Sinus Infection
Sinus Infection Causes
Most common causes are allergens or pollutants. A bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis normally cause acute sinusitis. The said microorganisms and Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobes cause chronic sinusitis.
Sinus Infection Definition
This condition is also referred to as Sinusitis. It is the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses which can be a result of infection from fungal, bacterial, viral allergic or autoimmune issues.
Sinus Infection Diagnosis
Multiple biopsy of affected area is done to confirm etiological diagnosis this is applicable to suspected Acute Fungal Sinusitis. With a CT scan of the sinuses Nosocomial Acute Sinusitis is confirmed. For Chronic Sinusitis a CT scan, tissue sample for Cultures and Histology is performed. A procedure known as nasal endoscopy is performed by ENT specialists to diagnose sinus infection.
Sinus Infection Symptoms and Signs
For acute sinusitis - nasal congestion, pressure or pain around the inner corner of the eye, headache in the temple and common fever. For maxillary sinusitis (behind the cheek bones) ? pain across the cheekbone, pain/pressure on one side or both; swollen, tender, red cheek bone, nasal discharge.
Sinus Infection Treatment
For acute sinusitis a combination of antihistamine with decongestant or pain reliever are taken in. Hot drinks such as tea and chicken soup are also helpful. Nasal irrigation and jala neti is also used for treatment. Analgesics are also commonly used for treatment but caution must be applied. For Chromic sinusitis nasal irrigation, bulb syringes, squirt bottles, neti pots and pulsating irrigation devices that gets rid of bacteria, purulent material and aids in restoring ciliary function. Medical approaches include referral to otolaryngologist. Surgeries are also performed such as FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) and nasal surgery. Another developed treatment is the balloon sinuplasty to unclog arteries of the heart which expands the openings of the sinuses.