Sinusitis

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is one of the most common conditions that can affect us throughout life. It is an inflammation of the tissue that covers the sinuses and can affect both adults and children. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they are blocked and filled with fluid, the germs can grow and cause an infection.

Depending on the duration of symptoms, sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms, but acute sinusitis is a temporary sinus infection often associated with a cold, usually lasting between 4 and 12 weeks. The signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis last at least 12 weeks. It is possible that before you develop chronic sinusitis you have several episodes of acute sinusitis.

There is an increased risk of sinusitis if you have:

What are the most common symptoms of sinusitis?

How do we treat sinusitis?

Depending on the severity of the sinusitis, your doctor may recommend:

• Nasal sprays - to relieve nasal congestion
• Antibiotics - if a bacterial infection has caused the symptoms
• Surgery - in severe cases

There are several products with a role in reducing nasal congestion. A category of medicines with a beneficial effect on the nasal mucosa is nasal decongestants in the form of a spray, very easy to administer.

Complications of sinusitis.

Serious complications of sinusitis are rare, but may include:

• Vision problems. If the sinus infection spreads to the eye, it may cause reduced vision or possibly blindness that may be permanent.
• Infections. Unusually, people with sinusitis may develop inflammation of the membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), a bone infection, or a serious skin infection.