West Hillsborough News

• Nasal inflammation, also referred to as sinusitis, involves inflammation or swelling of the sinus lining.
• When the sinuses become inflamed, the build-up of pressure in your sinuses causes pain that feels like a headache.
• Sinus inflammation affects 16% of women and 10% of men each year.

Inflammation is the natural response of the body to an infection and will happen invariably when someone is dealing with sinusitis. According to Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free, inflammation is an issue common to both asthma and sinusitis.

“Asthma and sinusitis are very closely related, especially in those patients with nasal polyps,” Dr. Pate told the West Hillsborough News. “The sinuses and the lungs are a unified airway. So, the inflammation that we see with asthma is very closely related to sinusitis.”

According to Pulchra, Sinuses refer to the hollow spaces found between the eyes, behind the cheekbones, and the forehead. They are responsible for making mucus that keeps the insides of the nose moist protecting you from pollutants, dust, and allergens. When filled with fluid and blocked, an infection caused by germs occurs. If you have an inflamed sinus, it’s sinusitis. It includes symptoms like pain, tenderness, or swelling around the sinuses.

Nasal inflammation can obstruct air passages, leading to increased mucus production and the potential for infection, according to the American Sinus Institute. The issue is relatively common and is often triggered by something as common as the common cold. Additionally, allergic rhinitis, which involves swelling of the nasal lining, can contribute to nasal inflammation. The Institute mentions that another possible cause is a deviated septum or a structural shift within the nasal cavity, which can also initiate this condition.

Nearly 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of acute nasal inflammation each year, according to the Institute. For those who suffer from conditions like the blockage of drainage ducts, nasal polyps, narrow drainage ducts, nasal mucous membrane swelling or those whose medications compromise the immune system could be at greater risk for this condition. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke may also be more likely to have an attack.

For patients suffering from nasal inflammation, the goal is usually to relieve symptoms and treat any infections, according to WebMD. Patients might take antibiotics, as well as antihistamines or decongestants for a short time. Pain relievers may also be taken, but if they’re ineffective, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to ease sinus inflammation. If an allergic reaction causes sinus flare-ups, preventive allergy treatment may be needed.

According to Tampa Bay Breathe Free's website, Dr. Mariah Pate, a certified otolaryngologist, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida. She earned her medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, finishing in the top 5% of her class. Dr. Pate completed her otolaryngology internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.