Sinusitis Infection: Causes, Types,
Symptoms, Treatments,
Prevention & Diagnosis:

Overview: Sinuses are the air pockets in the paranasal part of
the face filled with air. When the sinuses get infected and filled
with mucus and other germs and the infected pockets swell up
making it difficult to breathe. Sinusitis could be of various types
such as Acute, Subchronic, Chronic and Recurrent sinusitis.

Sinusitis & its causes
Sinuses are the glands behind the cheekbones, nose, forehead and in between
the eyes. The sinuses produce a thin flowing liquid which helps in trapping the
germs and freeway them. When the body is infected with viruses or if a person is
suffering from a severe cold for a prolonged period of time, the sinuses get filled
with the thick green, yellow and whiteish mucus and infections that swell up
sinuses and the face as well. This condition of infection leads to Sinusitis.
The cause could also be due to swelling inside the nose, nasal polyps, drainage
duct blockage, and structural differences. Studies also state that there are a few
medicines that suppress the immunity of the body of which sinusitis could be the
side effect.

Types of Sinusitis
Sinusitis could be of various types such as Acute Sinusitis, Subacute Sinusitis, Chronic Sinusitis, and
Recurrent Sinusitis.
 Acute Sinusitis: Acute sinusitis usually lasts merely for a week to 4 weeks. It could sometimes be
because of seasonal allergies as well. It usually has coldlike symptoms like a runny nose or stuffed
nose and facial pain too.
 Subacute Sinusitis: The subacute sinusitis lasts a bit longer than that of acute sinusitis, it may be
due to seasonal allergies or due to infections. It can last mostly for 3 months.
 Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic Sinusitis occurs when the inside of the nose and the brains swollen up
for more than three months. During this time normal breathing through nose becomes difficult
and the areas around the nose and eyes and face seem to swell up.
 Recurrent Sinusitis: Recurrent sinusitis occurs frequently in a year.

Symptoms of Sinusitis
Symptoms of sinusitis would obviously depend upon the severity of the infection of the sinus. The
following probable symptoms are:
 Stuffed/Runny nose
 Cough
 Congestion
 Loss of smell due to nasal blockage
 Dental pain
 Fever
 Pus in the nasal cavity
 Headache
 Swollen face

Treatments of Sinusitis
The treatments would depend on how long the infection continues in the
body as it differs from person to person depending upon the immunity
power of the bodies. Some may use OTC medicines along with home
remedies to get rid of the infection quickly. Whereas some use vaporizers
to clean the congested nose, some doctors also prescribe the
decongestion pills to clean the congestion of the nose.
In case the sinus remains and resists other treatments, the doctor may opt
or suggest the patient for FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)
surgery. However, surgery is always the last option.

Preventions of Sinusitis
Following are the preventive measures which could help with sinusitis issues or may help in
avoiding the frequent occurrence of sinusitis:

Maintaining hygiene is the first and foremost thing to prevent any disease
 Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
 Maintaining distance from people suffering from cold and respiratory problems
 Avoid allergens
 Using humidifiers to keep the air of the home moist, however, it is always advised to
consult the doctor first
 Get the flu vaccine every year
 Keeping a check on the allergies

Diagnosis of Sinusitis
Booking an appointment with the ENT specialist would help in improving the condition of the
sinusitis. The doctor may examine the face and the swollenness of the face by pressing them
physically with hands.
The doctor may also ask for an X-Ray of the nasal passages and the sinus. CT scan also helps a lot in
tracking the condition of the sinusitis.
In case the following things do not help much, the doctor may use fiberscope which is a lighted tube
with a camera attached to it which gives a proper view of the nasal passage and sinus.
Taking proper care and precautions would definitely help with the sinusitis. In case the symptoms
prolong and do not show any improvement, do go ahead with some cross check-ups to know the
exact condition or the issue.

Reach out to Campbell Hospital for regular check-up and
treatment, call us at 6366733565.
We are located at 186/165. Ground Floor, 9th Main Rd, Sector 6,
HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Visit us at https://campbellhospital.in/