Understanding Sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis is an infection of the sinus, which usually goes away on its own, without the need for treatment. There are, however, many forms of treatment that are available to help ease the symptoms of this condition. Let us look at this condition in a little more detail

Before understanding the disorder, let’s look at the part of the body this disorder affects. In the human body, the sinuses are small, air-filled spaces within the cheekbones and the forehead, which create some amount of mucus, which drains into the nose through small channels. Sinusitis causes an inflammation of the sinus, which is typically caused by some form of infection. 

There are two forms of sinusitis which are typically seen. This includes:

Acute sinusitis: In this form of the disorder, the infection causing this disorder develops quickly and lasts a short time. Most cases of acute sinusitis tend to last for a week or so, but it is not unusual for cases to last for 2-3 weeks.

Chronic sinusitis This form of the disorder results in sinusitis that is persistent, and may last for longer than 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis is uncommon, though.

Causes of Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis can be caused by a number of factors. This includes:

Developing Sinusitis after a cold or the flu: In most cases, acute sinusitis occurs after a cold or flu-like illness. This is because the germs that cause a cold or a flu which may spread to the sinuses. This infection normally remains viral before clearing, thus causing a viral sinus infection.

Developing Sinusitis From A Dental Infection: In some cases, the infection from a dental issue, like an infected tooth, can spread to a cheekbone sinus, thus causing sinusitis.

        Other factors that can cause sinusitis includes:          

• Nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis): An allergic reaction can cause a swelling of the tissues on the inside lining of the nose and block the sinus drainage channels. This can make your sinuses far more vulnerable to infection.
• Other causes of a blockage to the sinus drainage channels, such as growths, objects pushed into the nose, facial injury or surgery.
• Certain congenital abnormalities in children.
• Asthma.
• Cystic fibrosis.
• A poor immune system - for example, people with HIV, people on chemotherapy, etc.
• Inflammatory disorders such as Wegener's granulomatosis or sarcoidosis.
• Pregnancy, which makes you more prone to nasal inflammation (rhinitis).
• Rare tumours of the nose.
• Previous injuries to the nose or cheeks.
• Medical procedures such as ventilation or the insertion of a tube through the nose into the stomach (nasogastric tube).
• Smoking.

Common Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis is typically characterised by clear signs, which can include:

• Pain and tenderness: This is almost always felt over the region of the infected sinus. The nature of this pain is normally a throbbing one, and can be made worse by sudden movements, like bending your head forward. In addition, chewing can also be a painful affair.
• A Blocked Nose: When suffering from sinusitis, it may feel like both sides of your nose are blocked. In addition, you may also lose your sense of smell for a short while.
• A Runny Nose: Patients faced with a greenish-yellow discharge may be suffering from a germ (bacterial) infection in your sinuses.
• A High Temperature: Acute sinusitis can also cause high fever, and leave you with a sensation of generally feeling unwell.

Other commonly faced symptoms, when you are suffering from sinusitis, can include:

• A persistent headache
• Bad breath
• Toothache
• Persistent Cough
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears
• Excessive tiredness or fatigue

Treatment Of Sinusitis:

In most cases, your doctor may suggest treatment procedures that help to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, while waiting for your immune system to naturally clear up the infection. This can include:

Prescription of painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain, and also to bring down any high temperature

Over-The-Counter Decongestant Nasal Sprays or Drops: These can help to temporarily relieve a blocked nose.

Drinking Lots of Liquid

Warm Face Packs can help to reduce the pain caused by sinusitis.

Saline nasal drops may help to relieve congestion and blockage in the nose.

The Apollo Clinic Experience:

Sinusitis comes with a number of very painful symptoms that can often need treatment. At Apollo Clinic, we understand how important it is to reduce the pain caused by this disorder, and our team of experts are available around the clock to help with your diagnosis, as well as treatment protocols to help reduce the time span of this disorder, as well as the pain caused.

From physical examinations to blood tests, X-rays or scans, our centres are completely equipped to ensure that you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your sinusitis. Our doctors may also suggest a course of antibiotics, if your symptoms are severe, or are suffering from another illness. If you feel that you are suffering from the symptoms of sinusitis, get in touch with our healthcare centre today.