Sinusitis Explained - Causes And Sinusitis Treatment

Sinusitis Explained - Causes And Sinusitis Treatment by Franchis

Sinusitis is the medical term for inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the sinuses. It's usually caused by infection. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which may or may not be as a result of infection, from bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic or autoimmune issues. Newer classifications of sinusitis refer to it as rhinosinusitis, taking into account the thought that inflammation of the sinuses cannot occur without some inflammation of the nose as well (rhinitis).

Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.

The sinuses are covered with a mucus layer and cells that contain little hairs on their surfaces called cilia. These help trap and propel bacteria and pollutants outward. The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) connects the nasal passage to the paranasal sinuses.

What Causes Sinusitis?

The most common cause is viral infection.

Sinusitis is more common in adults. It rarely occurs in children under the age of five. People with nasal abnormalities (such as deviated nasal septum), allergic rhinitis or cystic fibrosis are more likely to develop sinusitis. Smoking increases the risk of developing sinusitis.

Symptoms Of Sinusitis

Some of the signs that a person may have bacterial sinusitis are:

· nasal congestion or obstruction
· mucus discharge from the nose (this can occur with both viral and bacterial sinusitis but continuous thick discharge is more likely to be from bacterial sinusitis)
· persistent dull pain or swelling around the eyes
· tenderness or pain in or around the cheekbones
.High temperature (fever) may develop, and you may feel generally unwell.

Other common symptoms of sinusitis may include:

* A headache.
* Bad breath.
* A cough that produces mucus.
* A fever.
* Pain in your teeth.
* A reduced sense of taste or smell.

What treatment is available?

Acute sinusitis will often settle on its own, but in severe cases may be treated with an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (eg Amoxil), doxycycline (eg Vibramycin) or erythromycin (eg Erythroped).

Decongestant medication may help but should only be used for five to seven days in the case of nasal sprays or drops.

Chronic sinusitis usually requires surgical drainage of the sinuses involved.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Your doctor can tell if you have sinusitis by asking questions about your past health and doing a physical exam. You probably won't need any other tests.

Can I Prevent Sinusitis?

You can lower your risk of getting sinusitis by making some simple changes in your home environment. Try using a humidifier during cold weather to stop dry, heated air from irritating your sinuses, which can make them more susceptible to infection. Clean the humidifier regularly because mold, which can trigger allergies in some people, forms easily in moist environments.

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