Sinus congestion

Sinus congestion may make you feel miserable, but managing it can be easy - if you find the right treatment.

Your sinuses are the cavities around your nasal passages and sinusitis causes your sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. This interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up in your sinuses which makes it difficult to breathe through your nose. The area around your eyes and face feels swollen, and you might have throbbing facial pain or a headache.

Common causes of sinusitis include:

  • Allergies
  • Infections
  • Structural problems with your nose and sinuses.
You can have acute or chronic sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is mostly caused by the common cold, unless a bacterial infection develops. Most cases of acute sinusitis resolve within a week to 10 days.

When sinusitis lasts for at least 12 weeks, despite treatment, it is considered to be chronic. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses or by a deviated nasal septum.

Remedies for sinusitis

In most cases these remedies can help treat acute sinusitis, however, persistent sinusitis can lead to serious infections and other complications.

  • Steam it for temporary relief
  • Rinse with salt water, either an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or a saline rinse from a neti pot
  • Avoid cigarette smoke
  • Talk to your doctor to get a nasal steroid spray and, if necessary, antibiotics
  • Do not use other nasal sprays, such as decongestant sprays. It can make the problem worse if you rely on them consistently.
  • Get your allergies under control
  • Drink peppermint tea which contains menthol. It helps to thin mucous and open up nasal passages
  • Eat chicken soup. Studies suggest that chicken soup may actually decrease mucous production by affecting immune function and inflammation
Your benefits to treat sinusitis

TFG Medical Aid Scheme makes available routine, acute and chronic benefits on both Plan A and B that can be utilised to treat sinusitis should you be diagnosed. Please consult your 2017 Benefit Brochure for more information.

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