How does Maxillary Sinusitis / Maxillary Sinus Infection Occur?

Mucus is produced within the lining of the maxillary sinuses, and drains into the ostiomeatal complex (the OMC channel). Any inflamation/edema in the ethmoid sinus (ethmoiditis) and/or the OMC channel could potentially impair the drainage from the maxillary sinues. Regardless of whether the blockage or swelling of the sinus openings originated in Maxillary sinuses or Ethmoid Sinuses, the result of ostia blockage is excessive accumulation/build-up of mucus within the sinuses.

Excessive mucus build up in the sinuses creates a warm, dark and moist environment that is ideal for the growth of pathogenic organisms (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes), thereby resulting in maxillary sinus infection, or maxillary sinusitis.

In other words, swelling of the sinus openings, ostia blockage, excessive accumulation of mucus in the sinuses and the infection that follows are all interrelated.

Signs and Symptoms of Maxillary Sinusitis:

Maxillary sinusitis symptoms include: Altered facial sensation, Fever, Facial Pain, Nasal congestion, Night-time cough, Runny nose, Teeth and/or jawbone pain, Sinus pressure below the eyes, and Chronic toothache.

Diagnosis of Maxillary Sinusitis:

Considering that maxillary sinuses have thin walls and their location allows an easy access, diagnosis of the maxillary sinusitis sinus disease often involves sinus tap or sinus culture - a relatively simple diagnostic procedure of inserting a needle for direct aspirationof maxillary sinus contents. This simple diagnostic procedure does not require hospitalization -it is carried out as an outpatient diagnostic procedure. Plain sinus radiography (Waters, Caldwell, lateral, and oblique views), CT Scans, and MRIs are also often helpful in positively diagnosing maxillary sinusitis.

What Causes Maxillary Sinusitis?

Maxillary Sinusitis may be caused by a whole range of factors -including: AIDS, Allergies, Cystic fibrosis, Nasotracheal intubation, Prolonged orotracheal intubation, Nasal polyps, Tumors, Post upper respiratory tract (URT) viral infection, Immunosuppressive conditions (such as rhinocerebral mucormycosis, and invasive aspergillosis), and Structural/Anatomical problems such as Facial trauma, Deviated nasal septum, etc.

Maxillary Sinusitis Treatment & Remedies:

Depending upon the underlying cause, the treatment for maxillary sinusitis sinus disease may include: Antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, Fexofendadine, etc.), Decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine), Saline lavage, Corticosteroids (Fluticasone, Beclomethasone, etc.), Antibioticstherapy (amoxicillin), Topical vasoconstrictors, Mucolytic agents (guaifenesin), and mucus-thinning agents.

If the underlying cause is structural/anatomical defects (septal deviation, paradoxical middle turbinates, , or if a patient does not respond to the above medications, surgical treatment options such as Inferior meatal puncture, Irrigation, Canine fossa puncture, as well as Endoscopic sinus surgery may be an option.

Maxillary Sinusitis Prognosis:

With careful medical and surgical treatments as indicated above, maxillary sinusitis symptoms are usually manageable, and infections are usually well contained. However, bacterial maxillary sinusitis complications may possibly include bacteremia, nosocomial pneumonia, thoracic empyema, and sepsis --possibly resulting in multi-organ failure.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Maxillary Sinusitis Treatment News and our Lung Disease Articles Library for the latest Maxillary Sinusitis related Articles.

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