Paediatric Sinusitis – Part 2 (What causes Paediatric Sinusitis?)

 

What causes Paediatric Sinusitis?

 

Causes
Viruses	Viral infections are one of the main causes of upper respiratory tract infections as these can be spread easily from one person to another via contact with an infected person. This also means that it becomes difficult for one to regulate a child’s interaction especially during day care as they often come into direct contact with other children. There is no definite cure currently available for viral infections.
Bacterial Infections	Staphylococcus Areaus is a common bacterium known to cause sinus infections. Bacterial infections are usually treatable with antibiotics.
Gastro Oesophageal Reflux (GERD)	Any reflux of stomach acids from a child’s stomach rising up the oesophagus can cause severe irritation of the tube linings close to the throat or naso-pharynx. This can result in the development of more mucus flowing down the posterior nares and increases the incidence of mucus production and post-nasal drip.
Certain environmental items	Tobacco smoke and pollutants in the air can increase a child’s susceptibility to developing sinusitis.
Immune Deficiency	A child’s immune system is immature up until the age of seven. This makes a child more susceptible to developing sinus infections.
Cystic Fibrosis	Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary condition. Children born with cystic fibrosis experience thick, mucus secretions that are sticky and difficult to dislodge. This thick nasal mucus can build-up in the digestive tract and lungs. Cystic fibrosis  is a life threatening condition in young children and can lead to chronic lung disease. Children with cystic fibrosis are also more likely to develop multiple sinus conditions over their lifetime.
A deviated nasal septum	A child can be born with a deviated nasal septum. This is an anatomical defect which in most cases does not cause further problems. In some cases the deviation can be so pronounced that it prevents effective mucus drainage.
Diseased Haller cells	Haller cells can occur in the maxillary sinus cavities and are a variant of ethmoidal air cells. When these become diseased, they grow causing an obstruction in the sinus cavities as well as cause a narrowing of the exit ways for mucus to drain from the sinus cavities.
Cilia Disorders or damage	Disorders affecting the cilia result in impaired mucus transportation and removal from the nasal passages and sinus cavities. The mucus that is not removed from the sinus cavities and nasal passages is allowed to stagnant and dry-out resulting in the development of acute sinus infections. One such disorder is known as immotile cilia syndrome.
Immunoglobulin levels	Tests for Immunoglobulin-E are not performed on children younger than three years of age due to them not being reliable at this age. Immunoglobulin tests are performed to determine if allergies are present.
Nasal Polyp Formation	The development of a non-cancerous growths or nasal polyps is very rare in children. Should your child develop a nasal polyp please have him or her tested for Cystic Fibrosis.
Allergic Rhinitis / Asthma	Allergic Rhinitis causes an increase in mucus production by the mucus membrane linings in the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Rhinitis is very common in children suffering with asthma (allergic or non-allergic). This can lead to post nasal drip and upper respiratory tract infections in children if not treated in a timely manner.
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis	Studies have found that there is a higher incidence of allergic fungal sinusitis in children when compared to adults. Allergic fungal sinusitis is an allergic reaction caused by fungi or mold. Fungi and mold are airborne and are therefore easily able to enter the sinus cavities and nasal passages. Fungal allergies are highly resilient and are why treatment should be sought immediately to prevent a further spread of fungal spores. Aspergillus is one of the main culprits of allergic fungal sinusitis in children. Blocked nasal passages, post nasal drip, headaches, excessive rhinorrhoea and a foul smell emanating from the nasal passages may be experienced. A combination of antihistamines, immunotherapy, corticosteroids and antifungal medications may be prescribed.
Rhino-Sinusitis	Any inflammation or swelling of the sinus cavities (may be caused by an allergy, infection or even an autoimmune disease) and can result in an irritation or swelling of the membrane linings. Any increase in membrane swelling results in a decrease in drainage space, allowing for the accumulation and build-up of excess nasal mucus.
Concha bullosa, (aerated middle turbinate)	Concha bullosa is an air filled cavity within the middle turbinate. In certain circumstances, a large air pocket may form within the turbinate causing it to bulge to one side. This can in turn result in a smaller nasal passage through which mucus can drain resulting in an accumulation and build-up of nasal mucus.

Sinusitis In Pets

Sinusitis not only affects humans but can have a negative impact on our fury-loved ones as well. It is an inflammatory condition affecting the sinus cavities and nasal passages, which then results in an infection.

Why do pets and humans have sinus cavities?

The sinus cavities are covered with membrane linings that produce mucus. These cavities play an important role as they keep our noses moist, filter the air we breathe and lighten the weight of our heads. Without these cavities, your head will be so heavy; it would be difficult just keeping it up!

There are slight differences in the skulls of humans, cats and dogs BUT they all work in the same way, and when they become infected, are impaired in the same way too!

Let’s compare the skulls of pets and humans:

The sinus cavities in humans and pets are named according to the bones that cover them. There are four pairs of sinus cavities.

Here is the skull of a human being, clearly showing the Frontal, Sphenoid, Maxilla and Ethmoid bones. Under these bones lie the Frontal, Sphenoidal, Maxillary and Ethmoidal sinus cavities.

This shows the sinus bones (Frontal, Sphenoid and Maxilla) and other prominent features of a dog’s skull.

This is a cat’s skull showing the Ethmoid, Frontal and Maxilla bones.

Causes of sinusitis

Sinusitis in humans	Sinusitis in pets
Bacterial and viral (colds/flu) infections are the common cause of sinus infections.	Bacterial, viral and fungal infections are the common cause of sinus infections.
Sinusitis is also caused by allergies, dental trauma/tooth decay and other respiratory infections.	Allergies and other respiratory infections can make your pet more susceptible to a sinus infection.
Fungal infections are more prevalent in people who have immune suppressant illnesses. (AIDS, leukemia, diabetes)	Tooth infections

While breathing your pet may inhale airborne bacteria, viruses or fungi. These germs then settle and multiply in the sinus cavities. Just like humans, the animal’s body will also produce more mucus to flush germs out of the sinuses, causing the mucus membranes to swell. This inflammation blocks the sinus cavity openings and allows bacteria to grow within these cavities, resulting in a sinus infection. (If your pet has allergies or other respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis or laryngitis these conditions can make your pet more prone to sinus infections). 

Sinusitis in cats and dogs can also be caused by tooth infections. If your dog/cat has a chipped or broken tooth (especially the molar teeth), bacteria can get into its hollow cavity and cause an infection. If this infection is not treated, it can move up through the root of the tooth into the maxillary sinuses (the airspaces on both sides of your pets’ nose, above the upper jaw) and develop a sinus infection. This can also occur in humans.

How will I know if my dog or cat has sinusitis?

People have special bonds with their pets. If your dog/cat behaves, reacts or responds out of character, or if you become aware that something is amiss don’t hesitate to take your loved one to the Vet.

You can also look for sinusitis symptoms, which can be seen as:

• Coughing
• Chocking or gagging
• Sneezing
• Runny nose (lots of mucus from nose)
• White discharge in corners of eyes
• Post nasal drip
• Loss of appetite which may be caused by your pet not having any sense of smell and taste.

If your pet exhibits any of the symptoms (above) for the first time, it is advisable that you take them to the Vet to get a diagnosis.

 Treatment

Sinusitis in pets is definitely not the end. No more worries and pain! There is a solution because SinusWars LLC have done it again! Not only do SinusWars products help with sinusitis problems in babies, toddlers, teenagers and adults but they also treat sinusitis and sinus related problems that pets encounter!

Don’t let your precious friend suffer with sinus infections any longer! There is a safe, natural solution. Here are a few SinusWars products, each designed to treat a specific problem:

• SinusWars1 treats all allergies.
• SinusWars7 treats congestion and blocked sinus cavities.
• SinusWars8 treats chronic sinus infections.

These products are safe, effective, non-addictive, reliable, natural and best of all have NO side effects. SinusWars products treat the underlying causes of the conditions giving you or your pet long-term relief.

For more information, visit our site today on www.sinuswars.com. If you still not sure what remedy to use, simply click on the Remedy Finder tool. Our SinusWarriors (trained experts) are waiting to give their expert advice to you! Get a reply within 48 hours, it’s that easy!

SinusWars.com

SinusWars gearing you up for the winter season…

The days are shorter and the weather colder… and then you have a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, sinus pressure, post nasal drip, inflammation, coughing, sore throats and headaches that never seem to go away so that you can enjoy playing in the snow with your family or skating on the lake…

Most people would like to believe that sinus problems are more prevalent in the spring and summer months, but research has shown that people often suffer just as much or even more during winter. This is due to the cold and damp weather and because doors and windows are closed up causing stuffiness and household allergies.

Damp carpets, walls and ceilings can become a perfect place for mold to grow which aggravates or even leads to sinus infections. It has been shown that during winter periods, influenza cases increase rapidly which makes people more susceptible to developing a sinus infection. Other conditions that also cause susceptibility towards sinusitis are allergies and nasal polyps.

Allergies can be aggravated by the festive foods we enjoy this time of year and consuming large quantities of alcohol which causes the skin inside our nose to swell. This is what leads to post nasal drip and headaches. Our sinuses can also be aggravated by the artificial fragrances that come from artificial Christmas trees, scented candles and decorations. Live trees can also cause sinus problems because of the mold that grows naturally on them.

Here are lots of sinus tips to help you ENJOY this winter season…

NATURAL MEDICINE:

• If allergies are your problem this winter, try a natural approach and use our SinusWars1 formula. This super allergy product will help to desensitize your immune system against any allergens (things that you are allergic to), help treat your allergy symptoms (watery, itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing) and can also be used to help prevent allergy symptoms.
• If you have an acute sinus infection (sinusitis) with congestion, stuffiness and headaches then SinusWars7 or SinusWars14 is your answer. If you have chronic sinusitis then SinusWars8 or SinusWars9 is for you. These products help to treat sinus infections while draining and unblocking your sinuses to relieve pressure and treat sinus headaches.
• If you have post nasal drip and cannot seem to stop coughing then we have SinusWars2 which is one of our best remedies for this condition. It helps to control mucus flow and production and helps stop that mucus drip.
• SinusWars has a new product (coming soon) that helps treat colds and flues, this is our SinusWars3 remedy. It is a 100% natural product that helps build your body’s immune system to fight against viral and bacterial infection. This product contains Echinacea which often helps to get rid of colds or sinus infections within a few days.  

HOME REMEDIES:

• If you have a sore throat taking a lozenge with antibacterial properties will help. You should also drink a hot cup of water with a bit of lemon juice/lemon slices and honey. These are some of the best ways to help a sore throat.
• If you are suffering from pain around your sinus areas (forehead, cheeks, teeth, behind or in-between the eyes) then you may consider using warm compresses. Do this by applying a hot wet washcloth to your nose, cheekbones and eyes. This will help take the edge off the pain and the gentle pressure over the sinuses will help to promote drainage.
• Washing out your sinuses using a netti pot or nose bidet is one of the simplest and inexpensive ways to clear your sinuses. Using a solution of warm water and sea salt twice a day will help to keep your sinuses healthy and safely remove pollen, dust and other particles in the air that may be trapped in your nose.
• If you feel slightly congested and stuffy drink abit of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water. Do this throughout the day to help thin your mucus so that it can drain properly.
• If you are seriously blocked and congested it is a good time to inhale steam. Add rapidly boiling water to a bowl, lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Breathe in deeply through your nose (even if it is difficult) and out through your mouth. Do this slowly until you feel your nose opening up. The steam helps soothe inflamed sinuses and unblock thick mucus. You can also add a few drops of antibacterial essential oils to the boiling water like eucalyptus, thyme oil or tea tree oil.
• Taking a hot shower when you are congested is another way of helping to drain your sinuses. The steam and the heat should help drain thick mucus that is trapped in your sinuses.

STAYING HEALTHY:

• To thin mucus and reduce inflammation; eat more plant protein (like beans, soybeans and lentils), omega-3 rich fish, whole grains and herbs (like garlic, ginger and turmeric).
• Drinking plenty of water is just as important in winter as it is in summer, so make sure that you get your eight glasses of water every day. If you are not a “fan” of drinking water, drink peppermint or ginger tea to help dilute mucus. Both ginger and peppermint helps to relieve and prevent headaches and congestion.
• Studies have shown that staying fit by exercising can help to boost the immune system. You can go to the gym for a few minutes a day, or do easy exercises at home this winter. Please be aware that over exercising will do the opposite and can make your body and immune system tired which makes you more susceptible to infection of colds, flues and sinusitis.
• Antioxidants help to build the immune system and prevent infections by getting rid of free radicals. Foods high in antioxidants include fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries (blueberries, cherries and cranberries), artichokes and pomegranates.
• Avoid drinking milk if you know your sinuses are bothering you. Milk makes your mucus thicker which will make it harder to drain.

HYGIENE:

• The first rule to avoiding germs and bacteria is to wash your hands! Wash, wash, wash… every time you go to the toilet, use a public phone, cough or sneeze, shake hands with someone, after shopping (especially after touching elevators and escalators) and definitely before eating anything.  Make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap and rub your hands together for at least 10 seconds before rinsing them off. If water and soap is not available make sure you have a hand sanitizer.
• To avoid the spread of germs you may consider using paper towels instead of cloth ones.
• Keep your bathroom clean by putting your exposed toothbrushes away in the medicine cabinet, frequently washing the hand towels and using a disinfectant to clean your toilets, bathrooms and showers.
• If you are feeling sick, use a brand new toothbrush once you are feeling well – this should ensure that you do not get sick again.

ALLERGEN AVOIDANCE TIPS:

• Avoid allergens (things that you are allergic to). Possible allergen areas are basements, fallen leaf heaps, barns and garage spaces.
•  The best way to avoid allergens is to stay inside with the doors and windows closed BUT to have your air conditioning on for ventilation.
• Another way to minimize allergens is to change your bedding and pillow cases every 3 – 4 days and eliminate smoking in the bedroom.
• Keep humidity low to slow down or stop mold growth. Install a good air conditioner and dehumidifier in your home (maybe even in the basement) to do this. You may also want to install an extractor fan in your kitchen (over the stove) and in your bathroom to remove extra humidity.
• Check for mold in the bathroom, on carpeting, in the laundry room and basement.
• Put wet clothes immediately in the dryer or hang them up to dry before putting them away or in the laundry room. Don’t leave wet laundry in your machine for more than a week.
• After every shower ensure that the shower curtain is opened properly to dry (so that mold doesn’t fester) and wash the plastic curtain, bathroom tiles and grouting with mold removal products.
• Use machine washable mats in your bathroom and bedroom if possible.
• Don’t keep many pot plants or even dried flowers and wreaths indoors to avoid mold and pollen allergies.
• Limit the use of the fireplace to avoid fumes and drying of the air. If you are using your fireplace; open a window in the same room to help with ventilation of the smoke fumes. Remember as well to throw the ashes out as soon as the fire cools.
• Check the filter on your furnace or heating system (especially this time of year when you will be using it so much more).
• Near your fireplace or heating system you want to make sure there is a bit of humidity. A portable humidifier that can be used only when you need it is great for this. Since the weather is already wet and cold, you only need the setting on low to achieve good breathing air.
• If you or anyone in your family has pet allergies remember that cats can be more allergic than dogs simply because the allergens lie in the saliva or urine of your pets – and cats lick themselves often.
• Don’t allow tobacco smoking indoors and reconsider lighting those scented candles as they may irritate your sinuses.  Rather use artificial candles or unscented beeswax candles to help your sinuses and still have that candlelight atmosphere.
• When choosing a Christmas tree remember these:
  • Live trees have pollen, mold and resin on them which can cause allergies. If you prefer live trees over the artificial ones then remember to wear gloves when you handle the tree and wrap it up in a sealed plastic casing until you decorate it.
  • Artificial trees may have that artificial pine scent on them and so may the decorations which can cause irritation in the nose. Artificial trees that have been kept in storage may be dusty and moldy, so make sure you wash or wipe them before usage.

GENERAL TIPS:

• To avoid your nose and throat getting dry at night, make your bedroom well insulated from drafts. Close your bedroom door at night and seal off gaps around the window edges. Sleep with a thick blanket or an electric blanket and do not sleep with a heater on (as it will dry the air). You should save a lot on your heating bill this way. 
• Keep your sinus and allergy medicines on hand; especially when you go out as you never know when you might need them.
• Get a flu shot to prevent colds and flues which is one of the main causes of sinus problems.
• Lastly – keep your spirits up by not only staying physically fit but emotionally as well. Keep your emotions running high by spending time with people you love (your children, your lover, your parents, your friends) and do fun activities (read WAYS TO HAVE FUN THIS WINTER) to entertain yourself and those around you.

Have a sinus free winter!
SinusWars.com

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Sinusitis and viruses

Viral Infections

Viral infections like colds and flu’s are miserable and distressful. They cause one to feel weak, achy and ill. Viral infections mainly affect the respiratory tract (nose, sinus cavities, throat, larynx, trachea and lungs) and if this infection is left untreated, it can cause complications such as postnasal drip, ear infections and sinusitis.

Viruses cause colds and flu’s

When one has a cold or flu, the virus attacks red blood cells in the mucus membrane linings in the respiratory tract. These infected red blood cells then emit an alarm signal that calls up specialized white blood cells to fight the viruses. The immune chemicals produced by the white blood cells to fight the viruses cause swelling, inflammation and an increase in mucus production (the symptoms of a cold/flu).

Sinusitis

Untreated colds and flu’s lead to sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation and infection of the sinus cavities. We now know that when we have a cold/flu our mucus membranes become swollen and inflamed, resulting in more mucus production to flush the virus away. How can this cause complications?

When the mucus membrane linings in the sinus cavities and nasal passages are inflamed and swollen, it blocks the sinus openings and does not allow mucus to drain. Stagnant mucus is a perfect place for bacteria to grow causing one to have a sinus infection.

What are the symptoms of a viral infection and a sinus infection?

How do you know if you have a viral or sinus infection? Here are some of the symptoms you may experience:

VIRAL INFECTION	SINUS INFECTION
sneezing	colds that do not respond to medication
runny nose	facial swelling
sinus inflammation	low grade fever
mouth breathing	postnasal drip
sore throat	congestion
headaches	runny nose
coughing	persistent cold/flu
fever	bad breath
aching muscles	ear infection
fatigue/tiredness	loss of smell
heavy breathing	headaches

Treatment

The best way to avoid a viral infection is for you to get vaccinated. Sinus infections can be avoided if you treat colds and flu’s before they cause complications. Here are a few help tips and remedies to use if you already have sinusitis:

• Use a humidifier. Humidifiers and filters can be placed in your home to moisten and filter any allergens (pollen, dust) in the air. This will allow your sinuses to drain better and avoid irritation of your mucus membranes.
• Take hot showers. This is an ideal solution, by inhaling the steam you can thin thick/ sticky mucus, moisten sinuses and help them to drain better.
• Drink lots of water. By drinking lots of water, you help mucus to flow and keep the body hydrated.
• Eating healthy foods. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can make your immune system stronger so that your body can resist infections.
• Avoid eating diary products. An over consumption of diary products, starchy foods and sugar can make mucus thick and viscid.
• Practice good hygiene. Washing your hands frequently can have a huge impact on your health. Thousands of viruses and bacteria are all around us so this is the best way to protect ourselves.
• Use SinusWars homeopathic remedies. SinusWars have great products that treat all the symptoms of sinusitis. Not only will it treat your symptoms but also the underlying conditions offering you long term relief from your problems. SinusWars products are completely safe to use with no known side effects.

Here are a few products and what each one targets:

• SinusWars4 is the ultimate remedy for the treatment of earaches, infections and a sore throat. If you have a sinus infection, which has caused ringing in your ear, a sore throat or ear pain, then this is the remedy for you!
• SinusWars8 is a remedy designed to treat chronic sinusitis. If you have sinus infections, which have lasted more than 6 months and symptoms that are persistent then this remedy will work for you! SinusWars8 is designed to boost the immune system so that it can treat, resist and keep sinus infections at bay.
• SinusWars9 is a general sinusitis remedy used to treat infections, reduce congestion, pressure, pain, headaches, and fever. Use this for effectively treating sinus infections!
• SinusWars14 is perfect for people who have many sinus related problems. This remedy will clear congestion, pressure, bad breath, eliminates toxins, treat rhinitis and so much more…

For more of these natural, effective, life-changing remedies visit www.sinuswars.com See what SinusWars can do for you! You can overcome sinusitis with the right care and treatment.

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Have a fantastic sinus-free day!

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