To Fear or Not To Fear: Cysts in Sinus Cavities

Posted in Sinus Cavities

Have you ever experienced a terrible headache for quite a long time? This is the kind of headache that is hardly tolerable. It even brings you neck pain, vision and hearing problems, dizziness, and numbness in your left side! When you are experiencing this painful situation, it is best to seek medical attention to accurately diagnose your medical condition.

But most of the time, such symptoms are linked to the cysts in the sinus cavity. More commonly known as nasal polyps, the cysts in the nasal cavity are often described by experts as small, sac-like, and tear-shaped growths that are found in the nasal cavity. Nasal polyps are often diagnosed on people suffering from allergy and asthma. Children suffering with cystic fibrosis are also more likely to develop cysts in their sinus cavity.

But this is not to say that if you are allergy or asthma free, you are not prone in developing cysts in your sinus cavity. Anyone can develop nasal polyps. It is best that we seek medical attention on every irregularity that we are feeling to avoid the complications that comes with the cysts in the sinus cavity.

We hardly notice the presence of minor nasal polyps. It is only when it is already big enough that we start experiencing nasal obstruction and sinus pressure pain. Nasal obstruction gives us a very congested feeling. The presence of cysts in our sinus cavity also makes it difficult for us to breathe, smell, and taste. Sometimes, it also yields unwanted nasal discharge that is more commonly known as runny nose or postnasal drip. Cysts in the nasal cavity can also bring unusual facial pain, snoring, and itching around the eyes because of the pressure that comes with it.

Other than the aforementioned discomforts brought about by the cysts in the sinus cavity, it can also yield to other complications if it is not treated immediately. Patients with cysts in sinus cavity are more prone to developing sinus infection that affects the normal drainage process of the nose. There can be a rapid build-up of mucus that can lead to inflammation and chronic sinus infections.

And since there is an obstruction in our breathing pathway brought about by the cysts in the sinus cavity, patients are also more susceptible in having sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder wherein the patient may momentarily stop breathing due to an obstruction in its breathing pathway. And worst, if cysts in the sinus cavity are left untreated for quite a long time, it can ultimately lead to facial distortion.

To be sure that you really have nasal polyps, you need to subject yourself from medical examinations performed by a medical professional. They know exactly what a cyst in the sinus cavity look like and they could provide you with the right medical treatment to eliminate your cysts.

Now, how do we treat the cysts in our sinus cavity to avoid the said complications? Usually, doctors prescribe a steroid nasal sprays or surgery to patients who are confirmed to have nasal polyps. This is tried and tested to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavity. It can shrink the nasal polyps and make it disappear eventually. The duration of the use of this medication usually lasts for a  couple of wax to make sure that you will heal completely from the cyst in your sinus cavity.  Fluticasone, budesonide, flunisolide, beclomethasone and triamcinolone are the most commonly prescribed steroids to treat the cysts in the nasal cavity.  For more severe cases of cysts in the sinus cavity, surgery might be required.

But then again, prevention is really better than cure. In order to avoid the formation of cysts in your sinus cavity, it is best that you start with some lifestyle changes. It is best that you avoid pollutants and irritants like cigarette smoke or pet dander. It would also help if you would wash your hands at all time and make it a habit to use a humidifier or saline spray to reduce the chances of developing cysts in your sinus cavity.

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