Inflammation and swelling of the nasal sinuses are the hallmarks of acute sinusitis, which is often caused by viral or bacterial infection. It covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute sinusitis in this blog post.
There are several factors that can cause acute sinusitis, including:
Cold and influenza viruses are common causes of acute sinusitis, causing inflammation and congestion of the nasal passages and sinuses.
Acute sinusitis is often caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
Acute sinusitis is caused by allergic reactions to environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander.
The presence of nasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages, can obstruct sinus drainage and result in acute sinusitis.
There are several structural abnormalities in the nasal passages that can impair sinus drainage and increase the risk of acute sinusitis, including a deviated septum, nasal bone spurs, or other structural abnormalities.
Acute sinusitis may cause the following symptoms:
Pain or pressure on the face, particularly around the cheeks, eyes, forehead, or nose.
Symptoms of nasal congestion include blocked or stuffy noses, difficulty breathing through the nose, and reduced sense of smell.
Thick, discolored nasal discharge (yellow or green mucus) that drains from the nose or down the throat (postnasal drip).
Dry or productive cough, especially at night, caused by postnasal drip or throat irritation.
Swelling or puffiness around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead, particularly in severe sinus infections.
Due to sinus pressure, a dull, throbbing headache is worsened by bending forward or lying down.
Acute sinusitis can be diagnosed based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms.
Inquire about the onset, duration, and characteristics of symptoms, as well as any recent upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, or nasal trauma.
An examination of the nasal passages, sinuses, and facial structures is performed to detect inflammation, swelling, or tenderness.
Endoscopy of the nasal passages and sinuses is performed using a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope).
Studies such as sinus X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be performed to evaluate the extent of sinus inflammation.
Sinusitis is treated by relieving symptoms, reducing inflammation, and promoting sinus drainage.
In order to avoid rebound congestion, nasal decongestant sprays or drops should not be used for more than a few days.
Inflammation can be reduced by using a saline nasal spray or performing nasal irrigation using a saline solution.
An over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve facial pain, headaches, or fever associated with acute sinusitis.
If the underlying infection cannot be treated with conservative measures, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial sinusitis.
For allergic or chronic sinusitis, nasal corticosteroid sprays or oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Acute sinusitis can be prevented by:
By practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, you can help prevent the spread of viral and bacterial infections that can lead to sinusitis.
Allergic reactions and sinus inflammation can be reduced by avoiding exposure to known allergens or irritants, such as pollen, dust, smoke, or air pollutants.
If you use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air, you can reduce the risk of sinusitis, especially during the dry winter months.
By managing allergies through medication, allergen avoidance, or allergy immunotherapy, sinusitis can be reduced in frequency and severity.
