Sinusitis

Description

Introduction

Sinusitis is a common condition in which the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed.

Sinusitis is a common inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, the cavities that produce the mucus necessary for the nasal passages to work effectively.

Causes

Sinusitis can stem from various factors, but it always results from fluid becoming trapped in the sinuses. This fuels the growth of germs.

Viruses: In adults, 90 percent cases of sinusitis result from a virus

Bacteria: In adults, 1 case in 10 is caused by bacteria

Pollutants: Chemicals or irritants in the air can trigger a build-up of mucus

Atmospheric pollution

Fungi: The sinuses either react to fungi in the air, as in allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS), or they are invaded by fungi, as in chronic indolent sinusitis.

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary, depending on the length and severity of the infection.

If the patient has two or more of the following symptoms and thick, green or yellow nasal discharge, they may be diagnosed with acute sinusitis.

facial pain and pressure

blocked nose

nasal discharge

reduced sense of smell

congestion

cough

In more advanced cases, the following symptoms may also be present:

fever

halitosis, or foul-smelling breath

tiredness

toothache

headache

If these symptoms continue for 12 weeks or longer, the doctor may diagnose chronic sinusitis.