The cold and rainy season often brings a lot of health concerns such as colds, flu, sinusitis, and others. If you have a cold and a stuffy nose that won’t subside for a couple of days or weeks, we often don’t take it for granted as a cold that has gone wrong. Some conditions may even lead to sleepless nights where others are convinced to visit an ear nose throat clinic in Singapore.
Understanding Sinusitis or Sinus Infection
Is it just a common cold or something else? There are a few instances where we find it hard to distinguish common colds, sinusitis, and even flu infection. Infection and inflammation of the sinuses, also known as sinusitis, affects millions of people around the world. Sinusitis is more than a simple cold that causes discomfort, sleepless nights, and even pain.
It starts when you wake up feeling stuffy where your nose is congested. It is often accompanied by mild headaches and extra puffiness around the eye area. Then, the condition gets worse throughout the day, and the next thing you know, you’ve already had a fever followed by chronic coughing that will last a couple of days or weeks. The problem becomes more apparent when sleeping becomes a huge task thanks to the congested nose that causes blockage in the nasal passage, making it hard for you to sleep. You might consider visiting a sinus specialist in Singapore for sinus treatment at this period.
The Signs & Symptoms of Sinusitis
The symptoms of sinus infections may differ, depending on whether the sinus infection is chronic or acute. A sinus infection happens when the paranasal sinuses on either side of the nose get inflamed. The inflammation blocks the narrow nasal passage, leading to the accumulation of mucus in the area and further leading to infection as bacteria begin to breed and thrive. It is how sinus infection happens on the inside.
Common signs of sinusitis include:
- coughing
- facial swelling
- fever
- fatigue
- headache
- stuffy/congested nose
- discharge from the nose
- loss sense of taste
Visiting an ENT specialist in Singapore is highly recommended as they are qualified to diagnose and provide treatment for sinusitis and other underlying conditions to keep the infection from becoming chronic.
Sinusitis & Sleep Problem
Most patients with sinusitis will often experience difficulties breathing when lying down, causing trouble falling asleep. The lack of proper sleep can reinforce daytime fatigues that worsen the condition as the body cannot repair and energise itself. Another factor that needs to be looked at is sinusitis and nasal problems, and infections that contribute to snoring and sometimes – sleep apnea – which is often overlooked and left untreated. Visiting a sinus specialist in Singapore can benefit long-term treatment and relief against sinus infection and nasal problems.
Anatomical problems also have a significant part in the symptoms aside from the most usual infections and allergies. Deviated septum and narrow nasal passage are a few examples of anatomical problems that further worsen sinusitis – making it more difficult for a person to breathe while sleeping.
Treating Sinusitis Sleeping Problems
Sleeping well while suffering from sinusitis may sound impossible or doesn’t go hand in hand, so what should one do? There are many ways to alleviate sleep problems caused by a sinus infection. Aside from visiting an ENT specialist in Singapore, arranging or changing your pillow, bed, and sleeping position (usually, sleeping on the side) can help temporarily relieve blocked nasal passage.
If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, it’s crucial to look for and visit an ear nose throat clinic in Singapore for prescribed medications and recommendations that a doctor may offer for you. Remember, not all remedies that you see online are the exact treatment for your condition. It is crucial to see a doctor for accurate diagnostics and treatment, primarily for your chronic sinusitis.
Some physicians may opt to use the following to help treat patients with sinusitis:
- saline treatment
- balloon sinuplasty
- oral or nasal corticosteroids
- antifungal treatments
- nasal polyps and allergy medications
Tips for Getting A Comfortable Sleep
Not getting a good night’s sleep can account for several health problems. There are many methods you can do to get a good night’s sleep. It is possible to get a good night’s sleep whether you have sleep apnea, sinusitis, allergies, or mucosal obstruction. If you are looking a temporary relief while searching for a local ENT specialist in Singapore, waiting for days before an appointment schedule or just wanting to relieve a blocked nasal on your own, here are a few things you can do at home:
● Make lifestyle adjustments or changes.
Simple changes to your lifestyle, such as adjusting or following a scheduled sleep can help you regain a healthy sleep routine. Dedicating your morning routine for exercise is also recommended by physicians and ENT doctors to alleviate and prevent sleep apnea problems and to combat other diseases.
Developing a healthy diet and losing more pounds of excess weight are a few goals to consider if you are within that spectrum. Overweight and obese are at high risk of developing sleep apnea, therefore having a healthier diet and exercising is an initial step to losing weight and a key to a healthy lifestyle. Your local ENT specialist in Singapore may give you advice on exactly what form of exercise and diet are ideal for your current condition.
● Keep the room dark and free from any disturbances.
It is highly advisable to sleep in a quiet, dark area or room free from any forms of noise or forms of nuisance (such as having a pet with you). Anything that can cause any disturbances should be avoided as much as possible to get a night of uninterrupted sleep.
● Manage your daytime stress and problems
Psychologically, stress and other problems you constantly worry about can help you prevent a good night’s sleep. Sorting out any problem, avoiding getting stressed by winding down before going to bed should be part of your routine before sleeping. It is also important to go to your nearest ear nose throat clinic in Singapore if you are experiencing other unknown conditions that prevent you from sleeping well.
Final Thoughts
It’s difficult to get a good night’s sleep if you are experiencing certain illnesses such as flu and sinusitis – which can cause disturbances and difficulties in sleeping. Seeking professional help is the tried and true method for alleviating yourself from any symptoms and treating the root cause of the problem.
If you have a persistent problem with sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, sinus infections, or seeking a snoring treatment in Singapore, visit the ENT Surgeons website for a professional ENT specialist for adults and kids.