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If you’ve ever had a blocked nose, you’ll know how horrible and stuffed up you feel. You find that you can’t breathe properly, so you can’t sleep properly, you’re constantly sneezing, you have a runny nose. It’s awful! But ramp that up a notch or two, and you’ll find you may have sinusitis.
It also, oddly enough, can affect your teeth. Your sinus sits directly above the roof of your mouth. You may have heard of something called a sinus lift. This is where we move the sinus up slightly, to allow room for an implant to be placed.
Here’s a cross examination of a human head. You can see just how close the sinus is to the apex (end) of the roots of the upper teeth.
Because it sits so close to your teeth, it can sometimes give the impression of tooth ache. This is because the sinus is pressing down on the areas around the ends of your teeth.
Sinus tooth pain arises with congestion of a fluid called mucus in the sinus cavity during infection in sinuses. This is followed by sinus inflammation that exerts pressure on the nerves that provokes intense pain in the upper rear teeth as their roots are located near the sinuses. Maxillary Sinus is highly responsible for dental pain with a sinus infection.
Moreover, the sinuses, gums and teeth share similar nerves to sense pains. This is why certain people encounter sinus gum pain.
You will encounter pain in the problematic tooth alone with dental illness whereas sinus toothache aggravates pain in many teeth especially the upper molar teeth. The pain in teeth will be accompanied by the following discomforts when you have sinus pressure:
When you have pain in teeth whilst suffering from sinus infection, it means getting sinusitis treatment will provide relief from the sinus tooth pain.
Here are the common remedies that alleviate pain and quicken the sinus infection toothache recovery:
Let’s have a little delve into what happens when you get sinusitis.
Sinusitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the sinuses, which are hollow cavities in the skull, become inflamed and swollen. While sinusitis can be uncomfortable and disruptive, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help individuals manage the condition effectively. In this blog, we will delve into the details of sinusitis, providing you with valuable insights into this prevalent ailment.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located behind the forehead, cheeks, nose, and eyes. These sinuses produce mucus, which helps moisten the nasal passages and filter out pollutants. When the sinuses become infected or blocked, it can lead to the development of sinusitis.
Common Causes of Sinusitis:
Several factors can contribute to the development of sinusitis, including:
a. Viral Infections: The common cold or influenza can trigger sinusitis.
b. Bacterial Infections: Bacteria can invade the sinuses, causing infection.
c. Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can inflame the sinuses.
d. Nasal Polyps: Abnormal growths in the nasal passages can block the sinuses.
e. Deviated Septum: A crooked or shifted nasal septum can obstruct sinus drainage.
Symptoms of Sinusitis:
The symptoms of sinusitis can vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Common symptoms include:
a. Facial pain, tooth pain or pressure
b. Nasal congestion
c. Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
d. Headache
e. Coughing
f. Fatigue
g. Reduced sense of taste and smell
Types of Sinusitis:
Sinusitis can be classified into different types based on the duration and severity of symptoms. These include:
a. Acute Sinusitis: Lasting less than four weeks, it is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
b. Subacute Sinusitis: Lasting four to twelve weeks, it may be a continuation of acute sinusitis.
c. Chronic Sinusitis: Persisting for twelve weeks or longer, it is often associated with inflammation or structural abnormalities.
d. Recurrent Sinusitis: Characterized by several episodes of sinusitis within a year.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for sinusitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and address the underlying cause. Common treatment options include:
a. Nasal Irrigation: Rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution to flush out mucus and allergens.
b. Decongestants: Over-the-counter or prescription medications that help reduce nasal congestion.
c. Antibiotics: If the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
d. Corticosteroids: Nasal sprays or oral medications that help reduce inflammation.
e. Allergy Medications: Antihistamines or allergy shots to manage sinusitis caused by allergies.
f. Surgery: In severe cases or when structural abnormalities are present, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Conclusion:
Sinusitis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, but with proper understanding and treatment, its effects can be minimized. By recognizing the causes, identifying symptoms, and exploring various treatment options, individuals can effectively manage sinusitis and find relief from its uncomfortable symptoms. If you suspect you have sinusitis, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Remember, as ever, early intervention can help prevent complications and promote a speedy recovery.
You can find out more on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/
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