- Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a common condition that refers to inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages .
- Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times a year, with each episode lasting no more than ten days.
- Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times a year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.
- Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, allergens, pollutants, bacteria and fungi.
- Symptoms of sinusitis include
- runny or stuffy nose,
- postnasal drip,
- pain or pressure around the eyes or cheekbones,
- earache,
- facial swelling,
- dizziness,
- headache,
- fever,
- sore throat,
- bad breath,
- toothache, or
- sensitive teeth.
- To diagnose sinusitis, a doctor will take a history and perform a physical exam. Tests can include CT scans and ultrasound.
- Home remedies to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis include
- drink a lot of water,
- breathe steam,
- take a warm shower,
- using mentholated preparations such as Vicks Vapor Rub, and
- nasal irrigation (such as using a Neti pot).
- Over-the-counter (OTC) expectorants, decongestants, cough suppressants, nasal steroid sprays, and pain killers can alleviate symptoms.
- Medications used to treat sinusitis include intranasal or oral steroids. Antibiotics can be prescribed to prevent complications, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of chronic sinusitis.
- Sinus surgery is a last resort for those who don’t respond to medications.
- Prevention of a sinus infection depends on the cause, but the prognosis for sinus infections is usually good when treated quickly. Those with chronic sinusitis can have recurrent attacks if there are structural or allergic causes.
What is sinus infection (sinusitis)?
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with sinus infection may also have a cough, sore throat, fever, bad breath, and stuffy nose with thick nasal passages. Sinusitis is a common condition categorized as acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-lasting, the most common type).
What do the sinuses look like (photos)?
The human skull contains four large pairs of hollow, air-filled cavities called sinuses. These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage (behind your nose). Sinuses help isolate the skull, reduce weight, and make the voice resonate in it. The four main pair of sinuses are the:
- Frontal sinuses (in the forehead)
- Maxillary sinuses (behind the cheekbones)
- Ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes)
- Sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes)
The sinuses contain resistance to viruses and bacteria (germs). The sinuses are covered with a mucous layer and cells that have small hairs on their surface (cilia). These help keep bacteria and pollutants out and drift out.
Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times a year, with each episode lasting no more than ten days. Medicines are generally effective against acute sinusitis. A successful treatment prevents damage to the mucous layer of the sinuses and the surrounding bone of the skull.
Chronic or recurrent sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times a year with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.
What are the symptoms of sinus infection (sinusitis)?
Signs and symptoms of sinus infections depend on the sinuses affected and whether the sinus infection is acute or chronic.
Acute Sinusitis Symptoms
- Nasal congestion with discharge
- Postnasal drip (mucus drips down the throat behind the nose) often accompanied by a sore throat
- Pain over the cheekbone, under or around the eye, or around the upper teeth
- Earache or earache
- Headache in the temple or in the area or behind the eye
- Pain or pressure symptoms are worse when coughing or straining
- Fever is normal
- Pain or pressure on one or both sides of the face
- Facial swelling
- Dizziness
Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms
Chronic sinusitis can have many of the same symptoms as acute sinusitis, but the symptoms last longer or are more severe. In addition, people with chronic sinusitis may also experience:
- Pain that is worse in the late morning or when wearing glasses
- Pain and pressure in the fact worsen when leaning forward
- Chronic sore throat and bad breath
- Chronic toothache or increased sensitivity of the teeth
- Increased visual disturbances during the day with increased cough at night
What Causes Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)?
Causes of acute sinus infection
Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing agents (allergens) or pollutants can also lead to acute sinusitis. A viral infection damages the cells of the sinus wall, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens and obstructs the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process of removing bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and enter the sinus lining. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants have a similar effect.
Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes (bacteria that live without oxygen), are involved in chronic sinusitis.
Causes of chronic sinus infection
In addition to viruses, bacteria, allergens and pollutants, fungi are also an increasing cause of chronic sinusitis, especially in people with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS, leukemia and other cancers and diabetes. Medications designed to modify the immune system can also increase the risk of developing a sinus infection.
