Sinusitis
Also known as: Sinus Infection
What is it?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. The
sinuses are air-filled cavities lined with mucous
membranes. The paranasal sinuses are located in the bones
of the skull, and are connected with the nose. There are
four groups of paranasal sinuses: the maxillary, which are
located in the cheekbones on either side of the nose; the
frontal, located right above the eyebrows; the ethmoid,
located between the eyes and down to the bridge of the
nose; and the sphenoid, located behind the ethmoids.
Sinusitis can be chronic (lasting for a long period time
and reoccurring) or acute (having a rapid onset, but a
short, sometimes severe, course).
Who gets it?
Anyone can get sinusitis, which often follows a cold.
People who have problems with the structure of their nose
because of injury or deformity are more likely to have
repeated bouts of sinusitis because the bones block the
sinus openings. People with compromised immune systems,
such as those with HIV, are also more susceptible to
sinusitis, as are those with cystic fibrosis or asthma.
What causes it?
Sinusitis can be caused by fungal, viral, or bacterial
infections, as well as allergies. It can also occur as a
result of a tooth infection, or from frequent air travel
or deep diving, both of which cause changes in atmospheric
pressure; from nasal polyps, which interfere with proper
drainage; and from nasal defects. All of these causes
irritate the mucous membranes in the sinus cavities,
causing inflammation, poor drainage, and infection.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of chronic or acute sinusitis include pain and
pressure in the area of the affected sinuses. For example,
inflammation of the frontal sinuses will cause pain in the
forehead area. When the pain is centered behind and
between the eyes, the ethmoid sinuses are most likely
inflamed. Pain in the upper jaw, teeth, and cheeks is a
telltale sign of inflammation in the maxillary sinuses.
Sphenoid inflammation can cause earache and pain in the
front and back of the head. Other symptoms of sinusitis
can include nasal congestion or runny nose; a, thick,
greenish mucous; fever; coughing; sore throat; and upset
stomach and bad breath from nasal drainage. Although rare,
untreated infections can spread to the membranes around
the brain and spine, as well as to the bones.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose sinusitis, your doctor will perform a
physical examination, paying particular attention to the
area around your eyes and forehead. He or she will study
your symptoms to determine which sinuses are affected. If
your sinusitis is chronic, your doctor will want to
determine whether your condition could be caused by
allergies or a structural defect in your nose. Your doctor
may also order an x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan
of the sinuses. If allergies are suspected, your doctor
may recommend a specialist called an allergist to
determine the source of your allergies.
What is the treatment?
Sinusitis is treated with a decongestant and steam
inhalation to open the nasal passages. Applying a warm,
moist washcloth to the painful areas and taking a
non-prescription pain reliever can help relieve
inflammation and pain. If a decongestant does not relieve
symptoms within a few days, or if symptoms are severe,
your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. People with
chronic sinusitis or sinusitis caused by a fungus may need
to have surgery to drain the sinuses, remove nasal polyps,
or correct a nasal defect. Frequent sinusitis in children
is usually relieved by surgery to remove the adenoids.
Sinusitis caused by allergies may be treated with nasal
sprays and antihistamines. It is important to note that
decongestants and nasal sprays should not be used for more
than a few days or they can make symptoms worse.
Self-care tips
If you have sinusitis, follow your doctor’s treatment
recommendations and avoid nasal irritants such as smoke.
See your doctor if cold symptoms do not get better within
a reasonable period of time and are accompanied by
headache and pressure in the head, cheeks, and nose.
Running a humidifier during the winter months can help
keep nasal passages moist and healthy.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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