Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, the hollow space within the bones between the eyes, behind cheekbones, and in the forehead. They produce mucus, which keeps the inside of the nose moist and shields you against dust particles, allergens, and pollutants. Healthy sinus regions are filled with air, however, as they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can easily invade and grow and result in an infection.
Some of the health conditions that can result in sinus blockage include:
- Common cold
- Allergic rhinitis
- Nasal polyps
- A deviated septum
Also Read: Summer Cold: Simple And Effective Home Remedies To Ease Nasal Congestion
Types Of Sinusitis
Acute Sinusitis: It typically begins with cold-like symptoms like a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last for 2 to 4 weeks.
Subacute Sinusitis: It lasts for 4 to 12 weeks.
Chronic Sinusitis: The symptoms may extend for 12 weeks or longer.
Recurrent Sinusitis: It occurs several times a year.
Pansinusitis: It affects all sinus regions in the head.
Sinuses are common among most people, and it is highly prone in adults those who have:
- Swelling inside the nose due to a common cold
- Blocked drainage ducts
- Structural differences that alter ducts
- Nasal polyps
- Immune compromised
In children, some of the factors that can trigger sinusitis include:
- Allergies
- Illnesses from other kids at day care or school
- Kids using pacifiers
- Bottle drinking
- Environment smoke and pollutants
Infections and smoking are primary contributing factors that trigger sinusitis in adults.
Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis
- A stuffy nose
- A thick white, yellow, or green mucous from the nose
- Pain in the teeth
- Pain in the face, that aggravates while bending down forward
- Fever
- Coughing
- Trouble smelling
- Ear pressure
- Headache
- Bad breath
Also Read: Flu Or Cold? Here Are The Top 9 Symptoms To Identify Your Illness
Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
People suffering from chronic sinusitis will have symptoms for 12 weeks or more, which include:
- A feeling of congestion in the face
- A nasal blockage
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- Fever
- A runny nose
- Discoloured nasal drain
The person may also have headaches, bad breath, and tooth pain and feel exhausted.
Get immediate medical advice if you have any of these symptoms.
Pansinusitis
Generally, a sinus infection doesn’t affect all four pairs of sinuses in the head, it only affects one or two. But at times, when all four sinuses become infected at once it is called pansinusitis.
Diagnosis
The physician will enquire about your symptoms and do a complete examination before making a diagnosis. They may assess for pressure and tenderness by pressing the finger against the patient’s head and cheeks and evaluating the nose to check out for any signs of inflammation.
Generally, physicians can easily diagnose sinusitis based on the signs and symptoms and results of a physical exam. Imaging tests are recommended to diagnose a chronic sinusitis, as these tests can disclose any mucus blockages and abnormal structures like polyps.
An X-ray provides an image of the sinuses.
A CT scan gives a 3-D detailed picture of the sinuses.
An MRI uses powerful magnets to produce more accurate images of internal structures.
Nasal Endoscopy: The doctor may use a fiberscope with a light-attached tube that glides via the nose to directly see the inside of the patient’s nasal passageways and sinuses. A sample is taken and sent for culture testing during this procedure to detect the presence of viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
Allergy Tests: This test determines environmental factors that may cause an allergic reaction.
Blood Tests: Blood work can evaluate for medical conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV.
Treatment
Antibiotics: Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if he thinks that bacterial infection is the cause. Acute sinusitis typically takes 2 weeks to recover, while chronic sinusitis might take longer. Antibiotics will only help with bacterial infections and won’t treat sinusitis caused by viruses or other issues.
Painkillers: Consult your doctor and take over-the-counter pain medications to ease discomfort.
Decongestants: These medications reduce the amount of mucus in the sinuses, and it is available as nasal sprays. Use them as advised by your physician.
Allergy Medicines: Most sinuses are caused due to uncontrolled allergies. Get allergy testing to see if you have them and if you do, then doctors may prescribe antihistamines. Also avoiding triggers will help. A long-term treatment goal is to get allergy shots, that can make you less sensitive to the things that trigger off symptoms.
Steroids: In a few cases, the physician may prescribe inhaled steroids to reduce the swelling in the sinus membranes.
Surgery: In very rare cases, those suffering from chronic or acute sinusitis that is recurring may need surgery, where the surgeon may remove blockages and enlarge the sinus passages, which makes it easier to drain.
