Sinus Infection
The sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones behind the face. Directly behind the nose is the nasal cavity. On either side of the nasal cavity are large sinuses. A row of very small sinuses runs behind the bridge of the nose, and two more large sinuses are located above and behind the inner part of the eyebrows.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. It may be associated with both bacterial and viral infections, but it may be due to non-infectious inflammation (e.g., allergies) in the sinuses as well. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting less than 4 weeks, or chronic, lasting 12 weeks or more. Acute sinusitis is very common, affecting about 1 in 8 people each year.
People with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and allergies are more likely to get sinusitis, as are those who have had their nose broken previously and those who were born with a malformed septum (the dividing wall between the nostrils). People with diabetes or those who are immunocompromised are at increased risk for complications of sinusitis.
The sinuses produce mucus that helps to clean the nose and to smell. It’s moved out of the sinuses and into the nasal cavity by thousands of tiny hairs, called cilia, which operate in unison to form a sort of conveyor belt. Foreign particles and organisms entering the sinuses land in the mucus and are sent back to the nose. To get to the nose, the mucus has to pass through small holes in the bones that surround the sinuses.
Sinusitis usually begins during a bout of the common cold, influenza (flu), or some other viral infection. This causes the nasal mucous membrane (which is soft tissue inside the nose, not simply mucus) to swell. It can press against the hole through which mucus leaves a sinus.
Most cases of sinusitis are caused by viral infections. However, in a few people, a bacterial infection can develop. This is because when the sinus fills with mucus and empties of oxygen, it creates an ideal setting for bacteria to grow. The bacteria are often already in the nose, but don’t cause an infection because they are held in check by the body’s natural defences.
If the body’s defences (e.g., the cilia, sinus drainage, or immune system) are not working properly, the bacteria can cause an infection. In rare cases, sinusitis can be caused by a fungal infection. People who get fungal sinus infections usually have other medical problems that affect their ability to fight infection (e.g., HIV, cystic fibrosis).
Other things that inflame the nose can also cause sinusitis. For example, hay fever and other allergies increase your chances of getting sinusitis.
Since most cases of sinusitis are caused by a virus, your doctor or pharmacist may only recommend oral (e.g., phenylephrine*, pseudoephedrine) or topical (e.g., oxymetazoline, xylometazoline) decongestants, saline nasal sprays or rinses, and pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help relieve symptoms. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or prostate problems, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before taking these medications.
Decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 3 days in a row or they can cause "rebound congestion." Steam inhalation and hot, wet towels over the affected sinuses may help relieve the swollen membranes. Drinking hot beverages can also help promote drainage.
If these measures do not improve symptoms after 10 days, or if your symptoms are severe, then your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are not usually prescribed because acute sinusitis is usually viral in nature. The typical duration of antibiotic treatment is 5 to 7 days for adults and 10 days for children. If the infection becomes chronic (lasting more than 3 months) the antibiotic therapy may be used for longer, usually up to 6 weeks.
It’s important that you take all of the antibiotic medication as prescribed, even after symptoms have disappeared. Otherwise the bacteria could return in a form that’s resistant to the antibiotic.
For chronic sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid (nasal spray or tablets) with or without antibiotics. Your doctor may also suggest saline rinses and decongestants to relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines may be suggested if allergies are contributing to chronic sinusitis. Surgery may be an option for people with chronic sinusitis that is not responding to treatment.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent all causes of sinusitis, but you can reduce your risk of viral infections by washing your hands frequently and properly, avoiding tobacco smoke, and reducing your exposure to things you are allergic to.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Sinusitis
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