You must have often heard of people complaining for sinus often. Have you ever wondered what is it? How is it different then the regular cough and cold? Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. However, when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
Some conditions that can cause sinus blockage:
- Common cold
- Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose
- Small growths in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps
- A deviated septum, which is a shift in the nasal cavity
Below things can cause sinusitis in children:
- Allergies
- Illnesses from other kids at day care or school
- Pacifiers
- Bottle drinking while lying on the back
- Smoke in the environment
Where are they located?
Sinuses are a connected system of hollow cavities in the skull. The largest sinus cavities are about an inch across. Others are much smaller.
- Your cheekbones hold your maxillary sinuses (the largest).
- The low-center of your forehead is where your frontal sinuses are located.
- Between your eyes are your ethmoid sinuses.
- In bones behind your nose are your sphenoid sinuses.
Types of Sinus conditions:
Acute sinusitis (sinus infection): This is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi which infect the sinus cavity, causing inflammation.
Chronic sinusitis: This is more than infection, chronic sinusitis is a persistent process of inflammation of the sinuses.
Deviated septum: If the septum that divides the nose is too far too one side, airflow can be blocked.
Allergic sinusitis: Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander cause the defences in the nose and sinuses to overreact.
Signs and symptoms of sinuses:
- Sinus headaches are often at their worst in the morning because fluids have been collecting all night long. It can also get worse when the barometric pressure of your environment changes suddenly.
- As the discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent which worsens when lying down on the bed.
- Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. It starts as an annoying tickle but may get worse. If the infection lasts for a few weeks it may result in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice.
- Cough and sometimes fever.
- It also leads to pressure or pain in the ears and teeth.
- It causes occasionally facial swelling and feeling of nasal stuffiness.
Some sinusitis facts:
- Sinusitis can be caused by infection, allergies, and chemical or particulate irritation of the sinuses.
- Most people do not spread sinus infections to other people.
- Sinus infection is generally diagnosed based on the patient history and physical examination.
- Bacterial sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics. Early treatment of allergic sinusitis may prevent secondary bacterial sinus infections.
- Complications of a sinus infection that may develop aremeningitis, brain abscess, osteomyelitis, and orbital cellulitis.
Are you or a family member suffering from sinus? Get yourself treated at our specialised Sinus clinic:
https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/ent/entservices.html
