Causes Of Sinusitis

Rhinosinusitis, commonly referred to as just sinusitis, is an inflammation in the facial bone cavities, called the sinuses. The most common sinuses involved are the frontal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. These hollow regions in the facial bones have a thin tissue lining that may become inflamed and swollen and secrete excessive mucous and fluid, which can lead to pain and difficulty breathing through the nose.

If the condition lasts for more than twelve weeks, it is chronic sinusitis. Acute and chronic sinusitis have similar symptoms including a headache, pain, swelling, nasal congestion, and post-nasal discharge. Acute sinusitis is usually associated with a cold virus but may persist after the virus resolves. Chronic sinusitis can last years and may be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.

Deviated Septum

This condition, in which the cartilaginous and bony tissue that separates the nasal airway passages, develops off center or becomes crooked due to an accident, can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose and increase the risk of sinus infections. When a deviated septum is the cause of sinusitis, surgical intervention is required through a procedure called septoplasty. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis with same-day discharge. In a septoplasty, the surgeon trims the nasal cartilage and repositions it to allow better airflow in the passageways.

Sometimes incisions into the nasal bones will be required depending on the type of damage or malformation involved. The procedure usually takes from thirty to ninety minutes and has a relatively high success rate. The cartilaginous tissue of the septum can shift during recovery and may need revision in some patients. Possible complications include bleeding, infection continued obstruction in breathing, septal hematoma (blood in the nasal space), and septal perforation.

Allergies

Sensitization to pollen, mold, pet dander, and other irritants can induce the inflammatory response and lead to allergic rhinitis. Nasal tissue swelling leads to obstruction of mucous and bacterial colonization that is the hallmark of chronic sinusitis. Otolaryngologists now recognize rhinitis precedes sinusitis, thus the more proper name rhinosinusitis. When the cause of sinusitis is allergy related, doctors may recommend a nasal spray, which will reduce the inflammatory response mechanism of the immune system and unblock the nasal airway, restoring normal breathing. By counteracting the immune response triggered by allergies, they effectively treat the swelling and pain as well.