What are sinuses?
The sinuses are hollow cavities within the skull, situated in the forehead, cheeks and between and behind the eyes. They are connected to the nose through small tunnels that are little wider than a pinhead. Blockage of these tunnels, due to untreated allergy, colds or polyps (growths on the sinus linings), often causes pain in the face. Also, a blocked sinus creates an environment that favours the overgrowth of bacteria.
Nasal sinuses are located within the cheekbones, around and behind the nose. It is believed that the main function of nasal sinuses is to warm, moisten and filter the air in the nasal cavity. They also play a role in our ability to vocalise certain sounds. Colds and allergies are the main risk factors for developing sinusitis.
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, commonly caused by bacterial infection following a viral infection such as the common cold. Other risk factors for developing sinusitis include untreated allergies, crooked nasal anatomy, smoking, nasal polyps and overuse of decongestant nasal sprays. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic
Acute sinusitis - an infection lasting for up to three weeks, caused by bacterial infection in most cases, usually following a viral infection such as common cold, or as a result of untreated allergies.
Chronic sinusitis - an infection lasting more than three weeks may also be caused by bacterial infection, but is more often a chronic inflammatory disorder similar to asthma. Chronic sinusitis can last for months or years if inadequately treated. Allergies, structural problems or immunological problems may lead to chronic sinus infections.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on the level of severity of the inflammation and which sinuses are involved. Only a few or all of the following symptoms and signs may be present:
Thick, green or yellow coloured mucus from the nose or down the back of the throat
Loss of sense of smell or taste
Bad breath/bad taste in the mouth
Sore throat/cough
Tiredness
Temperature or shivers (fever)
Facial congestion (a feeling of fullness) and pain
Headache/toothache
Sensation of pressure that is worse with leaning forward
It is important to consult your doctor promptly if these signs or symptoms develop.
Allergy aids in development of sinusitis
Allergy can cause chronic inflammation of the sinus and mucus linings. This inflammation prevents the usual clearance of bacteria from the sinus cavity, increasing the chances of developing secondary bacterial sinusitis.
 If you test positive for allergies, your doctor can advise on appropriate measures and/or prescribe medications to control them, thereby reducing the risk of developing a sinus infection. Environmental irritants such as tobacco, smoke and odours, which may increase symptoms.
Diagnosis
Even if there are symptoms, infection is not always present. To confirm diagnosis, your doctor will usually take a medical history, conduct a physical examination and if necessary, order appropriate tests.
Sinusitis versus Rhinitis
Although many symptoms are similar, it is important that sinusitis is not mistaken for rhinitis. Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucus membrane of the nose, not the paranasal sinuses. It is often caused by allergies, increased sensitivity to irritants such as smoke, temperature changes or the overuse of decongestant nasal sprays. Poorly controlled rhinitis can, however, lead to sinusitis.
What you can do?
Steam inhalations - use a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head. This will help to thin the mucus and make it easier to drain.
Salt water irrigation of the nose - use a commercial preparation (spray or douche), or a syringe or empty nasal spray container filled with saline (bought commercially or made with 1 litre of hot water, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda/ sodium bicarbonate - allow to cool before using). Whichever preparation is used, it is important to tilt your head to the right for 10 seconds and then to the left for 10 seconds, and then pinch the nose and lean forward for 10 seconds. This will assist in nasal drainage.
Treatment
Antibiotics - if symptoms persist, appropriate antibiotics should be prescribed for an adequate duration ( generally 10-14 days for acute sinusitis and 3-4 weeks for chronic sinusitis )
Surgery - in patients with persistent disease, despite adequate medical treatment, surgical removal of disease tissue, polyps and/or drainage of sinuses may be required.
Source: AsiaMed Connect