Sinusitis

 ⚕️Sponsor of todays My Health Series posts⚕️

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is the inflammation or swelling of the sinuses — the air-filled spaces in the skull around the nose and eyes. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) and is often caused by infections, allergies, or structural issues in the nasal cavity.

---

🧠 What Is Sinusitis?

🔬 Definition:

Sinusitis occurs when sinus openings become blocked, leading to mucus buildup, pressure, and inflammation. This can be due to infection, allergies, or anatomical problems like a deviated septum.

---

📆 Types of Sinusitis

Type	Duration	Cause
Acute	Less than 4 weeks	Viral, bacterial, or allergic
Subacute	4–12 weeks	Usually unresolved acute case
Chronic	12+ weeks	Often due to inflammation, allergies, or polyps
Recurrent acute	4+ episodes/year	With symptom-free periods in between

---

😷 Symptoms of Sinusitis

• Facial pressure or pain (especially around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead)

• Nasal congestion

• Thick nasal discharge (yellow/green)

• Loss of smell or taste

• Cough or throat irritation

• Fever (more common in bacterial sinusitis)

• Toothache or ear pain

• Bad breath (halitosis)

---

🦠 Causes of Sinusitis

Cause	Description
Viral infection	Most common (e.g., cold viruses)
Bacterial infection	Less common but more severe
Fungal infection	Rare, often in immunocompromised individuals
Allergies	Pollen, dust, mold trigger inflammation
Nasal polyps	Tissue growths block sinuses
Deviated septum	Blocks sinus drainage
Air pollution or smoke	Irritate sinus linings

---

🧪 Diagnosis

• Clinical symptoms and history

• Physical exam: sinus tenderness, nasal exam

• Nasal endoscopy

• Imaging: CT scan (especially for chronic or unclear cases)

• Allergy testing (if allergic cause suspected)

• Sinus culture (in rare, non-resolving cases)

---

💊 Treatments for Sinusitis

1. 🏠 Home and Self-Care

• Nasal saline sprays or rinses (e.g., neti pot)

• Steam inhalation or warm compresses

• Hydration to thin mucus

• Rest and recovery

---

2. 💊 Medications

Type	Examples	Use
Decongestants	Pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline (short-term)	Relieve nasal swelling
Nasal corticosteroids	Fluticasone, budesonide	Reduce inflammation
Antihistamines	Loratadine, cetirizine	For allergic sinusitis
Pain relievers	Acetaminophen, ibuprofen	Reduce pain and fever
Antibiotics	Amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline	Only for bacterial sinusitis (lasting >10 days or worsening)
Leukotriene inhibitors	Montelukast	May help in allergic inflammation

---

3. 🛠️ Advanced/Chronic Sinusitis Treatments

• Allergy treatment: Antihistamines, immunotherapy

• Nasal steroid irrigation

• Surgery (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery – FESS) for:

  • Chronic sinusitis not responding to meds

  • Polyps or structural issues

• Balloon sinuplasty: Minimally invasive option to open blocked sinuses

---

🧩 Prevention Tips

• Avoid allergens and irritants (e.g., smoke, pollution)

• Treat colds and allergies early

• Use humidifiers in dry climates

• Practice nasal hygiene (e.g., saline rinses)

• Avoid overuse of decongestant sprays (>3 days)

---

📚 References

1. Fokkens, W. J., et al. (2020). EPOS 2020: European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps. Rhinology, 58(S29), 1–464.
   Link

2. Rosenfeld, R. M., et al. (2015). Clinical practice guideline (update): Adult sinusitis. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 152(2_suppl), S1–S39.
   Link

3. DeMuri, G. P., & Wald, E. R. (2013). Acute bacterial sinusitis in children. NEJM, 368, 1128–1134.
   Link

4. Sedaghat, A. R. (2017). Chronic rhinosinusitis. American Family Physician, 96(8), 500–506.
   Link

5. Meltzer, E. O., et al. (2004). Rhinosinusitis: Establishing definitions for clinical research and patient care. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 131(6 Suppl), S1–S62.
   Link