Sinusities

Sinusitis

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation, infection, or swelling of the sinuses, the cavities located around the nasal passages. Healthy sinuses are small, air-filled spaces situated behind your cheekbones and forehead. When infected, these sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, providing an environment where germs can thrive.

Sinus blockage can occur due to various factors, including the common cold, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.

Consult with our sinus specialists to identify the cause of your sinusitis and the most appropriate treatment. Dr. Rayudu’s ENT Hospital is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and a team of top sinus specialists in Guntur and Andhra Pradesh. For comprehensive sinus care, consult the best sinus specialist in India.

What Are Sinuses?

There are four pairs of sinuses in the human head. Sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces located around the nose within the skull. These cavities are connected to the nasal passage through small openings called ostia. Because both the sinuses and the nasal passages are lined with the same soft tissue, known as mucosa, an infection affecting one can also affect the other. When this mucosa becomes infected, the resulting condition is termed sinusitis. It’s also referred to as rhino-sinusitis (where "rhino" is the medical term for the nose).

The four pairs of sinuses include:

  • Frontal sinus (in the forehead)
  • Maxillary sinus (behind the cheeks)
  • Ethmoid sinus (behind the eyes)
  • Sphenoid sinus (deep behind the ethmoids)

The primary functions of the sinuses include reducing the weight of the front part of the skull (since sinuses are hollow and filled with air), conditioning and humidifying the air we breathe, enhancing the resonance of the voice, and providing mechanical support for the skull.

Sinuses

Types of Sinusitis

Causes of Sinusitis

Sinus infections can occur when anything obstructs:

Common colds, allergies, or similar conditions can cause the sinus linings and the nasal passages to become swollen, blocking the ostia (the small openings of the sinuses into the nasal cavity).

Sinuses can also become blocked by tumors, growths, or structural abnormalities near the sinus openings. Other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, or medications like antihistamines and decongestants, can lead to the thickening of mucus and hinder proper drainage. Dry air or air lacking humidity can also contribute to this issue.

When the cilia (tiny hair-like structures that help move mucus out of the sinuses) are damaged by irritants such as smoke, their ability to move mucus in the proper direction is weakened. This results in mucus accumulation in the sinuses, providing a fertile environment for bacteria, viruses, or even fungi, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. These microorganisms can worsen or even cause sinus blockages.

Precautions & Treatments

Your ENT specialist will examine your nasal cavity for signs of swelling, redness, mucus buildup, and impaired drainage along the mucosal lining. To fully assess the condition, the doctor may recommend an endoscopic nasal examination and CT scans of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

For acute sinusitis, your ENT physician will typically prescribe medical treatment. However, chronic or recurrent sinusitis requires a more thorough investigation to determine the underlying cause. Treatment may include an endoscopic procedure called FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery).

Self-medication is not advised. Avoid the use of topical nasal decongestants, such as Otrivin or Nasivion, as overuse can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition that is difficult to treat.

If left untreated, sinusitis can cause significant discomfort and pain. If you also have other health conditions, such as asthma, the situation can worsen. In rare cases, untreated sinusitis may lead to severe complications, including bone infections, meningitis, or even a brain abscess.

Symptoms

Patients with sinus infections typically experience some of the following symptoms: