What are the symptoms of Sinusitus?

Sinusitis is a swelling of the inner lining of the sinuses. The sinuses are the spaces between the bones in the face where air passes and where a fluid called mucus drains into the nose.

In sinusitis, the swelling blocks the openings in the sinuses through which mucus drains into the nose. When mucus cannot drain properly, the pressure of the blocked fluid inside the sinuses can be painful.

Sinusitis is quite common. It feels much like a head cold, with a stuffy or runny nose and a headache. For most people, sinusitis is a temporary condition that goes away with simple treatment. If the symptoms do not clear up easily, medication can help. In rare cases, surgery may bring permanent relief.

How Is Sinusitis Different From Rhinitis?; Rhinitis results in a basic runny nose, sometimes accompanied by facial pain and a headache. It is caused by a swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose only, rather than the mucous membrane of the sinuses.

Rhinitis is much more common than sinusitis and is more frequently caused by allergies than by a bacteria or virus. Many people, especially children, experience rhinitis during the winter months as a reaction to the cold air.

Most cases of sinusitis are actually a combination of rhinitis and sinusitis, meaning that the mucous membranes of both the nose and sinuses are swollen. This condition is sometimes called rhinosinusitis.

Sinusitus Facts

• Each year, sinusitis affects about 37 million Americans.
• Modern-day pollution has increased the number of people suffering from allergies. As a result, sinusitis is also on the rise.
• It is the most frequently reported chronic condition in the United States and the fifth most common reason for taking an antibiotic.
• It accounts for more than 13 million doctor visits per year in the United States alone.
• Medical costs for the treatment of sinusitis in the United States are estimated at $2 billion per year. This does not include the few cases that require more costly x-rays and surgery.

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis means that the symptoms of the condition are temporary, usually lasting no more than 30 days. However, the symptoms of acute sinusitis are more severe and painful than the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

The most common causes of acute sinusitis are:

• Virus. Viral infections can paralyze or even destroy the cilia so that they are unable to move mucus out of the nose.
• Bacteria. If the sinus openings become blocked and the infected mucus cannot move out of the body or drain down the throat, it creates is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria in turn creates an acid environment in the sinuses, which further paralyzes the cilia. This causes the mucous membrane to swell more. The sinus openings become even more blocked.
• Fungus. Fungus is a plant or mold, often microscopic, that can be ingested with food or inhaled in the air. Once in the body, it can affect the immune system and aggravate the sinuses.
• Nose blowing. Bacterial infections can be caused by pressure from blowing the nose too much.
• Scuba diving. Scuba diving while suffering from a cold can create too much pressure in the sinuses and leave room for bacteria to grow.
• Foreign objects. Young children sometimes try to put objects in their nostrils, and this can introduce bacteria into the sinuses.
• Medications. The side effect of certain medications may affect the functioning of the mucous membrane.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis means that the symptoms of sinusitis occur frequently or for long periods of time. The symptoms are usually more annoying than painful. However, those with chronic sinusitis are more likely to have recurring attacks of acute sinusitis, which can be quite painful.

Chronic sinusitis is often a combination of swelling caused by allergies or fungus, or by bacteria or a virus.

Anything that interferes with the normal functioning of the mucous membrane can bring on symptoms. When mucus cannot drain properly, bacteria has a perfect environment in which to grow.

Chronic sinusitis is most often caused by:

• Allergies. Allergies can be caused by almost anything. However, the most common allergens are airborne particles, foods, animals, feathers, and fabrics. If the culprit is a food, fabric, or animal, simply avoiding the allergen will stop symptoms. If the allergen is a chemical or substance in the air, such as dust or ragweed, treatment such as regular allergy shots for a period of time can provide relief.
• For more information about food allergies, go to Food Allergies & Interolance.
• Asthma. Adults and children suffering from asthma are more prone to sinusitis.
• For more information about asthma, go to Asthma In Children or Asthma.
• Temperature and humidity. When temperature and humidity are extreme, or when these air conditions change quickly, the sinuses can become irritated.
• Narrow sinuses. Some people simply have narrow sinus openings or a deviated septum, so that when there is swelling, it is even more difficult for air to pass through.
• Defective mucous membrane. Some people have poorly functioning mucous membranes, sometimes permanently damaged by a past infection.
• Dehydration. Not drinking enough liquids will cause dehydration. Without enough fluid in the body, the mucus will thicken, making it difficult for the cilia to move it through the sinuses.