Sinusitis
Overview of sinusitis
Sinusitis is the problem of the respiratory system where there is an inflammation in the sinus cavities due to infection. Sinus cavities are hollow spaces present in the skull, which provides insulation to the skull, resonance to the voice and reduce the weight of the skull. Four pairs of sinuses, also called paranasal air sinuses are directly connected to the nasal cavities. Sinusitis can affect people of all ages, but is very rarely seen in children under the age of 5 years.
Sinusitis can be divided as follows:1
- Acute Sinusitis: This lasts for 3 weeks or less.
- Chronic Sinusitis: This may take 3–8 weeks or sometimes, even many months to years.
- Recurrent Sinusitis: In this case, there are numerous acute sinusitis attacks in a year.
Diagnosis of sinusitis
Diagnosis is based on careful observation of the symptoms. The following are some of the points, which help in better diagnosis of sinusitis.
Treatment of sinusitis
Treatment of sinusitis
Prevention of sinusitis
The following are some of steps, which can be quite helpful in preventing sinusitis.5
- Effectively treating colds and coughs
- Maintaining a good hygiene
- Preventing transmission washing hands before eating and after going outside
- Preventing cold and influenza
- Getting vaccinated for influenza annually
- Antiinflammatory drugs are helpful in preventing allergic attacks
- Antihistamines relieve of sneezing, itching and also prevent nasal congestion before an allergy
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: August 13, 2011