The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. They are located behind the forehead, nasal bones and cheeks. Sinusitis is a common condition in which the lining of air-filled cavities get inflamed. Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria. All the sinuses are covered internally by mucous membrane which spontaneously secretes mucous. Most of the time, mucus is able to drain out through nose and air is able to flow through the sinuses. When the sinus openings become blocked, then too much mucus accumulates inside the sinuses, which in turn creates a situation in favour of bacteria growing easily.
Causes of sinus infection
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (inflammatory swelling of the lining of the nose), nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose), or a deviated septum (a shift of the wall between the nostrils).
There are two types of sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is when symptoms are present for 4 weeks or less. It is caused by bacteria growing in the sinuses.
Chronic sinusitis is when swelling and inflammation of the sinuses are present for longer than 3 months. It may be caused by bacteria or a fungus. Only x-ray imaging can determine whether it is chronic or acute sinusitis.
Stuffy, Puffy, and Sore
Sinusitis causes many symptoms. Most people have a stuffy nose and pain or pressure in several locations around the face or teeth. There’s usually a nasal discharge that may be yellow, green, or clear. Other symptoms may include fatigue, a decreased sense of smell and/or taste, coughing, sore throat, bad breath, headache, pain when bending forward, and fever.
The signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis are similar to acute sinusitis, except they last longer and presents with a less severe symptoms. If a patient suspects having sinusitis
he/she would be advised to have an X-Ray or CT scan of the sinuses to confirm the diagnosis. These investigations also help a lot to guide the treatment plan.
Treatment procedure
Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.
Inhale steam 2 - 4 times per day (for example, while sitting in the bathroom with the shower running). Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face. This will help ease pain and help mucus drain.
Decongestant nasal drops are used to widen the nasal cavity with reestablishment of drainage pathway of sinuses.
Nasal irrigation with normal saline has been known to play a great role in cleaning the nasal cavity and sinus passages.
Smoking is never recommended
Most of the time, antibiotics are needed for acute sinusitis. Antibiotics do help to control infection. In case of chronic sinusitis, the role of antibiotic is little bit less. Analgesics can be used to relief pain.
When surgery is the final answer
Operation is an option for patients who cannot get cured with conservative treatment methods. Now-a-days, endoscopic sinus surgery is a popular effective procedure for treating chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis can be dangerous
If a sinus infection passes through the bone, it can infect the lining of the brain or even the brain itself. Both problems are life threatening. A sinus infection can also spread into the orbit of the eye, causing an infection around the eye. Less severe complications include loss of smell, bad breath.
Prevention
The best way to prevent sinusitis is to avoid colds and flu or treat problems quickly.
Avoid smoke, dust and pollutants.
Treat allergies quickly and appropriately.
Go through a proper operative procedure if it is caused by a deviated nasal septum, or nasal polyp or tonsillitis and enlarged adenoids in case of children.
