What Is A Sinus Infection?
Sinusitis (also called a 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 an infection.
Sinus inflammation causes pain and thickened mucus within the nasal cavity and may be chronic or acute.
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What Causes A Sinus Infection?
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:
- Ear, nose and throat allergies
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Blockage of drainage ducts
- Anatomical malformations of the nose or sinuses
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Individuals with immune deficiencies, or those who take medications that suppress their immune systems, are at greater risk for developing a sinus infection.
What Are The Different Types Of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is categorized by the location of the inflammation and duration of the infection. A sinus infection can occur in any of the four pairs of sinus cavities, all of which are named for their locations.
- Maxillary, under the eyes, behind the cheeks
- Frontal, in the frontal bone of the forehead
- Ethmoid, between the nose and eyes
- Sphenoid, in the sphenoid bone, at the center of the pituitary gland
Sinus infections are also classified according to the duration of the sinus infection.
- Acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks
- Subacute sinusitis lasts between 4 and 12 weeks
- Chronic sinusitis persists for more than 12 weeks
- Recurrent sinusitis occurs as several acute attacks within 1 year
Treatment for sinusitis may vary based on the type of sinus infection that the individual is suffering from.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sinusitis?
Symptoms of a sinus infection are uncomfortable and may be very painful and disabling. These symptoms may include:
- Congestion and nasal obstruction
- Pain in the upper teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Yellow or green mucus discharge
- Ear Pain
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Visual disturbance
A sinus infection may also cause headaches, facial pain, and pressure.
How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
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.
Treatment Of A Sinus Infection
For acute or subacute sinusitis, the following treatment may be recommended:
- Decongestants
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Saline nasal spray
- Nasal corticosteroids
If the sinus 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 sinus 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:
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
- Image-guided surgery
- Caldwell-Luc procedure
- Septoplasty
- Polypectomy
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.
To learn more about sinusitis, sinus infection treatments and the treatment of recurrent nasal polyps with SINUVA at the Daneshrad Clinic, call 310.453.6500. We proudly serve patients from Santa Monica, Torrance, Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Brentwood, Malibu, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes.