What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acute Rhinosinusitis

What is Acute Sinusitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Sinuses are small air-filled spaces inside the cheekbones and forehead. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses caused by an infection due to microorganisms, like virus, bacteria, and fungus
• When sinusitis develops quickly, over a short period of time, and lasts only for a short term, the condition is termed as Acute Sinusitis
• Acute Sinusitis affects the sinus cavities around the nasal passages, which gets swollen and inflamed, when attacked by a pathogenic microorganism. Individuals experience difficulty in breathing through their nose, when affected by the condition
• The condition is usually treated with antibiotics for bacterial infections and antifungal medications for fungal infections

Who gets Acute Sinusitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Acute Sinusitis occurs worldwide and essentially any individual may be affected by the condition. But, generally young children and women are higher prone to Acute Sinusitis
• Both genders and all races/ethnic groups are equally affected

What are the Risk Factors for Acute Sinusitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors associated with Acute Sinusitis include:

• Hay fever and other allergic conditions
• Congenital defects of the nasal passage
• Medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Immune system disorders, such as immunoglobulin antibody deficiency
• Smoking, history of asthma
• Tumors in the nose
• Previous injuries to the nose or cheeks
• Individuals who have undergone certain medical procedures, like insertion of a nasogastric or endotracheal tube, for various health issues

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acute Sinusitis? (Etiology)

• When an individual suffers from sinusitis, inflammation occurs in the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, and throat
• The swelling blocks the sinus openings and does not allow mucus to drain properly, leading to facial pain and other symptoms, exclusive to sinusitis
• The accumulated mucus in the blocked sinuses, create a moist environment, which helps infections to flourish

Acute Sinusitis may be caused by:

• A viral infection, like a common cold
• Bacterial infection: All upper respiratory tract infections that usually last for more than 10-12 days are likely to be caused by a bacterium
• Fungal infection: Fungal infection may also cause Acute Sinusitis, especially when the individual has a weak immune system
• Allergies, such as hay fever
• Nasal polyps or tumors
• Deviated nasal septum: When the wall between the nostrils is not straight (or is deviated), a sinusitis may occur easily due to poor drainage of mucus from the blocked nostrils
• An infected tooth may lead to Acute Sinusitis
• When adenoids, located in the upper back part of the throat, get infected, it can lead to the disorder
• Other diseases and medical conditions, like cystic fibrosis, GERD, and immune system disorders can cause Acute Sinusitis

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is termed as acute, when it lasts for 4-30 days and sub-acute, when it lasts for 4-12 weeks. The signs and symptoms of Acute Sinusitis include:

• Thick yellow, greenish discharge from the nose, or from the back of the throat
• Nose is blocked or congested causing breathing difficulties
• Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead
• Pain in the upper jaw and teeth
• Sense of smell and taste is reduced
• Cough that is heavy during the night
• Other symptoms may include: Ear pain, headache, sore throat, bad breath, fatigue, body aches, and fever

How is Acute Sinusitis Diagnosed?

The following tests may be conducted to diagnose Acute Sinusitis:

Physical examination to check for:

• Tenderness in the nose and throat
• The healthcare provider may use a medical device to open the nose and apply medicines that constricts blood vessels in the nose. By doing so, the nose may be examined more closely
• A light may be flashed inside the nose to check for inflammations, fluids, nasal polyps, and tumors

Other procedures include:

• Nasal endoscopy: A tube is inserted into the nose using the aid of a fiber-optic light. This helps the physician check the inside of the nose very easily
• Imaging studies: CT and MRI scans may show inflammations of the sinuses
• Nasal and sinus cultures: If the sinusitis is caused by bacterial or fungal infections, then cultures may be performed to correctly diagnose the cause for the disease
• Allergy test: An skin allergy test is conducted, when it is thought that sinusitis is caused by allergies

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Acute Sinusitis?

The following complications may occur due to Acute Sinusitis:

• Severe asthma attack: Acute Sinusitis can lead to severe breathing complications, like asthma
• Chronic Sinusitis: An under-treatment of Acute Sinusitis may lead to Chronic Sinusitis,which may last more than 12 weeks
• Meningitis: Infection may spread to the lining of the brain
• Vision problems: Reduction in vision and blindness may result, if Acute Sinusitis is not treated properly
• Ear infection: Infection may spread to the ears and severe pain in the ears may be experienced

How is Acute Sinusitis Treated?

Acute Sinusitis does not need any special treatment if they are caused by viruses. Some basic self-care techniques are sufficient to manage the condition. For Acute Sinusitis caused by other factors, the following measures may help:

• Saline nasal spray may be sprayed into the nose several times, to clear the nasal passages
• Use of decongestants, available over-the-counter, which are in the form of oral medications, nasal sprays, and liquids
• Nasal corticosteroids may provide relief and help by containing inflammation in the nose
• Use of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen
• Antibiotics are used to treat sinusitis caused only by bacteria. An uninterrupted, full course of the medication, should be taken for 10-14 days
• Anti-fungal medications for Acute Sinusitis caused by a fungal infection
• Immunotherapy: If sinusitis is caused by allergies, then allergy shots like immunotherapy, may have to be administered, in order to control the symptoms

How can Acute Sinusitis be Prevented?

The following precautionary measures can be adopted to reduce the risk of acquiring Acute Sinusitis:

• Avoid close contact with individuals who suffer from cold
• Frequent washing of hands with soap and water is recommended
• Discuss the symptoms with the physician and manage them properly
• Avoid going to places, which are polluted and overcrowded, especially during flu season
• Avoid smoking
• Use humidifier at home to add moisture to the indoor spaces

What is the Prognosis of Acute Sinusitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• With correct diagnosis and prompt treatment, the prognosis is generally good
• If left untreated, Acute Sinusitis may lead to unnecessary pain and suffering. In very rare cases, it may also lead to infection of the brain. In such cases, the prognosis may be poor

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acute Sinusitis:

Chronic Sinusitis: When Acute Sinusitis does not get cured within a short period of time and lasts for more than 12 weeks, despite giving proper treatment, the condition is termed as Chronic Sinusitis.