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If you are suffering from difficult allergies or you have a cold that just doesn’t seem to go away, chances are you are dealing with sinusitis — an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the cavities within the bones that surround the nose.
Sinus blockage can have a variety of environmental, anatomical, and genetic causes, but the main culprit is swelling of the nasal passages produced by the common cold or allergies.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) starts when this drainage system becomes blocked, usually from swelling due to inflammation caused by infection or allergy. Soon, your head hurts, you feel facial pressure or pain, and thick mucus clogs your nose. The symptoms may clear on their own, but often they persist or repeatedly return.
With up to 12% of the American population affected by Chronic Rhinosinusitis, it’s important to understand and explore options.
Common Symptoms of Sinusitis:
- Facial pain
- Facial pressure
- Nasal discharge
- Nasal congestion
- Thick Mucus
- Headaches or migraines
- Loss of smell
- Coughing
If symptoms are severe and last for more than a week, you may want to see your primary care clinician.
Chronic sinusitis
If symptoms linger or keep returning, you may have chronic sinusitis, a more complex disorder that calls for evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (also called an otolaryngologist). She or he will order a CT scan of your nose and sinuses and examine the nasal cavity with a thin lighted tube (endoscope) to look for causes of the blockage. Blood and allergy tests and bacterial cultures may also be needed.
Addressing Symptoms
What can you do to alleviate symptoms of sinusitis, or prevent its onset?
Preventative Measures:
- Bathe your nasal passages daily
- Drink lots of water
- Inhale steam
- Avoid dry environments
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Avoid antihistamines unless prescribed
Source: Harvard
For the pain, try a warm compress on your face, or inhale steam. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can also relieve facial pain, as well as headache and fever. Nasal irrigation and decongestants may help in addressing chronic sinusitis by keeping mucus loose and nasal passages clear.
Many over-the-counter medications for sinus & allergy may contain ingredients that contribute to further dryness. When over-the-counter medications or commercially available options don’t provide desired results, compounding a sinus medication can eliminate drying ingredients, allergens, and incorporate soothing ingredients. Unlike mass-produced medications, compounded preparations for these conditions are made to target precise symptoms and dosing based on the individual.
Expert-Compounded Medications
All compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed practitioner.
Working with your medical provider, the experienced pharmacists at Eastern States Compounding Pharmacy can combine antibiotic, antifungal, and corticosteroid medications into custom solutions to fit each and every patient’s specific needs.
Topical sinus therapy solutions allow healthcare providers the freedom to prescribe the amount of medication they believe will provide their patients with the most relief.
Our experience has allowed us to deliver this medication in a number of administration routes including:
- Nasal Nebulizers
- Nasal Irrigations
- Nasal Rinse Bottles
- More
Our pharmacists can work with your medical provider to determine the best route for your case.
If you are a patient with sinus issues that are persistent, ask your medical provider about exploring custom compounded options.
If you are a provider, looking to expand your knowledge about compounding for sinus conditions, reach out to the experts at Eastern States Compounding Pharmacy. We work with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists (also called an otolaryngologist) to provide patients with alternatives customized for their specific case.
