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Sinusitis

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the sinuses, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms.

Common symptoms include

  • facial pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead.

  • Nasal congestion, discharge, difficulty breathing, and a reduced sense of smell

  • headaches, cough, fatigue, and tenderness over the affected sinuses.

  • Persistent nasal congestion accompanied by thick nasal discharge or post-nasal drip is a hallmark of sinusitis.

  • Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) or a complete loss of smell (anosmia)

  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears / toothache can also be symptom of sinusitis.

The treatment of sinusitis typically involves a multifaceted approach aimed at alleviating symptoms and addressing the underlying cause:

  • Nasal Decongestants and Saline Sprays: Over-the-counter decongestants or saline nasal sprays can help reduce nasal congestion and facilitate drainage.

  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may alleviate facial pain and headaches associated with sinusitis.

  • Nasal Irrigation: Use of a Neti pot or similar device with saline solution helps clear mucus and reduce inflammation.

  • Prescription Medications: In cases of bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics might be prescribed. Corticosteroids can also be recommended for reducing inflammation.

  • Surgery: For chronic or severe cases, sinus surgery might be necessary to improve drainage and alleviate symptoms by removing blockages or correcting structural issues.

Always consult an ENT specialist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan as the approach can vary depending on the cause and severity of sinusitis.

Symptoms

Nasal polyps are associated with irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses that lasts more than 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis).

However, it’s possible to have chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps themselves are soft and lack sensation, so if they’re small, you may not be aware you have them. Multiple growths or a large polyp may block your nasal passages and sinuses.

Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps include:

  • A runny nose
  • Persistent Stuffiness
  • Postnasal Drip
  • Decreased or absent sense of smell
  • Loss of sense of taste
  • Facial pain or headache
  • Pain in your upper teeth
  • A sense of pressure over your forehead and face
  • Snoring
  • Frequent Nosebleeds

Risk Factors

Any condition that triggers long-term irritation and swelling (inflammation) in your nasal passages or sinuses, such as infections or allergies, may increase your risk of developing nasal polyps.

Conditions often associated with nasal polyps include:

  • Asthma, a disease that causes the airway to swell (inflame) and narrow
  • Aspirin sensitivity
  • Allergic fungal sinusitis, an allergy to airborne fungi
  • Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that results in abnormally thick, sticky fluids in the body, including thick mucus from nasal and sinus linings
  • Churg-Strauss syndrome (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), a rare disease that causes the inflammation of blood vessels
  • Vitamin D deficiency, which occurs when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D

Your family history also may play a role. There’s some evidence that certain genetic variations associated with immune system function make you more likely to develop nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps can cause complications because they block normal airflow and fluid drainage, and also because of the long-term irritation and swelling (inflammation) underlying their development.

Potential complications include:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea: This is a potentially serious condition in which you stop and start breathing frequently during sleep.
  • Asthma Flare-Ups: Chronic sinusitis can worsen asthma.
  • Sinus Infections: Nasal polyps can make you more susceptible to sinus infections that recur often.