Health Advice

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Head Lice – Help!!!

Every parent’s heart sinks when they receive the dreaded note from school warning about head lice. Don’t worry – Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy in Donabate is here to to give us advice and tips. The first thing to do is to check the child’s head. You will need some tea tree conditioner, a... Read more >

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Are You SunSmart?

We ask Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy Donabate how to make the most of great sunny summer days whilst protecting our skin from harmful rays. Jane says “The Irish Cancer Society SunSmart program has great guidelines to keep us safe. See below for some useful tips and advice” Ways to protect your skin: Shade... Read more >

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Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes

Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes… Talk to Jane Brennan, your Hay Fever Expert in Donabate Are your eyes itchy, red or watery? Is your throat scratchy? Are you sneezing? Do you have itchy ears, nose or mouth? Do you have a blocked or runny nose? Do you wake up feeling exhausted? Hay fever can cause... Read more >

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Life Pharmacy Ireland – Live Better

Bringing you the best health advice for your family

NHS Choices - Causes of sinusitis

(18/10/2013)

There are a number of ways your sinuses can become inflamed and blocked, but the most common cause is a viral infection.

Infections

The most common viral infections that lead to sinusitis are cold and flu infections. These viruses can spread to the sinuses from the upper airways.

If a secondary bacterial infection develops, thick yellow or green mucus will be produced and your sinuses will become inflamed and swollen.

An infected tooth can also sometimes lead to a sinus infection. 

Increased risk

There are a number of factors that can make your sinuses more vulnerable to infection. These include:

  • irritants – air pollution, smoke and chemicals, such as pesticides, disinfectants and household detergents
  • allergies such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and hayfever
  • narrow nasal passages – this may be caused by a facial injury or nasal polyps (growths) inside the nose; if mucus builds up behind the narrowed areas it can lead to a sinus infection
  • cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition where thick, sticky mucus builds up within the body, increasing the risk of infection  

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