Chronic sinusitis is a medical condition whereby the mucous lining of the sinuses remains inflamed all the time. In a mild sinusitis, the body usually heals itself naturally even though it may a while like 14 days to 21 days. However,  when the healing process takes too long, the end result would be recurrent sinusitis on a regular basis.

Most people with chronic sinusitis have many factors which predispose them to suffer from regular episodes of sinusitis. Some of these include cold weather, viral influenza, airborne pollutants such a pet dander, pollens and mold infestation in the home.

Top 5 Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms

1. Nasal congestion. The causes of nasal obstruction could be due to allergies related to certain food groups, pollens, fungi and other foreign matters. Nasal congestion can also be caused by nasal polyps, enlarged nasal turbinates and a deviated septum within the nose.

2. Mucus discharge. Nasal discharge could be thick and jelly-like. Some mucus can stained with pus giving a yellowish-green colour which indicates a bacterial infection. Foul-smelling mucus indicates bacterial infection of the maxillary sinuses arising from a dental problem.

3. Postnasal drip. Increased post nasal drip is a significant chronic sinus infection symptom. It is also common to find a sudden mass of clear, sticky and thick mucus draining down the nasopharynx occasionally.

4. Persistent sore throat. If a person has a persistent sore throat which does not go away with prescribed medication, sinusitis is suspected.

5. Blocked ears. Chronic sinusitis sufferers often have the feeling that their ears are clogged up. This is due to the sticky mucus obstructing the openings of the eustachian tubes. Sometimes, the eustachian tubes are themselves inflamed causing eustachian tube dysfunction.

Chronic sinusitis treatment

1. Antibiotics

If there is no abnormality to the anatomy of the nose, prescription antibiotics to treat the bacterial sinus infection would be appropriate. Today, for an effective treatment, third generation antibiotics are preferred. In particular, third generation broad-spectrum antibiotics are found to be effective as they have pronounced effects over many types of bacteria. However, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics presents the danger of promoting antibiotic resistance.

For chronic sinusitis treatment, the ENT surgeons seem to favor the use of a broad-spectrum antibiotics. Cedax® (Ceftibuten dihydrate),  Avelox® (moxifloxacin)  and Cravit®  Levofloxacin are popular.

Besides antibiotics, antihistamines and corticosteroids would be needed to clear the allergy symptoms and inflammation respectively. Steroid nasal sprays have had some success in helping to alleviate allergy symptoms.

2. Surgical procedures

Surgery is implicated when the patient has structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum, presence of nasal polyps and abnormally large turbinates.

Chronic sinusitis is a condition that is very difficult to treat. You should take special care to arrest mild cases of sinus infection early!

Of late, there have been many an increasing number of chronic sinus infection cases which does not respond well to modern medicine. Find out more about fungal sinusitis and what is is an effective home remedy for eustachian tube dysfunction.

Your dog can suffer just as much as you do from allergies. One look at your puppy’s runny eyes, red ears and flaky skin can let you know there’s a problem it’s important to have a veterinarian examine your dog to rule out thyroid disease or other types of problems; but often allergens are the culprit.

Allergy medicine for your dog is available. There are to two major types: corticosteroids and antihistamines. A look at each of the types will give an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of these treatments. There also are other, non-medicinal ways to reduce your pet’s allergy suffering.

Corticosteroids

Prednisone is one commonly used corticosteroid for dogs. This type of allergy medicine for your dog works well and fast. However, there are a number of side effects, some of which are mild but others that are potentially lethal. Corticosteroids can possibly suppress your dog’s immune system. Short-term use of this allergy medicine for your dog is okay but long-term use should be avoided. Give these drugs in as low of a dose as possible.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a much safer allergy medicine for your dog than corticosteroids. But it may take a while to find the most effective type for your dog. Also, antihistamines will probably have to be administered to your dog several times a day. Giving pills to your dog is not fun, and doing it three times a day can become a real chore. Antihistamines can also make your dog drowsy and may not work for all dogs, and some experts say antihistamines only work in 20-30% of dogs.

Non-medicinal treatments

Supplementing the allergy medicine for your dog that you decide on with non-medicinal treatment has shown benefits. Often, changing your dog’s diet can help as your dog could have a food allergy but this is hard for veterinarians to diagnose. The best way to figure out what’s irritating your dog is by process of elimination. Switching to a high-quality, all-natural dog food could be what is needed.

Bathing you dog frequently can also help supplement an allergy medicine for your dog. Use a shampoo with all-natural ingredients, like oatmeal and aloe vera. A bath can help soothe your pet’s irritated skin and cut down on the amount of medicine your dog needs.

Helping your dog fight his allergies can improve his quality of life. Finding the right allergy medicine for your dog, whether it’s antihistamines or corticosteroids, is important. The right medicine along with non-medicinal supplemental treatment can aid your dog tremendously.

Allegra allergy medicine is fast gaining popularity among people afflicted with seasonal allergy or allergic rhinitis. This is especially evident during spring and fall where allergens like pollens are widely disseminated by the air. Allegra medicine is also effective in treating uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It can also reduce pruritus and the number of wheals and flares.

Allegra medicine is an antihistamine with active ingredient fexofenadine hydrochloride. Allegra comes in 30, 60 or 180 mg. For children 12 years old and above and adults, one 60mg twice daily or 180mg once daily is recommended. For children 6 to 11 years old, one 30mg twice daily is the recommended dosage. Allegra allergy medicine is not approved for use for children below 6 years old. Allegra is best taken in the morning and in the evening.

Before you take allegra it is best to inform your doctor of any serious ailments you are suffering especially if you have: kidney, heart or other chronic disease. Or, if you have allergic reactions to fexofenadine. Pregnant or planning to get pregnant women should take necessary caution in using Allegra allergy medicines. Allegra is classified as FDA pregnancy category C, meaning its effects, whether it could harm the unborn baby or not, could not be ascertained. In all of the above cases, it is beneficial to approach a doctor first before using allegra. Doctors could lower the dosage or monitor your progress with allegra allergy medicines. Allegra medicine is taken orally with a full glass of water and could be taken with food.

If you happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, then take only one dose. You shouldnt take Allegra allergy medicines 15 minutes after taking antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum like Maalox, Mylanta or Milk of Magnesia as they could lessen the effect of allegra allergy medicine. Allegra medicine also reacts with other drugs such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, rifampin, St. Johns Wort and others. Taking extra doses of allegra allergy medicine is not allowed. Possible side effects for taking allegra allergy medicine are minimal and mild. Some of the effects are: menstrual changes, stomach pain, nausea, tiredness and vomiting.

Allegra is an effective antidote to the recurring seasonal allergies that plague millions of people worldwide. With Allegra allergy medicines aid, many of those afflicted are able to lead a normal life.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. It is usually caused by infection (bacterial or viral), but can also be caused by allergic reactions or other responses to environmental agents.

Symptoms may last for 3 months or more and include Chronic fatigue, Cough, Facial pain around the eyes or in the forehead or cheeks, Headache (in the front of the head or around the eyes), Nasal congestion, Nasal drainage (yellow, yellow-green, thick), Pain in the roof of the mouth or teeth etc. However, most patients with sinusitis have pain or tenderness in several locations, and symptoms usually do not clearly define which sinuses are inflamed.

Other symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or nasal congestion. In addition, drainage of mucus from the sphenoids (or other sinuses) down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat and can irritate the membranes lining the larynx (upper windpipe). On rare occasions, acute sinusitis can result in brain infection and serious complications.

If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, erythromycin or sulfa drugs, are usually prescribed for about 10 days. Your doctor also may prescribe one or more of the following remedies (which can be useful in reducing inflammation in the sinuses and nose and speeding recovery):

1. Decongestants. These temporarily relieve symptoms and also help the healing process by draining the nose and sinuses.Decongestants like pseudoephedrine, phenylpherine and phenylpropanolamine constrict the blood vessels and shrink the sinus and nasal membranes, thus, reducing stuffiness in the sinuses and nasal passageways.

2 Over-the-Counter Nasal Sprays. These products, including Afrin and Dristan, are decongestants in a spray form. They are effective when used for a few days, but can be addicting when used for longer periods of time.

After using decongestant sprays for three days, people usually experience a rebound effect – when they stop using the spray, they become even more congested and need more spray for relief. People with chronic allergies or sinus problems should limit the use of decongestant sprays to five treatments a week.

3 Prescription inhalers. Several types of prescription nasal inhalers can help reduce sinus inflammation (these are not decongestants and are not habit-forming). Prescription inhalers help heal sinus membranes after the bacteria have been eliminated. These drugs include Beconase, Nasalide and Vancenase (all cortisone derivatives) and Nasalcrom (a non-cortisone drug).

When used as directed by a doctor, prescription inhalers can be taken safely for months.

4 Expectorants. Medicines, such as Guaifenesin, thin the mucus so it drains more easily.

5 Antihistamines. These medications help relieve nasal itchiness and inflammation by blocking the action of histamine, however, they do not help mucus drain. Antihistamines include chlorpheniramine, Hismanal, Seldane and Tavist.

6 Humidifiers and salt-water sprays. Dry-air heating systems and air-conditioning can cause sinus membranes to dry out, crack and become vulnerable to irritants, inflammation and infection. Keeping a humidifier running in your home and office or using an over-the-counter salt-water spray (inhaled through the nose) five or six times a day can provide dramatic relief.

Recurring sinusitis accompanied by a bacterial infection usually requires one of the new, stronger antibiotics, such as Augmentin, Ceclor or Ceftin. These drugs may be given in larger doses for a longer period of time (up to four weeks) than required for a brief bout of sinusitis. The doctor may also recommend continued use of a prescription nasal inhaler for several months to keep the inflammation down and prevent a recurrence.

If you have any query related with sinusitis take online advice from doctors online at http://www.simplyanswer.com and ask the doctor, we will provide you medical consultation services within 24 hours.