What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities located on either side of your nose, and between and above your eyes. Inflammation occurs when there is an undrained collection of pus or mucus in one or more of the sinuses. Mucus production increases during inflammation resulting in a drippy, runny nose. This drainage thickens over time. If this mucus cannot drain out of the sinus due to a blockage, bacteria will grow and an infection occurs. This infected sinus is what produces the symptoms of sinusitis.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It’s considered acute if it’s short-lived and chronic if it’s long-lasting — longer than three months, according to most doctors. Chronic sinusitis is sometimes also defined as four or more occurrences of acute sinusitis in a year. Chronic sinusitis presents the same kinds of symptoms as acute sinusitis though they may not be as severe. Acute sinusitis is often preceded by a cold, flu, or allergy attack, which inflames the sinus membranes and blocks the sinuses’ drainage openings (ostia). Mucus collects, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Chronic sinusitis is often preceded by too many cases of acute sinusitis, which cause the ostia to swell shut permanently and bacteria to grow continuously. Chronic sinusitis may also accompany other structural changes in the sinuses, including thickened and stagnant mucus, a paralysis of the tiny hairs (cilia) that are designed to sweep mucus, bacteria, alle
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of any of the four groups of sinus cavities in the skull, which open into the nasal passages. Sinusitis is not the same as rhinitis, although the two may be associated and their symptoms may be similar. The terms “sinus trouble” or “sinus congestion” are sometimes wrongly used to mean congestion of the nasal passage itself. Most cases of nasal congestion, though, are not associated with sinusitis.
A. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membrane lining of any sinus, especially one of the paranasal sinuses. Acute sinusitis is a short-term condition that responds well to antibiotics and decongestants; chronic sinusitis is characterized by at least four recurrences of acute sinusitis. Either medication or surgery is a possible treatment.
