Sinusitis
Alternate Names : Acute Sinusitis, Sinus Infection, Sinusitis - Acute
Definition
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses. This is generally caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
The sinuses are air-filled spaces around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes that are lined with mucous membranes. Healthy sinuses are sterile (meaning that they contain no bacteria or other organisms) and open, allowing mucus to drain and air to circulate in the nasal passages.
When inflamed, the sinuses become blocked with mucus and can become infected. Each year, over 30 million people (adults and children alike) get sinusitis.
Sinusitis can be acute (lasting anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks) or chronic, with symptoms lingering much longer.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Sinusitis can occur from one of these conditions:
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The small openings (ostia) from the sinuses to the nose become blocked
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Small hairs (cilia) in the sinuses, which help move the normally produced mucous out, are not working properly
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Too much mucous is produced
When the sinus openings become blocked and mucous accumulates, this becomes a great breeding ground for bacteria and other organisms.
Sinusitis usually follows respiratory infections, such as colds, or an allergic reaction. Some people never get sinusitis, and others develop sinusitis frequently.
People more likely to get frequent sinusitis include those with cystic fibrosis or a weakened immune system (such as people with HIV and those receiving chemotherapy).
Other risks for developing sinusitis include:
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Having asthma
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Overuse of nasal decongestants (rather than continuing to relieve congestion, the problem gets worse when these are used too often or for too long)
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Having a deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur or polyp, or (uncommonly) a facial tumor
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Presence of a foreign body in your nose
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Frequent swimming or diving
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Dental work
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Pregnancy
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Changes in altitude (flying or climbing)
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Exposure to air pollution and cigarette smoke
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disorder in which the acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus
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Hospitalization, especially if the reason you are in the hospital is related to a head injury or you needed a tube inserted into the nose (for example, a nasogastric tube from your nose to your stomach)
Cystic fibrosis is one of a number of diseases that prevent the cilia from working properly. Other such diseases that put you at increased risk for sinusitis include Kartagener's syndrome and immotile cilia syndrome.
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