Causes of Sinusitis
What are sinuses?
Acute Vs. Chronic Sinusitis
Treatment of Sinusitis
Causes of Sinusitis
There are many causes of sinusitis. Certain activities
and predisposition may put you at a greater risk. Below are
lists of the more common causes of sinusitis.
Allergies
Allergies are
one of the most common causes of sinusitis.
Hay fever
House Dust
Mite allergy
Pollen allergy
Dander from
Cat or Dog
Mold allergy
Sinus blockage
The following contribute to tissue swelling
in the sinus cavity causing the sinus to become blocked and
not allowing free air and mucus to flow.
Allergic rhinitis
Deviated septum
Nasal polyps, obstructing
the opening of the sinus
Viral respiratory
infections
Fungal infections
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What are Sinuses?
Sinuses are hollow air spaces that lie within
the facial bones. The sinuses produce close to a liter of fluid
per day that cleanses the passageways and provides necessary
moisture to the lining of each sinus cavity. When people say,
"I am having a sinus attack" they are referring to
symptoms within one or more of the hollow cavities, or spaces,
known as paranasal sinuses. These cavities include the frontal
sinuses, above the brow of the eyes; the maxillary sinuses inside
the cheekbone; the ethmoid sinuses behind the bridge of the
nose and between the eyes; and behind them, the sphenoids in
the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes. Each sinus
allows for free air and mucus exchange. Tiny hairs called cilia,
line the sinus and help flush out the fluid in a constant motion.
Occasionally when infection or allergy irritates the sinuses
the sinuses can swell causing a blockage within the sinus cavity.
Air trapped within an obstructed sinus, along with pus or other
secretions, may cause inflammation and pressure against the
sinus wall. The result is usually an intense pain called a sinus
infection or sinusitis.
CAT SCAN IMAGES
Normal Sinus Cat Scan
Abnormal Sinus Cat Scan
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Sinusitis has its own localized pain centers.
For example, if the frontal sinuses were affected then the pain
signal would be generated above the eyebrows. If the maxillary
sinus cavities were affected, then you would have pain and or
tenderness over the cheek areas. Infections in the maxillary
sinus cavities have also been known to cause jaw and teeth tenderness.
If the ethmoid sinuses are infected you could have pain and
tenderness between the eyes. Ethmoid inflammation can also cause
anosmia (loss of smell) and a stuffy nose. Although the sphenoids
are less frequently affected, infection in this area can cause
earaches, neck pain, and deep aching at the top of the head.
However, most patients with sinusitis have pain in several sinuses.
Other symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness and
fatigue. In addition, drainage from the sinuses can cause inflammation
of the larynx making it difficult to speak. In severe rare occasions,
sinusitis can cause brain infections and serious complications.
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Acute Vs. Chronic Sinusitis
Acute Sinusitis
This particular sinus problem is the more common
condition. It usually lasts about seven to ten days and often
follows a cold. The tissue of the sinus will swell and become
inflamed which in turn will cause pain and discomfort.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis refers to inflammation of
the sinuses that continues for at least three weeks, but often
continues for months or even years. This condition is usually
the result of repeated or untreated acute infections. The most
common cause of chronic sinusitis is due to allergic rhinitis
(see allergy section) Inhalation of airborne allergens such
as dust, pollen, mold, and dander, often can set off an allergic
response, which exacerbate the sinusitis.
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Treatment of Sinusitis
First the doctor will need to make a diagnosis. A diagnosis
can be made by medical history, physical examination, X-rays,
and occasionally if it is necessary a CT scan (Computed Tomography).
Once the diagnosis has been established the course of treatment
may vary depending on the cause and severity of the problem.
One of the courses of treatment is prescribing decongestants
to reduce the congestion, and antibiotics to control bacterial
infection. Doctors often prescribe steroid nasal spays to help
reduce the congestion, swelling and inflammation of the sinuses.
Although sinus surgery in usually the last option
for chronic sinusitis, it may be indicated if there is a strong
history to support it and the above treatments have failed.
Studies have shown that patients that undergo surgery have fewer
symptoms and have a better quality of life. In children, performing
an adenoidectomy (surgical removal of the adenoids) often eliminates
the obstruction caused by the adenoids. The most common form
of sinus surgery is functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in
which the natural openings to the sinuses are enlarged to allow
natural drainage. This type of surgery is less invasive
If you feel that you suffer from sinusitis or
allergic rhinitis please make an appointment to discuss this
with the doctor. Remember we are only a phone call a way to
better health. Please call (972) 492-6990
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972-394-4405 (fax)
