Acute sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses. It is contagious if the infection is caused by a virus. Sinusitis can affect different sinuses at the same time.
The symptoms of acute sinusitis mimic the symptoms of common cold. Sinusitis usually gets relieved but persistent sinusitis can cause life threatening complications. So, seek medical attention immediately if there is a severe nasal congestion for more than 3 days.
Causes
Acute sinusitis is often caused by common cold which is usually due to a virus. Other causes are bacterial or fungal infections. Fungal infections are common in patients with diabetes and immunocompromised patients.
Common bacteria that causes sinusitis are:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Hemophilus influenzae
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Anerobic bacteria
Sinusitis is said to be acute if the duration of symptoms is less than 4 weeks.
Symptoms
The symptoms are of sudden onset and typically last for around 10 days. The symptoms are:
- Nasal congestion
- Discharge from the nose
- Pain in the affected sinus
- Headache
- Cough
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Facial pain or edema
- Toothache
- Fatigue
- Reduced sense of smell
- Change in taste
Risk Factors
A weak immune system is the major risk factor for acute sinusitis. Other risk factors of acute sinusitis are:
- Elderly people
- Asthma
- Frequent air travel
- Frequent swimming in chlorinated pools
- Irregularity in nasal septum
- Allergic rhinitis or hay fever
- Nasal polyps (small growths on the lining of the nose)
- Regular exposure to environmental irritants such as smoke or chlorine
- Dental infection
- Kartagener syndrome, a genetic disorder in which there is an impairment in the function of cilia of the respiratory tract
- Presence of tumors in nasal cavity
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of acute sinusitis is usually made by obtaining the medical history and examining the clinical signs and symptoms.
Bacterial Sinusitis
- Persistent symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough for > 10 days
- Temperature > 38.5 C for > 3 days
Nasal culture:
A culture of the nasal drainage can help determine the causative organism and antibiotic that can treat the infection.
Nasal endoscopy: An endoscope, a thin tube with a light source at its end, is inserted into the nose to view any abnormalities present in the nose.
Diet Food
Foods that helps in treating sinusitis are:
- Garlic
- Spicy food
- Herbal teas
- Chicken soup
- Pineapple
- Grapefruit
- Turmeric
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fish
Food items that may worsen the condition are:
- Cheese
- Bread
- Pasta
- Noodles
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is milk good for sinus congestion?
No, milk is not good for sinus congestion as it thickens the mucus and promotes microbial growth. Thus, consumption of milk should be avoided.
2. Which sinus is mostly affected in sinusitis?
Most commonly affected sinuses are maxillary followed by ethmoid, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses.
3. How long does acute infection lasts for?
Acute infection typically lasts for 4 weeks or less.