Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses, which can be defined as air-filled pockets around the nasal cavity.

Sinusitis

Sinuses are structures that, under normal conditions, humidify and warm the air we breathe. Sinusitis often occurs after a cold or allergy, and there are 4 types in terms of time, these are;

Acute Sinusitis

Sinusitis lasting less than four weeks.

subacute

The symptoms of such infections last for 4 to 8 weeks and may not respond to treatment in the first place. The course of sinusitis varies between acute and chronic.

Chronic

These are the conditions in which there is no regression and improvement in their complaints for 6-8 weeks despite appropriate treatment.

Recurrent

If you have 3 or more acute sinusitis attacks in a year, it is called recurrent sinusitis.

Sinusitis can also be seen after upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold. During these infections, the mucous membrane covering the inside of the nose swells and therefore prevents the sinuses from opening into the nasal cavity.

Along with upper respiratory infections, allergies also cause the mucous tissue to swell and produce more mucus by a similar system, thus closing the sinus openings.

Other conditions that can lead to sinusitis include:

Abnormalities in the structure of the nose

Enlarged adenoids (genes)

Diving and swimming

Dental infections and complications of their treatment

nose injury

Foreign bodies stuck in the nose

Cigarettes smoking

In such cases, where the sinuses are prevented from opening into the nasal cavity, the inside of the sinuses becomes a suitable breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. This bacterial or viral growth creates an infection inside the sinuses, causing sinusitis. Bacteria and viruses that most commonly cause sinusitis are also the ones that can be detected frequently in upper respiratory tract infections.


Symptoms

Although the symptoms of sinusitis may vary depending on age, the following symptoms may occur:

runny nose that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days

Cough

swelling around the eyes

Postnasal drip

Headache

facial pain

Bad breath

Fever

A feeling of fullness in the ears

Decreased sense of smell

Diagnostic Methods

The diagnosis of sinusitis can be made by your doctor's evaluation of his complaints and examination; In addition, your doctor may also request tests such as:

nose culture

Direct X-ray

Computed tomography

blood tests