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Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the lining of one or more of the nasal sinuses. Any condition that prevents the flow of air into, and drainage of mucous out of, the sinuses can lead to sinusitis.
Most often the condition is caused by infection. The inflammation causes congestion, which leads to a build up of pressure causing pain and other symptoms. Sinusitis can be acute (short-lasting) or chronic (long-term).
The nasal sinuses are four pairs of air filled cavities within the bones of the face - above and around the eyes. They are connected to the nasal cavity (ie, the area between the nostrils and the back of the throat, through which we breath) by small openings.
The sinuses are lined with the same kind of mucous membrane that lines the rest of the respiratory system. In healthy sinuses, air passes in and out of the sinuses and mucous produced by the mucous membrane is able to drain into the back of the nasal cavity. Mucous helps to remove dust, bacteria and other air pollutants from the sinuses and nasal cavity.
Sinusitis is nearly always caused by infection, although swelling from allergies can mimic the symptoms of pressure, pain and congestion.
Usually the infection that causes sinusitis is bacterial, though viral and fungal infections can also cause the condition.
Obstructions within the nasal cavity or sinuses such as a crooked partition between the nostrils (deviated septum) or nasal polyps (small growths on the mucous membrane) can lead to sinusitis by preventing the drainage of mucous and creating a breeding ground for infection.
When inflammation, swelling and/or obstruction within the sinuses prevent drainage and causes mucous to build up, congestion occurs. Because the sinuses are unable to drain, this congestion leads to increased pressure in the sinuses causing pain and other symptoms.
Acute sinusitis:
Acute sinusitis commonly occurs as the result of a cold, a bacterial or viral nasal infection or as a result of allergies. There may be repeat occurrences eg: after a cold, yet symptoms are absent between occurrences.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis may include:
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal discharge (which may contain pus if infection is present)
- Post nasal drainage (drainage of mucous down the back of the throat)
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
- Pain and pressure over the cheeks, forehead or between and behind the eyes. This may be worsened by bending, coughing or sneezing.
- Headache
- Fever and fatigue
- Reduction in hearing
Chronic sinusitis:
Chronic sinusitis is considered present if a patient has continuous symptoms for more than three months. Nasal congestion and postnasal drainage may be present. The sinuses may become narrowed or closed completely due to chronic infection and inflammation. Ongoing allergies and environmental irritants (eg: cigarette smoke) may also be a causative factor.
Diagnosis of sinusitis can be difficult as its symptoms can mimic those of a common cold. In order to make an accurate diagnosis the doctor will take a full medical history including an assessment of the nature and duration of symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination including looking in the ears, throat and nose.
In recurrent and chronic cases a referral to a specialist ear nose and throat surgeon (otolaryngologist) may be required, as more extensive diagnostic procedures may be necessary. These may include:
- Examination of the nasal cavity and sinus openings with an endoscope (a small, thin telescope which enables the structures to be viewed through the telescope or on a television monitor).
- A CT scan (a specialised x-ray that allows a cross sectional view of the sinuses to be seen, also called a “CT Miniseries”).
- X-rays (less commonly used as CT scans give better resolution).
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and restore the normal flow of air and mucous through the sinuses.
Non surgical treatment:
- Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infection. A 7-10 day course of medication is usually prescribed. Longer courses may be needed for cases of recurrent and chronic sinusitis.
- Decongestants relieve nasal congestion by drying up the mucous. These can be in the form of nasal drops or sprays, or can be taken in tablet form. Care must be taken as decongestants can excessively dry the lining of the nose, which leads in turn to further swelling and congestion. It is important to clearly follow the medication instructions when using nasal decongestants.
- Steroid medications such as prednisone may be prescribed, in conjunction with an extended course of antibiotics, in order to treat cases of chronic sinusitis. Steroid nasal sprays may also be prescribed.
Other treatments that aim to relieve the symptoms include pain-relieving medications, steam inhalers, saline nasal sprays and the application of heat or cold packs to the area surrounding the sinuses. Avoiding allergens (allergy-producing irritants) and taking antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions may also prove effective. Acupuncture and homeopathic remedies may be effective for some people.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be recommended for cases of recurrent or chronic sinusitis where non-surgical treatment has not been effective. It aims to improve airflow and drainage between the sinuses and the nasal cavity by correcting structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum, removing obstructions such as polyps, and by removing areas of diseased tissue.
Endoscopic surgical techniques have largely replaced conventional open surgery for sinusitis in New Zealand. Open surgery is used mainly in the treatment of seriously damaged sinuses or to allow areas not easily reached by an endoscope to be treated.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually a day stay procedure performed under either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with sedation. The endoscope allows the surgeon to easily see the inside of nasal cavity and into the sinus openings. The surgery can be performed with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
There is usually only minimal pain post operatively and this may be treated with pain relieving medications such as paracetamol. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent post-operative infection and nasal sprays may be prescribed to flush out debris and promote healing.
The surgeon will give recovery and activity guidelines before the patient goes home. It is usual to be advised to take up to a week off work, to avoid exercise, strenuous activity and bending, and to not blow the nose for a period of time.
Preventing sinusitis may be possible during a cold or when allergies are problematic by:
- Drinking plenty of fluid - this helps to thin the nasal mucous and allow it to drain more easily.
- Gently blowing the nose, one nostril at a time, rather than sniffing.
- Using an oral decongestant or nasal decongestant spray - being careful to follow the instructions for use closely.
- Avoiding allergy triggers
AmericanAcademy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (2007). What is Sinusitis? AmericanAcademy of Otolaryngology http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/sinus/sinusitis.cfm
Carson-De Witt, R. (2006). Sinusitis. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Third Edition. Jacqueline L. Longe, Editor. Farmington Hills, MI. Thompson Gale.
Everybody (2005) Sinusitis. CMP Medica (NZ) Ltd. http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-5d49f28f-12d8-4b4c-bedf-e92e4b2a2047.aspx
Last Reviewed - 05/09/07
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