Sinusitis

Sinusitis means your sinuses are infected or inflamed. Your sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen, this can block the sinuses and cause pain and infection.

Sinusitis can be acute, lasting for less than four weeks, or chronic, lasting much longer. Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, pollutants, nasal problems and certain diseases can also cause sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Using heat pads on the inflamed area, saline nasal sprays and vaporizers can also help.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Sinusitis on Wikipedia

'''Sinusitis''' is inflammation, either bacterial, viral, allergic or autoimmune, of the paranasal sinuses.

Signs and symptoms

It can be acute (going on less than three weeks) or chronic (going on more than three weeks). Sinusitis is one of the most common complications of the common cold. Symptoms include: Headache; facial pain; nasal congestion; fever; general malaise; thick green or yellow discharge; feeling of facial 'fullness' worsening on bending over. Factors which may predispose to developing sinusitis include: allergy; structural problems such as a deviated nasal septum; smoking; nasal polyps; carrying the cystic fibrosis gene (research is still tentative).

Diagnosis

X-rays may reveal thickening of the sinus lining. For chronic sinusitis, computed axial tomography is used. If allergy is suspected, allergy testing may be performed.

Treatment

Therapeutic measures include simple painkillers (aspirin, paracetamol (acetaminophen) or similar), inhaling steam, nasal irrigation using a warm saline solution, hot drinks including tea and chicken soup, over-the-counter decongestants, and getting plenty of rest. If sinusitis doesn't improve within 48 hours, or is causing significant pain, one should see a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics or nasal steroids. If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. For chronic or recurring sinusitis, referral to an Otolaryngology is indicated for more specialist assessment and treatment, which may include nasal surgery. A recent advance in the treatment of sinusitis is a type of surgery called FESS - functional endoscopic sinus surgery, whereby normal clearance from the sinuses is restored by removing the anatomical and pathological variations that predispose to sinusitis. This replaces the less effective Caldwell-Luc surgery.

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External Resources

The Ultimate Nutrient - For anyone suffering from CFS, EBV, lupus, fibromyalgia, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/Aids, sinusitis, and cancer. By Jesse A. Stoff, M.D. one of the world's leading viro-immunologists.

Aromatherapy Clinic - Sells oil blends including anti snoring, immune boosters, eczema, energizing, relaxing, and sinuses clearing.

4 Your Allergy - Drug-free treatment for sinus infection, sinusitis, post nasal drip, congestion, and sore throat.

Allergy Store - Allergy, asthma, and sinus information and non-drug relief products for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, or sinusitis caused by pollen, cat dander and pet allergies, mold spore and dust mites.

Unimed Products - Most comprehensive nasal rinse kit with premixed packets. An informative brochure with educational material on allergies, sinusitis, and rhinitis is also provided with the kit.

Allergy Relief Store - Features a range of allergy, asthma, and sinusitis products including dust mite proof bedding, hepa air purifiers and vacuums, furnace filters, and water filters.

Advanced Dental Imaging, LLC - ADI provides X-ray services of head and neck region using newest cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) technology. 3-D volume images and 2-D traditional x-rays are used for orthodontics, dental implants, oral surgery, TMJ, and sinus/airway diagnosis and treatment planning.

Otitis Media and Sinusitis Workshop, Live Webcast - Live workshop from Rochester University School of Medicine. Abnormal and Normal Middle Ears, Video, lecture, discussion. Techniques for Typanocentesis, Antibiotic Resistance. CME Credit.

Ear Nose and Throat Patient Information - A large selection of brochures for patients to learn about ear, nose, throat and sinuses. A section for health care providers regarding diagnoses and treatment for sinus disease.

Virtual Naval Hospital: Rhinology - Article from the United States Naval Flight Surgeon's Manual covers nasal and sinus physiology and diseases of the nose and sinuses.