Sinus Diseases
Sinus diseases, also known as sinusitis or sinus infections, refer to a group of conditions that affect the sinuses, which are hollow, air-filled cavities located within the bones surrounding the nose. These cavities produce mucus that helps filter and humidify the air we breathe, as well as trap dust, allergens, and pollutants. When the sinuses become inflamed, infected, or blocked, it can lead to various symptoms and complications.
Types of Sinus Diseases
- Acute Sinusitis: Typically lasts less than four weeks. Often caused by viral infections like the common cold, but can also result from bacterial infections.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Lasts for 12 weeks or longer. Can result from repeated infections, nasal polyps, structural issues (like a deviated septum), or allergic reactions.
- Subacute Sinusitis: Lasts between four and 12 weeks. Similar to acute sinusitis but lasts longer, usually due to a prolonged bacterial or viral infection or unresolved inflammation.
- Recurrent Sinusitis: Can be due to underlying conditions such as allergies, asthma, or immune deficiencies that predispose someone to frequent infections.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Infections: Viral infections like the common cold are a major cause of acute sinusitis. Bacterial infections can also lead to sinusitis, especially if mucus builds up in the sinuses.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander can cause inflammation in the sinuses, leading to allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and sinusitis.
- Nasal polyps: Noncancerous growths in the lining of the nose or sinuses that can block airflow and drainage, contributing to chronic sinusitis.
- Deviated septum: A structural issue in which the nasal septum (the wall between the nostrils) is crooked, making it harder for the sinuses to drain properly.
- Asthma: Asthma and sinusitis are often interconnected, with inflammation in the airways contributing to sinus issues.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants, smoke, or chemical irritants can increase the risk of sinus disease.
- Weak immune system: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy, can make an individual more susceptible to sinus infections.
Symptoms of Sinus Diseases
- Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Thick nasal discharge, often yellow or green in color.
- Facial pain or pressure, especially around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nose.
- Headache that worsens when bending forward.
- Postnasal drip (mucus draining down the back of the throat).
- Cough or sore throat.
- Reduced sense of smell and taste.
- Fatigue and feeling generally unwell.
- Fever, particularly with bacterial sinus infections.