SINUSITIS:zonadonlod

Sinusitis - Contagious

Sinusitis

Sinusitis or inflammation of the sinuses, is an exceedingly common problem, affecting millions of people around the world of all ages. The nasal sinuses consist of eight air pockets in the bones around the nose, cheeks and eyes. This cavities are lined with mucous glands, which keep the passages moist. Sinusitis develops when this passages become inflamed and swollen, usually due to an infection or allergic response.

Sinus infection

Most sufferers complain of a feeling of congestion accompanied by a headache and perhaps a runny nose. The nature of the headache varies according to which sinuses are affected. Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, those situated below the eyes and on either side of the nose, can cause facial pain, toothache and a frontial headache. A blockage in the frontal sinuses, located in the forehead, also produces a headache in that area. A so-called splitting headache and pain behind the eyes point to inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses, which are located on either side of the eyes and just over the nose. In addition to the headache, they might be visible swelling in the area over the affected sinus.

Sinus infection - behind the eye ball

Sinusitis maybe acute or chronic; acute attacks are more likely to be due to an upper respiratory infection, while chronic sinusitis is often caused by allergies, although many people who have it do not suffer from them. Dental abscesses or infections are responsible for about 25 percent of chronic maxillary sinusitis. Infectious agents that can cause acute sinusitis include strains of streptococci, phneumococci, staphylococci and Haomophilus influenzae bacteria as well as some viruses.

Diagnosis Studies and Procedures

Diagnosis is usually based on the patients description of the symptoms and a physical examination of the sinus areas. The mucous membrances of the nose may also be red and swollen and nasal discharge may be greenish-yellow or tinged withblood. X-rays are sometimes ordered, but they often fail to find any abnormality because swollen mucous membrances usually are not visible on film. A CT scan may produce better results, but is not necessary as a rule. In a few cases, dental X-rays will be taken if an abscess is suspected of causing the sinusitis. A laboratory culture of the nasal discharge may also be ordered. This facilities identification of any infecting organism.