The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead. Sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of the sinuses.
Types
- Acute
- Sub-acute
- Chronic
Causes
Infections
- Flu
- Common cold
- secondary bacterial infection
- An infected tooth
Irritants to sinuses
- air pollution
- smoke
- chemicals (pesticides)
- disinfectants
- Household detergents.
Allergies
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Hay fever
Narrowing of nasal passages
- facial injuries
- nasal polyp
Cystic fibrosis
Symptoms and signs
Adults
- Bad breath /anosmia
- Cough( worse at night)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Malaise
- Headache; Pressure-like pain (behind the eyes)
- Toothache
- Facial tenderness
- Nasal congestion and discharge
- Sore throat
- Postnasal drip
Children
- Irritable
- Breathe through mouth
- Difficulty in feeding
- Nasal speech
Investigations
- Allergy testing
- Ciliary function tests
- CT scan-sinuses
- MRI-sinuses
- Nasal cytology
- Sweat chloride tests (cystic fibrosis)
- Trans-illumination
Treatment
Self-care
- Apply a warm, moist washcloth to the face several times a day
- Avoid flying when congested
- Avoid temperature extremes
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus
- Inhale steam 2 – 4 times per day
- Use a humidifier
- Use nasal saline spray several times per day.
Ayurvedic Medicines
These are very effective in all types of Sinusitis. In most cases, the condition is relieved forever.
Surgery
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). This is done in non-responsive cases.
Complications
- Abscess
- Osteomyelitis
- Meningitis
- Orbital cellulitis
How to prevent sinusitis
- Avoid nasal irritants
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise.
- Improve household ventilation by opening windows whenever possible.
- Minimize exposure to persons with known infections.
- Reduce exposure to allergens.
- Sleep with the head of the bed elevated. This promotes sinus drainage.
- Use a humidifier in the home or office when the person has a cold.
- Use decongestants with caution.