GET TO KNOW ABOUT SINUSITIS

Sinusitis is an inflammation of sinus mucosal lining along with involvement of nose most of the time.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES? 

 It usually starts after a viral or bacterial infection. Sometimes it can be due to a  secondary bacterial infection after a viral illness. Usually it subsides within 1 to 2 weeks, but if it extends beyond 12 weeks it becomes a chronic condition. Smoking, allergies, some structural and functional abnormalities of nose and sinuses and associated illnesses can predispose a person to  frequent sinusitis. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ? 

Nasal ( nose) block or congestion, nasal discharge, pain over the face, disturbances of smell, discharge from the nose trickling to the throat are some of the symptoms. Those having a eustachian tube dysfunction may experience ear pain or block. 

WHAT IS THE  PATHOLOGY INVOLVED? 

A viral infection invade the mucosal lining causing inflammation and damage, leading to swelling or edema of the mucosa of the sinus opening, there by causing obstruction of the opening. There will be discharge  in the sinus cavities, which will cause pressure sensation and pain and leads  to secondary bacterial infection. It can be due to primary  bacterial infection also. From the associated symptoms we can make out whether it's a bacterial or viral infection usually. Sometimes it could be due to fungal infection also. 

WHY TO TREAT A  SINUSITIS ? 

 it is self limiting in some patients, but there are instances where it can lead on to complications  or become a chronic problem ( will be writing later) . 

Treatment is given to reduce mucosal edema or congestion, to decrease the mucus production and to drain the discharge, along with antibiotics in cases which are having bacterial sinusitis. It includes antihistamines oral and or topical) , mucolytics, decongestants and others. Other measures like steam inhalation also  needed. 

Care should be taken to prevent complications, which can be very serious.