Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the tissue lining your sinuses. Sinuses are structures inside your face that are normally filled with air. Your sinuses are structures inside your face that are normally filled with air. They can get irritated due to bacterial infections, viral infections and allergies, causing them to get inflammed and keeps mucus from draining. It make the nose stuffy and breathing through your nose might be hard. 

Sinusitis affects both adults and children. 

What are the symptoms of Sinusitis?

Some common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Thick, discoloured mucus
• Postnasal drip
• Nasal congestion, making it hard to breathe through the nose
• Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Cough, which may worsen at night
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

If youre experiencing repeated sinusitis and if the condition does not get better after 10 days, do seek medical attention. If you experience the following symptoms, see a healthcare provider right away as it could mean a serious infection:

• Fever
• Forehead swelling
• Confusion
• Double vision
• Stiff neck

What causes Sinusitis?

Sinusitis may be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergens. Certain triggers include:

• The common cold
• Influenza
• Seasonal allergies
• Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria

What are the risk factors of Sinusitis?

Some people are more prone to getting sinusitis than others. Risk factors that increases your likelihood of developing sinusitis include:

• Nasal allergies
• Asthma
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated septum
• A weakened immune system
• Smoking

How do you prevent Sinusitis?

You can take these steps to lower your risk of getting sinusitis:

• Protecting your health: Stay away from people who have colds or are sick with other infections. Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Manage your allergies: Avoid things that trigger your allergies and work with your healthcare provider to keep your symptoms under control.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco smoke and other pollutants can irritate the lungs and inside your nose.
• Use a humidifier: If the air in your home is dry, you can add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

How do you diagnose Sinusitis?

Imaging Tests
A CT scan can show details of the sinuses and nasal cavity, and is also used to rule out other causes.

Nasal Endoscopy
A thin, flexible tube known as the endoscope will be inserted into the nose to let the healthcare provider see the insides of sinuses.