Sinusitis, or more accurately, rhinosinusitis, literally means ‘inflammation of the nose and sinuses’. Specifically, this relates to the tissue that lines the inside of these structures. The lining of the nose (rhino) is continuous with the lining of the sinuses (sinus) and therefore should be regarded as a single entity – hence ‘rhino-sinus-itis’!
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skull. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus. Sinusitis can be acute, meaning it lasts less than 4 weeks, or chronic, meaning it lasts 12 weeks or longer.
Patients can present with symptoms such as a blocked nose, congestion, nasal discharge (runny nose), facial pain and headaches, or a change in their sense of smell.
The most common symptoms of sinusitis include:
Sinusitis is more common in adults than in children. It is also more common in people with allergies, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Other risk factors for sinusitis include:
CT scan of chronic sinusitis
Treatment for sinusitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Acute sinusitis often resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and decongestants, can help to relieve symptoms.
If your acute sinusitis does not improve after 10 days, or if you have chronic sinusitis, Mr Khatwa may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are not effective against viral sinusitis.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain the sinuses or remove nasal polyps.
There is no known way to prevent sinusitis altogether. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
