Guide To The Most Common Bacterial Infections

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition where the paranasal sinus cavities in an individual's skull are invaded by a pathogen that causes damage to the lining of the sinuses. Sinusitis develops when some mechanism causes the linings of the sinus channels to become swollen and inflamed, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the sinus cavities. Swelling of the sinus channels is most commonly caused by a virus, allergies, swimming, or a tooth infection. The blocked sinus cavities are a stable environment for bacteria to thrive and reproduce, causing the development of sinusitis. Individuals affected by bacterial sinusitis experience symptoms such as pain in the face, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, upper jaw pain, yellow or green nasal discharge, fever, cough, feelings of pressure or fullness in the ear, headache, and a decreased ability to smell. Diagnosis of sinusitis is made with the use of physical examination, nasal cavity endoscopy with or without culture, sinus endoscopy with or without culture, and CT scan. Sinusitis is treated with the use of antibiotics to kill the causative bacteria, nasal saline rinses, and pain medication.