What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses. The sinus head has four paired cavities that are connected by narrow channels. The sinuses produce thin mucus that drains out through the nose. This drainage helps keep the nose clean and free of bacteria.

Sinuses that are normally filled with air can become blocked and fill with fluid. When this happens, bacteria can grow and cause infection (bacterial sinusitis). It is also called rhinosinusitis, with “rhino” meaning “nose.” The nasal tissue almost always remains swollen when the sinus tissue is inflamed.

How many types of sinuses are there 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.

1. Ethmoidal sinuses are located between your eyes.

2. Maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.

3. Sphenoidal sinuses are located behind your eyes.

4. Frontal sinuses are located above your eyes.

The largest sinus cavity is the maxillary cavity, and it is one of the cavities that most often becomes infected.

The different types of sinusitis are as follows:-

Acute bacterial sinusitis: This term refers to the sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that do not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that begin to improve. but then come back and become worse than the initial symptoms. (Called “double disease”). It responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.

1. Chronic sinusitis:- This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and loss of smell for at least 12 weeks.

2. Subacute sinusitis:- This term is used when the symptoms last for four to twelve weeks.

3. Recurrent acute sinusitis:- This term is used when the symptoms come back four or more times in a year and last for less than two weeks each time.

Who gets sinusitis? 

Sinus infection can happen to anyone. However, people with nasal allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, and abnormal nasal structures are more likely to develop sinusitis. Smoking can also increase how often you get sinus infections.

How can I tell if I have a sinus infection, cold, or nasal allergies?

It can be difficult to differentiate between a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection. The common cold usually progresses, peaks and gradually disappears. This lasts from a few days to a week. A cold can turn into a sinus infection. Nasal allergies are inflammation of the nose caused by irritating particles (dust, pollen and dander). Nasal allergy symptoms may include sneezing, itching in the nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip (mucus in the throat). Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can occur at the same time as a common cold.

If you’re fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergies, see your healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history.

What are the causes of sinusitis?

Sinusitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus that causes the sinuses to swell and block. Some specific reasons include the following:-

1. Common cold.

2. Runny nose and seasonal allergies, including allergies to mold.

3. Polyps.

4. A deviated septum. The septum is the line of cartilage that divides your nose. A deviated septum means that it is not straight, so that it is closer to the nasal passage on one side of your nose, causing blockage.

5. Weak immune system due to disease or medicines.

6. For infants and young children, spending time in day care, lying down, using pacifiers or drinking bottles may increase the chance of sinusitis.

7. For adults, smoking increases the risk of sinus infections. If you smoke, you should stop. Smoking is harmful to you and the people around you.

Is sinusitis contagious?

You can’t spread bacterial sinusitis, but you can spread viruses that cause sinusitis. Remember to follow good hand-washing practices, avoid being close to people who are sick, and sneeze or cough into your elbow if you sneeze or cough.

What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis? What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis?

Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:

1. Post nasal drip (mucus drips down the throat).

2. Nasal discharge (thick yellow or green discharge from the nose) or stuffy nose.

3. Facial pressure (especially around the nose, eyes and forehead), headache and or pain in your teeth or ears.

4. Halitosis (bad breath)

5. Cough.

6. Fatigue.

7. Fever.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you a lot of questions to develop a detailed medical history and find out about your symptoms. His physical examination will also be done. During the exam, your care provider will check your ears, nose, and throat for any swelling, irritation, or blockage. An endoscope may be used to look inside the nose. In some cases, you may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. If you need an imaging exam, your provider will order a CT scan.

How is sinusitis treated?

Sinusitis is treated in several ways, each depending on how severe the case of sinusitis is. A simple sinusitis infection is treated with:-

1. Medicine for cough and cold.

2. Over-the-counter, cold and allergy medications.

3. Nasal saline irrigation.

4. Drink fluids (sinusitis is a viral infection and fluids will help).

If sinusitis symptoms do not improve after 10 days, your doctor may prescribe the following:

1. Antibiotics (for seven days in adults and 10 days in children).

2. Oral or topical decongestant medicine.

3. Long-term (chronic) sinusitis can be treated by focusing on the underlying condition (usually allergies). It is usually treated by:

4. Intranasal steroid spray.

5. Topical antihistamine spray or oral pills.

6. Leukotriene antagonists to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms.

7. Rinsing the nose with saline solution which may also contain other types of medications.

When sinusitis is not controlled by one of the above treatments, a CT scan is used to get a better look at your sinuses. Depending on the results, surgery may be needed to correct structural problems in your sinuses. This is most likely to happen if you have polyps and/or fungal infection.

What complications are associated with sinus infections?

Although it does not happen very often, untreated sinus infections can become life-threatening by causing meningitis or infecting the brain, eyes, or nearby bone. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Do I need antibiotics for every sinus infection?

Many sinus infections are caused by viruses, similar to those that cause the common cold. These types of infections are not cured by antibiotics. Taking antibiotics for a viral infection unnecessarily puts you at risk for antibiotic-related side effects. Additionally, overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections more difficult to treat.

Are Complementary and Alternative Therapies Useful for Treating Sinusitis?

You may find acupressure, acupuncture, or facial massage helpful in reducing sinusitis symptoms, including pressure and pain. They can also help you relax. These treatments usually do not have unwanted side effects.

How can I prevent sinusitis?
Some home remedies used to treat sinus infection symptoms can help prevent sinusitis. These include rinsing your nose with salt water and using medications your doctor may recommend, such as allergy medications or steroid nasal spray.

You should avoid things you are allergic to, such as dust, pollen or smoke, and try to avoid sick people. Wash your hands to reduce the chance of getting a cold or flu.

Note, do not take any medicine without doctor’s advice. Self-medication is life-threatening and can lead to serious medical conditions.