Many don't realize that the air they breathe outside today could make them ill. The air we breathe in most Alabama cities is polluted by activities such as transportation by cars and trucks, coal, oils and foosil fuel burning, and manufacturing chemicals. The EPA has developed an Air Quality Index (AQI) for reporting daily air quality in different areas. People can tolerate a small amount of ozone, but too much can cause many health problems. Alabama has recently been receiving these alerts to help them know what health effects can be associated with these
One common ailment, which can be caused by poor air quality, is called sinusitis. Sinusitis is the infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose and sinuses, which are hollow cavities in the head. Sinusitis can be acute and last only for a short time, or it can be chronic and never completely go away without proper treatment.
Most people with acute sinusitis are told to first seek home treatment. Some of these home remedies include drinking extra fluids, breathing warm moist air from a hot bath or shower, using saltwater nasal washes and using nonprescription pain relievers and decongestants.
So when is it time to call a doctor? There are several symptoms that warrant more attention than home treatment alone. Some of these symptoms include pain in the face or upper teeth, pain extending from the bridge of the nose to the lower eyelid, or a headache that is not relieved by taking acetaminophen or aspirin. Other symptoms one should seek a health professional about include a fever of 101 degree or higher, thick and discolored nasal discharge or repeated nosebleeds.
ENT specialists at Medical West treat sinusitis and similar ailments caused by air quality. For more information or to schedule and appointment, please call 996-WEST.