About sinusitis (sinus infection)

you know the sensations: nose flowing, headaches, nasal congestion. Is this a common cold? Or sinusitis?

Definition

Your sinuses are cavities filled with air, carved into the bones of the face and skull. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the soft tissues that line the sinuses.

There are two types of sinusitis : acute sinusitis, of short duration, which may be due to a cold, an allergy, or environmental pollutants, and chronic sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks.


Causes

The causes of sinusitis may be the following :
Causes anatomical – deviation of the septum or enlarged turbinates in your nose
Environmental factors – exposure to tobacco, humidity, air pollution, working with children
Causes infectious and inflammatory – related bacterial infections, viral and fungal infections, as well as allergies and polyps
Weakening of the immune system – related to chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis
Tumors in the nose and in the sinuses – these can obstruct evacuation routes vital
Symptoms
Sinus congestion, runny nose and pressure with facial pain or headaches can indicate a cold. But if the nasal discharge is yellow or discolored, this probably indicates a sinus infection.

The chronic sinusitis can affect your quality of life and you are tired. If you have asthma, they can make it worse.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase the risk of sinus infection :

Swimming in polluted water, exposing your sinuses to bacteria
Frequent contact with young children, you are exposed to a greater number of colds or bacterial infections
Active or passive smoking thickened tissues of your nose, slowing down the flow of mucus and allows the bacteria to develop
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history. It tapotera areas of your face to see if the sinus openings are sensitive. A ct scan may also be useful.

If your symptoms do not disappear with the treatment prescribed by your family doctor, you will be sent(e) to an otolaryngologist (ENT). This specialist ear, nose and throat will use a nasal endoscope to explore the inside of your nose. An endoscope is a very fine instrument, equipped at its end a luminous device ; it looks like a tiny telescope.