment and intervention, you may have chronic sinusitis. 

Chronic sinusitis may be diagnosed through imaging tests, having a doctor take a look at the discharges from your sinuses and physically having the doctor look into your nose and see if it is inflamed. Sometimes an allergy test will be required.  

 

Down Syndrome And Chronic Sinusitis 

Why are people with down syndrome seemingly more prone to getting sinusitis than people who do not have down syndrome? The reason behind this is in the size and shape of the nose for people with down syndrome. They have smaller noses (and therefore smaller nasal passages and sinuses), making it more difficult for them to expectorate when they have a cold. 

Their difficulty to expel the mucus from their noses makes them more prone to acute sinusitis. In many cases, they may develop chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis may cause facial pain if it is left untreated. Apart from the facial pain and clogged sinuses, there are other effects that may happen if chronic sinusitis is not treated right away. 

 

How They Can Cope 

acute sinusitisAlthough home remedies may work up to a certain point for people with down syndrome who suffer from acute sinusitis, it is a good idea to see a doctor if the condition worsens. If the person has allergies that are acting up, they can worsen the effects of chronic sinusitis. Facial pain may get worse and harder to deal with if no medical treatment is administered. 

Since sinus problems are fairly common for people who have down syndrome, regular visits to an ENT doctor will help them cope with any problems that may be connected with their acute or chronic sinusitis. These doctors will also be able to help them with relieving the symptoms. Also, having regular check-ups at specialized clinics for people with down syndrome will ensure that these patients are getting adequate treatment and attention to any problems that may be caused by their condition.  

 

Treatment Methods For Chronic Sinusitis 

There are certain methods that can be used in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. Here are the most common ones that doctors use. 

Medicines 

Certain types of medication can help a person relieve chronic sinusitis. If you have a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics can help. For others, taking steroidal drugs can also help get rid of the effects of sinusitis. 

Immunotherapy 

Strategies to help boost a person’s immune system may also do them good, especially if the cause of the chronic sinusitis is because of allergies. Taking allergy shots and other forms of medication to cure allergies may be the solution to chronic sinusitis caused by allergies. 

Surgery 

Lastly, if the doctor discovers that your chronic sinusitis is caused by a blockage in the sinuses, they may recommend surgery. These surgical techniques will get rid of the skin or membranes that are blocking the sinuses, and make the pathway clear. This will help prevent sinusitis from recurring again in the future.  

Keep in mind that acute and chronic sinusitis may be treated, but it depends on the reason why the person came down with sinusitis in the first place. People with down syndrome who suffer from sinusitis will do best to approach a doctor to see which type of treatment will work best for them. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *