Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) is the name of the condition in
which the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. The sinuses are air
spaces behind the bones of the upper face, between the eyes and behind
the forehead, nose and cheeks.
Normally, the sinuses drain through small openings into the inside
of the nose. Anything that blocks the flow may cause a buildup of
mucus in the sinuses. The blockage and inflammation of the sinus
membranes can be infectious or non-infectious.
Normally, the sinuses drain through small openings into the inside
of the nose. Anything that blocks the flow may cause a buildup of
mucus in the sinuses. The blockage and inflammation of the sinus
membranes can be infectious or non-infectious.
The symptoms caused by sinusitis may be quite uncomfortable. The
signs and symptoms may include:
- Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
- Teeth pain
- Loss of the sense of smell or taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
Types of Sinusitis
There are two main categories of sinusitis: acute
and chronic.
Sinusitis is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or
irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting
symptoms, such as nasal pressure, nasal congestion, a "runny nose,"
and fever, run their course in a few days. However, if symptoms
persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop. Most
cases of sinusitis are acute (or sudden onset); however, if the
condition occurs frequently or lasts three months or more, you may
have chronic sinusitis.