Sinusitis and Allergic Fungal Sinusitis FAQ’s
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavity. Your sinuses are the openings in the bones around your nose which allow air and mucus to drain into the nose. Inflammation of one or more of the cavities inhibits this process so the mucous and membranes become infected and sinusitis results.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be caused by several different factors such as allergies to airborne fungus, cold symptoms, flu and asthma. Fungus and bacteria can build up in the sinus cavity and multiply therefore leading to an infection requiring antibiotic therapy and antifungal therapy.
What is Allergic Fungal Sinusitis?
Fungus and mold is prevalent in the air we breathe. People who have an allergy to fungus or mold most likely will experience chronic sinus infections. The allergen (fungus/mold) enters into the nasal cavity and releases histamine which causes sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, cough and eventually the nasal mucus travels to the sinus cavity causing bacteria to multiply, therefore leading to a sinus infection.
What is the difference between an Acute and Chronic Sinus infection?
There are two general types of sinusitis - acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. The main difference between acute and chronic sinusitis is the frequency and length of infection. Acute sinusitis happens sporadically, lasts only a few weeks, and often follows a respiratory infection such as a cold. Chronic sinusitis is defined as sinus inflammation that persists for two months or longer. Although acute sinusitis symptoms are often more severe, sufferers of chronic sinusitis run a higher risk of sinus tissue damage.
Is It Sinusitis, Or Just A Cold?
If you have what seems like a cold that never quite goes away, sometimes lasting several months, you may have chronic sinusitis. Another sign to look for is thick, yellow-green mucous that signals a bacterial infection in the sinuses. Other persisting symptoms are headaches that occur in the front of your head and around the eyes, facial pain around the eyes, forehead and/or cheeks; pain in the roof of the mouth or teeth; and a persistent cough. If you regularly experience two or more of the above, you should see a doctor for a further diagnosis.
Can Chronic Sinusitis Be Prevented?
You may not be a chronic sinusitis sufferer, but remember that the process by which it can start leaves many people susceptible to sinusitis. Continued exposure to mold in your environment that lodges in your nose can inhibit the draining of mucous in the nose. Stagnant mucous can become infected and harbor bacteria, causing further infections. It is important to note that a deviated septum or other obstruction of the nose may create pockets of fluid in the nose that can become infected. Also, in some cases dental infections can spread into a sinus cavity and infect it directly. However, if you fear that mold may be at the root of your sinus irritation, it is important to know what kind and how much mold may be in your environment.
Why Sinu-Zam?
Sinu-Zam is a patient specific solution that cures the infection and then provides long-term relief by treating the cause not just masking the problem. Each patient gets the exact formulation that is necessary to treat their specific problem and it is based on their specific test results. It is like having you own privet medical research team creating solutions that are specific to your problems only.
How is the testing process different?
Our doctors prescribe the test and we send you to one of our 1800 affiliated laboratories located around the country. There is not appointment necessary and the results are automatically sent back to our medical department for processing and review.
How is the medication different?
The medication is designed just for you to help your specific problem. After the doctors determine the requirements for the specific medication for your problem it is compounded just for you and sent directly to you from an FDA approved pharmacy.
