What is 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.
Your head’s paranasal sinuses are close to your nose and eyes. They are named after the skeletons that support them. The maxillary cavity, the largest sinus cavity, is also one of the ones that becomes infected the most frequently.
Conditions that cause sinusitis
- The typical cold
- Allergens can induce allergic rhinitis, which results in swelling of the nose’s lining.
- Nasal polyps are tiny growths in the lining of the nose.
- A nasal cavity shift is called a deviated septum.
There are various sinusitis kinds, including:
- Acute bacterial sinusitis: This condition is characterized by a sudden onset of coldsymptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose and facial pain that do not go away after 10 days or by symptoms that initially appear to get better but later return and become worse.
- Chronic sinusitis is a condition that lasts for at least 12 weeks and is characterized by
nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain or pressure, and a diminished sense of smell.
When symptoms persist for four to twelve weeks, the condition is referred to as sub-acute sinusitis. When acute sinusitis symptoms return four or more times in a year and last fewer than two weeks each time, it is referred to as recurrent acute sinusitis.
When to see a doctor?
It’s advised that you consult a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 10 days or if they first go better but then become worse again within the first 7 days. These symptoms could indicate the development of a secondary acute bacterial infection.
See a doctor if you notice any of the following:
a continuing fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (normal sinus infection fevers are atleast 100.4 degrees F)
- Changes in eyesight, including double vision
- Symptoms that are not eased by over-the-counter drugs
- Several illnesses within the previous year
- Sudden, excruciating head or face pain
- Confusion
- Redness or swelling around the eyes
Diagnosis at Lotus medical centre
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, inquire about your symptoms and their timing, and determine
whether you have a sinus infection. During this examination, it may be necessary to check the nose for
polyps, do a transillumination test (shining a light against the sinuses to determine inflammation), and
tap the area around the sinuses to check for infections.
Your doctor might order additional tests if you have a persistent sinus infection, such as:
- To examine your sinuses and check if your mucous membranes are irritated, utilise a rhinoscopy or nasal endoscopy.
- Mucus cultures to identify the specific infection-causing agent (if it has not improved after antibiotics).
- Allergy testing to identify the allergens that may be causing your recurring or chronic illnesses
- CT scan to look for polyps or a deviated septum in the sinuses.
- MRI scan to check for fungal infections or nasal tumors.
Medication
Acute sinusitis treatment focuses on symptom relief, such as by consuming plenty of liquids and sleeping a lot, using a saline nasal wash, such as a saline nasal spray to clear the sinuses, consuming steam multiple times per day and the use of a humidifier. However, some drugs advised by your doctor are necessary to take to maintain better sinuses.
