Sinusitis

Overview

Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition involving the mucosal lining of sinus. Sinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection and often improves within two or three weeks. Chronic sinusitis occurs for a prolong period of time can be secondarily infected with bacteria if left untreated, The sinus most commonly affected is the maxillary followed by ethmoidal and frontal, with sphenoidal sinus having the least occurance.

Signs and Symptoms

Constitutional symptoms: fever, general malaise, Headache, Pain, Tenderness,when pressure or tapping over the sinus, Nasal discharge, postnasal discharge

Common Causes

Common cold, Allergic rhinitis, Nasal polyps , Deviated septum, Immune system deficiencies, Medication suppress immune system, penetrating injury

Risk Factors

Common cold, Allergic rhinitis, Nasal polyps , Deviated septum, Immune system deficiencies, Medication suppress immune system, penetrating injury

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Transillumination test, X-rays:water's ; lateral views, CT scan

Treatment and Prevention

Antibiotic drugs: ampicillin, amoxicilin Nasal decongestants: oxymeazoline Steam inhalation Analgesics: paracetamol for fever and pain Hot fomentation Surgery: Antral lavage for maxillary sinus, trephination of frontal sinus