Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Normally, sinuses are filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection.

Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose), nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).

There are different types of sinusitis, including:

• Acute sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 7-10 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.
• Subacute sinusitis: An inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis: A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer.
• Recurrent sinusitis: Several attacks within a year.

About 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of sinusitis each year. People who have the following conditions have a higher risk of sinusitis:

• Nasal mucous membrane swelling as from a common cold
• Blockage of drainage ducts
• Structure differences that narrow the drainage ducts
• Conditions that result in an increased risk of infection such as immune deficiencies or taking medications that suppress the immune system.

In adults, the contributing factors are most frequently infections and smoking.

The primary symptoms of acute sinusitis include: facial pain/pressure, nasal stuffiness, nasal discharge, loss of smell, cough/congestion. Additional symptoms may include: fever, bad breath, fatigue, dental pain.

Acute sinusitis may be diagnosed when a person has two or more symptoms and/or the presence of thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.

People with chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms for 8 weeks or more: facial congestion/fullness, a nasal obstruction/blockage, pus in the nasal cavity, fever, nasal discharge/discolored postnasal drainage

To diagnose sinusitis, your doctor will review your symptoms and give you a physical examination.

The exam may include the doctor feeling and pressing your sinuses for tenderness. He or she may also tap your teeth to see if you have an inflamed paranasal sinus.

Other diagnostic tests may include a study of the mucus culture, nasal endoscopy, X-rays, allergy testing, CT scan of the sinuses, or blood work.

Treatment for sinusitis depends on the severity.