What Causes Sinusitis / Rhinosinusitis?

Sinusitis causes are often classified in the following categories:

• Anatomical/Structural Defects Anatomical risk factors include a deviated septum, and nasal obstruction due to swelling of the turbinates, etc.
• Developmental Causes Sinusitis can be caused by developmental factors such as cystic fibrosis, etc.
• Infections Sinusitis can be caused by bacterial (Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis species, and gram-positive cocci such as Peptococcus and Peptostreptococcus species, etc.) infection, fungal (such as Aspergillus, Alternaria, Bipolaris, and Curvularia fungi, etc.) agents, and viral infections. It is also caused by allergens and environmental pollutants.
• Lifestyle Related, Environmental Risk Factors Smoking, close proximity to children, exposure to environmental pollutants and allergens, and pregnancy are some of the lifestyle/living-environment related choices that increase one's likelyhood of developing sinusitis.
• Polyps and Tumors Polyps and tumors in sinuses and nasal passages can also cause obstruction of the (tiny) drainage ducts and cause sinusitis.

Sinusitis Symptoms:

The following sinusitis symptoms are often observed: Posterior nasal drip, Congestion of nasal mucosa, Sinus congestion, Sinus discharge, Sinus pressure, Facial sinus pain, Sinus headaches, Yellowish or pale colored nasal discharge, and Fever.

Sinusitis Diagnosis:

The following diagnostic tests may be necessary to diagnose sinusitis:

• CT Scans, Radiographs, and MRI
• Nasopharyngeal cultures (often harvested endoscopically),
• Paranasal sinus radiography, and
• Ultrasonography.

Sinusitis Treatments and Remedies:

Considering that the most sinusitis infections are caused by bacteria, antimicrobial therapy is often necessary.

Most persons suffering from acute sinusitis do not require surgery. Chronic/Recurrent sinusitis patients, on the other hand, usually require a surgical remedy. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is often performed to help restore the mucociliary function. Other surgical procedures that may be indicated for sinusitis include Adenoidectomy, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Ethmoidectomy, Extended Endscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery, Frontal Sinusotomy, Maxillary Sinusotomy, Open Frontal Sinus Surgery, Polypectomy, Reduction/Removal of Inferior Turbinate, Reduction/Removal of Middle Turbinate, Septoplasty, Sphenoidotomy, and Tumor Removal. Serial Antimicrobial Lavage, ESSAL, may also be an option to help clear the respiratory tract.

Sinusitis Prognosis:

Most viral sinusitis infections last less than a week, and do not require an antibiotic therapy. Bacterial sinusitis infections do last longer than viral sinusitis and require a complete course of an antibiotic therapy.

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

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