Sinusitis (sinus infection) is a common medical condition that occurs when the sinus cavities in the upper skull become inflamed and do not drain properly. When the sinuses accumulate fluid and mucus due to an allergy or upper respiratory illness, their passages become obstructed. Without proper drainage, the impacted material becomes a fertile area for viruses, bacteria, or occasionally fungi to grow and create infection. Sinus inflammation causes pain and thickened mucus within the nasal cavity and may be chronic or acute.
The sinuses may become inflamed for a variety of reasons. A cold or respiratory infection is the most common reason for sinusitis to develop. Additional causes include:
Individuals with immune deficiencies, or those who take medications that suppress their immune systems, are at greater risk for sinusitis.
Sinusitis is categorized by the location of the inflammation and duration of the infection. Sinusitis can occur in any of the four pairs of sinus cavities, all of which are named for their locations.
Sinusitis is also classified according to the duration of the infection.
Treatment for sinusitis may vary based on the type of sinusitis that the individual is suffering from.
Symptoms of sinusitis are uncomfortable and may be very painful and disabling. These symptoms may include:
Sinusitis may also cause headaches, facial pain and pressure.
Sinusitis is diagnosed through a review of symptoms and a physical examination. An examination of the nose and throat is often necessary, usually with the aid of a lighted instrument called an endoscope. A nasal endoscopy may be performed to provide the doctor with a more thorough visualization of the area. The endoscope is inserted through the nose to illuminate the sinus cavities.
Nasal secretions may also be sampled for laboratory cultures to determine which particular germ is responsible for the patient's illness. If allergies are suspected as the cause of the inflammation, allergy testing may also be performed.
For acute or subacute sinusitis, the following treatment may be recommended:
If the infection is caused by allergies, antihistamines or allergy shots may be recommended. Antibiotics are prescribed if the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection. In rare cases, if the infection is caused by a fungus, anti-fungal medication is administered. Cases of chronic or recurrent sinusitis that have not responded to medication, may require surgery to enlarge the openings that drain the sinuses, remove nasal polyps or correct structural problems inside the nose and sinuses. These surgeries may include:
While most patients who have sinus surgery find relief from troubling sinus symptoms, a small percentage of individuals may continue to have episodes of sinusitis.