Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are responsible for producing the mucus that helps nasal passages function effectively. Viruses, autoimmune reactions, and allergies are among the causes of sinus inflammation.
Sinusitis occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes swollen or inflamed. This can happen as a result of an inflammatory reaction or an infection caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
A sinus is a hollow space in the body, and although there are several types of sinuses, sinusitis primarily affects the paranasal sinuses—the spaces behind the face that lead to the nasal cavity.
The lining of these sinuses has the same composition as the lining of the nose. The sinuses produce mucus, which keeps the nasal passages moist and traps dirt particles and germs.
Sinusitis occurs when mucus builds up and the sinuses become irritated and inflamed.
Types of Sinusitis
• Acute Sinusitis: This type of sinus infection lasts less than four weeks. It’s usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness and may also be caused by a bacterial infection.
• Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting seven days or more.
• Subacute Sinusitis: This type of sinus infection lasts between 4 and 12 weeks.
• Chronic Sinusitis: A chronic sinus infection lasts for more than 12 weeks or continues to recur.
Causes
• Allergies
• Nasal polyps
• Irritating pollutants and smoke
• The common cold
• Dental problems
• Deviated septum
• Nasal anatomy
• Weak immune system
• Foreign bodies
• Atmospheric changes
• Nasal injuries
• Asthma
• Infection
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing sinusitis:
• Seasonal allergies
• Having a deviated septum
• Nasal polyps
• Previous respiratory tract infections
• Weak immune system
• Nasal bone spur or growth
• Cystic fibrosis
• Dental infections
• Smoking
Symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis may include:
• Nasal discharge
• Sore throat
• Blocked or runny nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Toothache
• Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, nose, and forehead
• Fatigue
• Cold or respiratory illness
Diagnosis
To diagnose sinusitis, a doctor may:
• Ask about symptoms
• Perform a physical examination
• Order blood tests for HIV or other tests to assess immune function
• Conduct allergy tests
• Perform a nasal endoscopy
• Order imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs
• Conduct an allergy test to identify possible triggers
• Perform nasal cytology
Treatment
Home remedies that may provide relief include:
• Using a warm compress
• Drinking hot liquids
• Staying hydrated
• Resting your voice
• Using sinus rinses
• Breathing in moist air from a shower or humidifier
Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications:
• Nasal decongestant sprays, such as oxymetazoline, can help relieve symptoms in the short term.
• OTC antihistamines and decongestants can help with sinus infections, particularly if allergies are also present. Options include:
– Sudafed
– Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
– Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• A steroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone, can help with nasal congestion without the risk of rebound symptoms from prolonged use.
Decongestants are typically not recommended for people with:
• Glaucoma
• Prostate issues
• High blood pressure
• Sleep difficulties
Nasal Irrigation: Flushing out the nostrils may help people with chronic rhinosinusitis and other types of sinus infections.
Antibiotics: Amoxicillin may be prescribed to treat acute sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection that hasn’t resolved with other treatments.
Surgery: A doctor may recommend surgery if other treatments have not been effective.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of sinusitis, you can:
• Wear warm clothes and drink hot liquids
• Avoid allergens
• Avoid pollutants
• Quit smoking
• Maintain good hygiene
• Diagnose and treat allergies
• Diagnose and treat other health conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Take oral medications, such as antihistamines
• Consider allergic immunotherapy
Complications
Potential complications of sinus infections include:
• Blood clot in the sinus cavity (thrombosis)
• Bone infection
• Meningitis
• Infection of the eye and surrounding tissues
• Brain abscess
Symptoms of these rare complications may include:
• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Seizure
• Swelling of the forehead
• Pain with eye movements
• Redness or swelling in the eye socket
• Sensitivity to light
