Sinusitis

Sinusitis

What Is Meant By Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. The
sinuses are four paired cavities (spaces) in the head. They are connected by
narrow channels. The sinuses make thin mucus that drains out of the channels of
the nose. This drainage helps keep the nose clean and free of bacteria. Normally
filled with air, the sinuses can get blocked and filled with fluid. When that
happens, bacteria can grow and cause an infection (bacterial sinusitis).
This is also called rhino-sinusitis, with “rhino” meaning “nose.” The nasal tissue is
almost always swollen if sinus tissue is inflamed.

There are different types of sinusitis:
Acute bacterial sinusitis:                                                                                            This term refers to a sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy
nose, and facial pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that seem
to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms (termed
“double sickening”). It responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.
Chronic sinusitis:
This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial
pain/pressure, and decreased sense of smell for at least 12 weeks.
Subacute sinusitis:
This term is used when the symptoms last four to twelve weeks.
Recurrent acute sinusitis:
This term is used when the symptoms come back four or more times in one
year and last less than two weeks each time.

What are the different types of sinuses near the nose and eyes?
The paranasal sinuses are located in your head near your nose and eyes. They are
named after the bones that provide their structure.
The ethmoidal sinuses are located between your eyes.
The maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.
The sphenoidal sinuses are located behind your eyes.
The frontal sinuses are located above your eyes.

Who gets sinusitis?
A sinus infection can happen to anyone. However, people with nasal allergies,
nasal polyps, asthma and abnormal nose structures are all more likely to get
sinusitis. Smoking can also increase how often you get a sinus infection.
There are an estimated 31 million people in the United States with sinusitis.

What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus that swells and
blocks the sinuses. A few specific causes include:
The common cold.
Nasal and seasonal allergies, including allergies to mold.
Polyps (growths).
A deviated septum. The septum is the line of cartilage that divides
your nose. A deviated septum means that it isn’t straight, so that it is
closer to the nasal passage on one side of your nose, causing a
blockage.
A weak immune system from illness or medications.

What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis?
Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:
Post nasal drip (mucus drips down the throat).
Nasal discharge (thick yellow or green discharge from nose) or
stuffy nose.
Halitosis (bad breath)
Cough.
Tiredness.
Fever.