What causes Sinusitis? Am I at Riak ?

Any bacterial or viral or fungal infection of the sinus lining can cause Sinusitis.
Sinusitis may also be due to other factors like
 A deviated Nasal Septum
 Nasal polyps
 Asthma
 Aspirin sensitivity
 Dental infection
 Any immune disorders such as Cystic fibrosis / AODS
 Hay fever or other allergic conditions
 Excessive smoking

                        

What are the symptoms of Sinusitis ?
The most systems include
 Post Nasal dripping of mucus down the throat
 Nasal discharge ( mucoid / watery) which might be greenish / brown / white
in colour
 Nose Blocked sensation
 Facial pain and pressure ( around the nose , around the eyes , in the
forehead ) . This worsens especially with head movements
 Vague deep seated pain around the teeth
 Ear Blocked sensation/ Ear pain
 Fever
 Halitosis ( bad breath )
 Headache & Orbital pain

Can we contract a sinus infection ?

Sinusitis is not contagious per se but if it is of bacterial or viral origin , the
bacterias and viruses cab spread. This can be prevented by handwashing , and
sneezing or coughing into a tissue and proper disposal of soiled handkerchiefs
When should I visit a Healthcare professional ?
Sinus infections are usually mild Grade to start with and resolve with prompt use
of antibiotics and steam inhalation. However seek your clinician’s help if you have
one or more of symptoms like
 High Grade fever
 Severe facial pain or facial swelling
 Vision changes / Orbital pain / Orbital swelling
 Headache / Confusion/ Stiffness of neck
How can I treat mild sinus infections at home ?
It is pivotal to understand that sinus infection may not always due to bacterial or
viral origin and hence it is always advisable to seek professional help to identify
the cause and plan management
At home remedies include
 Nasal irrigation using nasal irrigation devices
 Steam inhalation with Pediatric vasorub
 Plenty of oral fluids
 OralvAntibiotics and painkiller
 Avoid smoking
How it Sinusitis diagnosed ?
The diagnosis of a sinus infection would be done by one or more of the following
investigations
 Nasal Endoscopy: a rigid endoscope in placed inside to evaulate sinus
inflammation if any / a deviated Nasal Septum with or without nasal spur
Discharge in nose
Thick mucoid discharge , that if foul smelling and discolored : usually bacterial
Stringy , watery Discharge: that is of allergic
Blackish or brownish Discharge, foul smelling , with crust : Fungal Sinusitis
 Imaging : CT scan of paranasal sinuses ,
This helps the clinician to understand the anatomy and type of Sinusitis ( Acute /
Subacute / Chronic ) and also tor surgical planning
 Allergy testingv: in cases of allergic Sinusitis the might need a skin prick test
to find the type of allergen and vaccines therapy can be planned
 Biopsy : Sometimes a tissue sample may he needed from the nose for
testing

How is it management ? What are the treatment options ?
To treat an Acute sinus infection , your Healthcare provider may prescribed you
 Decongestant (oral or topical )
 Antibiotics
 Intranasal steroids spray
 Leukotriene antagonists that reduce the allergic response
In cases of chronic Sinusitis , your clinician may advice Endiscopic sinus surgery
What is an Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
It the procedure of clearing out the Blocked sinuses that impede the normal
Drainage of the sinuses. It is adviced when sinus infection does not settle with
medical management

Is surgery a permanent cure ?

Usually sinus infections does not recurr after a Functional Endoscopic Sinus
Surgery. However it certain cases with compromised local or general immune
conditions it may recur. It is adviced to follow the post op care which includes
 Nasal douching
 Nasal drops and nasal sprays
 Avoid forceful sneezing ,nose blowing for few days
 Avoid strenuous work for 10 days

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