is
Inflammation , either bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic or autoimmune, of the
Paranasal Sinus es.
Sinusitis is classified by the sinus cavity which it affects:
- - causes pain in the maxillary area (e.g., Toothache , headache) (J01.0/J32.0)
- - causes pain in the Frontal Sinus cavity (located behind/above eyes), headache (J01.1/J32.1)
- - causes pain between and/or behind Eyes , headache (J01.2/J32.2)
- - causes less generalized pain, headache (J01.3/J32.3)
Sinusitis can be ''
Acute '' (going on less than four weeks), ''
Subacute '' (4-8 weeks) or ''
Chronic '' (going on for 8 weeks or more).
All three types of sinusitis have similar symptoms, and are thus often difficult to distinguish.
It is usually precipitated by an earlier
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection , generally of the viral type.
- ''Chronic'' sinusitis is one of the most common complications of the Common Cold .
Symptoms include:
Nasal Congestion ; facial pain;
Headache ;
Fever ; general
Malaise ; thick green or yellow
Discharge ; feeling of facial 'fullness' worsening on bending over.
In a small number of cases, chronic
Maxillary sinusitis can also be brought on by the spreading of bacteria from a dental infection. Chronic hyperplastic eosinophilic sinusitis is a noninfective form of chronic sinusitis.
- ''Sinus headache'' a headache caused by pressure within the sinus cavities of the head, usually in connection with infection of the sinuses. Signs and symptoms of sinus headache include pain and tenderness in the sinus area, discharge from the nose, and sometimes swelling of the face.
Factors which may predispose to developing sinusitis include:
Allergies ; structural problems such as, for example, a
Deviated Septum , small
Sinus Ostia ; smoking;
Nasal Polyp s; carrying the
Cystic Fibrosis gene (research is still tentative); prior bouts of sinusitis as each instance further narrows the drainage openings.
When imaging techniques are required for diagnosis
CT Scanning is the method of choice. If allergies are suspected, allergy testing may be performed.
Therapeutic measures include simple painkillers (
Aspirin ,
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or similar), inhaling steam,
Nasal Irrigation or
Jala Neti using a warm saline solution, hot drinks including
Tea and
Chicken Soup , over-the-counter
Decongestant s, and getting plenty of rest. If sinusitis doesn't improve within 48 hours, or is causing significant pain, one should see a doctor, who may prescribe
Antibiotics or nasal
Steroids . If the recommended doses and duration of
Antibiotic treatment(s) are ineffective, one should consult a doctor; who may suggest further treatment by a qualified specialist.
If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to
Bronchitis and
Pneumonia .
For chronic or recurring sinusitis, referral to an
Otolaryngologist is indicated for more specialist assessment and treatment, which may include nasal
Surgery .
A recent advance in the treatment of sinusitis is a type of surgery called FESS - functional
Endoscopic sinus surgery, whereby normal clearance from the sinuses is restored by removing the anatomical and pathological obstructive variations that predispose to sinusitis. This replaces the less effective Caldwell-Luc surgery. Another recently developed treatment is
Balloon Sinuplasty .
