Sinusitis is referred to as the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are cavities located close to the nasal cavity. The inflammation can be caused as a result of an infection from bacteria, virus or fungi. It can also be a result of the allergy or any autoimmune reaction. The autoimmune reaction is when the body system itself starts attacking the protection barriers of the body.

The different cavities that can be affected by sinusitis include:

• Maxillary cavity: This is the area of the cheek and when affected by sinusitis can result in headache or toothache.

• Ethmoid: When the patient feels pain or pressure behind or between the eyes. It usually occurs as a headache.

• Sphenoid: This is when the patient starts feeling pressure at the top portion of the head.

Usually, healthcare professional believe that sinusitis occurs as a part of other respiratory tract infections. Sinusitis can be classified into three varieties:

• Acute sinusitis: It lasts up to 4 weeks maximum and most often is a result of common cold. It can also be caused as a result of bacteria, fungal or viral infections.

• Sub acute sinusitis: It lasts from 4 to 12 weeks and is a progression of the acute sinusitis that does not get better.

• Chronic sinusitis: This lasts for more than 12 weeks and keeps coming back. This is generally caused as a result of infection or also because of nasal polyps.

The main causes of sinusitis include:

Infection: Any infection as a result of bacterial, fungal or viral invasion can be a cause of sinusitis. If the opening of the nasal cavity is blocked, it can lead to accumulation of mucus and lead to pressure on the sinus walls. This is one of the main causes why people feel pain during sinusitis. Mucus is one of the best mediums for the bacteria to grow and if it is not cleared then it can lead to formation of an abscess. If the nasal passage gets swollen air cannot enter the cavity, and hence vacuum is created. This causes a pain in the cavity.

Medical Conditions: There are some sinus conditions that can interfere with the ventilation and drainage of the sinuses. These conditions include nasal polyps, over using of nasal steroids, allergic rhinitis and inflammation or edema of the mucus membrane that lines the nasal passage.

Allergies and Colds: Sinusitis can be a result of an allergy or cold. There can be several problems of your immune system or there can also be a structural problem of the nasal cavity that can lead to sinusitis. Bacterial sinusitis can develop from an allergic reaction or cold that can turn out to be serious and result in excessive mucus production. If the sinus is left untreated or undiagnosed it can lead to a lot of complications, and this will involve the nose, eyes and the middle ears for several months or years.

As soon as you feel pain in your sinus cavities it is important that you meet your healthcare provider to get proper treatment for your sinusitis.

Jonathan Pitts

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