What are sinuses?

Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull which is lines by membranes. These membranes will produce a thin secretion to trap dirt particles and keep the nasal passages moist.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a condition where infection or inflammation of the membranes that line the sinuses occurs. Sinusitis is common and happens even in young children. It is divided into 2 types :

• Acute sinusitis
• Chronic sinusitis

What agents cause sinusitis?

Infections are due to :

• Virus
• Bacteria
• Fungus

Other agents of inflammation are :

• Allergy
• Chemical irritants
• Nasal polyp

How does sinusitis present?

Signs and symptoms are varied and include :

• Blocked nose
• Cough
• Head or face ache
• Soreness in the face
• Persistent cold with yellow or green runny nose
• A constant foul smell in the nose
• Mild to high grade fever
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Cough which is worse at night with coloured mucous

How can sinusitis become dangerous?

Acute sinusitis may lead to :

• Chronic sinusitis
• Chronic headache
• Abscess (pus formation and destruction)
• Maxillary sinus abscess
• Frontal sinus abscess
• Ethmoidal sinus abscess
• Brain abscess .
• Eye – Subperiosteal abscess

How can sinusitis be treated?

Consult your doctor. He may recommend or prescribe :

• Rest
• Breathing-in steam from a bowl of hot water (where menthol may be added)
• Pain killer to reduce pain (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Decongestants to reduce the swelling in the nose and allow the sinuses to drain
• Antibiotics if bacteria is the likely cause

If you have chronic sinusitis, besides above treatment, other measures may be necessary. They are :

• Steroid nasal spray (to help reduce swelling and inflammation)
• Long term use of antihistamine
• Endoscopic nasal surgery to wash and widen the drainage hole.

How does one prevent sinusitis?

The following measures may be helpful :

• Remove pets if there is associated allergy to animal dander, hair etc
• Keep the air humid at home
• Use an air-filtering vacuum cleaner
• Stop smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Use a decongestant spray or tablets before diving or swimming