Sinusitis, also known as sinus, involves swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining in the sinuses. Sinuses affect four paired spaces or cavities in the head, and narrow channels usually connect them. The sinuses make thin mucus that drains out the channels of the nose, keeping it clean and bacteria-free. While it is typically filled with air, the sinuses can get filled and blocked with fluid, allowing bacteria to grow. This causes a bacterial sinusitis infection, also known as rhino sinusitis. If the sinus tissue is inflamed, the nasal tissue remains swollen almost every time.
Types of Sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis
This involves a condition defined by a decreased sense of smell, facial pain or pressure, drainage, and nasal congestion for at least three months.
Acute Bacterial Sinusitis
This includes a condition where one experiences a sudden onset of cold symptoms lasting more than ten days. It could also be defined by cold symptoms that seem to improve but recur and become worse than the previous ones. These symptoms include facial pain, stuffy nose, or a running nose. Acute bacterial Sinusitis responds quite well to decongestants and antibiotics.
Recurrent Acute Sinusitis
This describes a situation where symptoms reoccur more than three times annually and last less than 14 days each time.
Subacute Sinusitis
This describes a condition where symptoms last for around one to three months.
Who is at Risk of Getting Sinusitis?
While anyone can get Sinusitis, persons having abnormal nose structures, asthma, nasal polyps, and nasal allergies are more likely to suffer from this illness. Additionally, smokers are at risk of contracting a sinus infection.
Common Causes of Sinusitis
Generally, Sinusitis can be caused by a fungus, bacteria, or virus that inflames and blocks the sinuses. Other specific causes of sinuses include:
- Polyps
- The common cold
- Seasonal and nasal allergies
- Weak immune system to medications or illnesses
- A deviated septum
For young kids and infants, drinking bottles or pacifiers while lying down and spending time in daycares can elevate the chances of contracting Sinusitis.
Is Sinusitis contagious?
While one cannot transmit bacterial Sinusitis, one can spread sinusitis viruses. To prevent the transmission of this virus, it is best to follow proper hand-washing procedures regularly. Also, avoid people if you are sick and cough or sneeze into your elbow.
How is Sinusitis Treated?
There are numerous ways in which Sinusitis can be treated, and they depend on how severe the case is. Thanks to technology, you can even get online treatment for sinus infection. For instance, Callon Doc provides online therapy for the disease, and you do not require insurance or appointments.
- A simple sinusitis infection can be treated with the following:
- Nasal saline irrigation
- Decongestants
- Drinking fluids
- Over-the-counter allergy and cold medicine
On the other hand, long-term Sinusitis can be treated by treating the underlying condition, usually allergies. The standard treatment plans include the following:
- Leukotriene antagonists to curb allergy and swelling symptoms
- Intranasal steroid sprays
- Rinsing the nose with saline solutions
- Topical antihistamine oral pills or sprays
Doctors can advise patients to take CT scans to understand their sinuses better. If your condition is severe, they may recommend surgery to be undertaken primarily to correct structural issues.
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