Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Sinusitis is usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. But medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include:
The common cold
Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose caused by allergens
Small growths in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps
A deviated septum, which is a shift in the nasal cavity
Check if you have sinusitis
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
a blocked nose
a reduced sense of smell
green or yellow mucus from your nose
a sinus headache
a high temperature
toothache
bad breath
Signs of sinusitis in young children may also include irritability, difficulty feeding, and breathing through their mouth
Sinus Tests
Physical examination: A doctor can look into the nose with a lighted viewer to see the turbinates, which may be swollen. She may press or tap on the face over the sinuses to check for pain.
Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scanner uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the sinuses. CT scanning can help diagnose chronic sinusitis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic waves create highly detailed images of the sinuses. You may get CT and MRI scans.
Rhinoscopy: Doctors use a flexible tube with a camera on its end to see inside your nose and sinuses. Sinus cultures: Your doctor uses a needle to take a mucus sample from inside your sinuses.
Skin test for allergies: These help to see if allergies are involved in your sinusitis.
Sinus X-ray: A plain X-ray may show problems with the bones around the sinuses. A CT scan is better
How you can treat sinusitis yourself
You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:
getting plenty of rest
drinking plenty of fluids
taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking
cleaning your nose with a salt water solution to ease congestion
Prevention
You can help prevent sinus infections by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:
Clean your hands.
Receive recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
Use a clean humidifier to moisten the air at home.
Treatment for sinusitis
If you have sinusitis, an ENT doctor may be able to recommend other medicines to help with your symptoms, such as:
nasal sprays or drops – to reduce the swelling in your sinuses
antihistamines – if an allergy is causing your symptoms
antibiotics – if a bacterial infection is causing your symptoms and you're very unwell or at risk of complications (but antibiotics are often not needed, as sinusitis is usually caused by a virus)
You might need to take steroid nasal sprays or drops for a few months. They sometimes cause irritation, sore throats or nosebleeds.
ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist may examine you,if
still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment
keep getting sinusitis
only have symptoms on 1 side of your face
They may also recommend surgery in some cases.
Surgery for sinusitis
Surgery to treat chronic sinusitis is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
FESS is carried out under general anaesthetic (where you're asleep).
The surgeon can widen your sinuses by either:
· removing some of the blocked tissue
· inflating a tiny balloon in the blocked sinuses, then removing it
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