Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. The sinuses are connected with the nose. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
The sinuses are lined with the same kind of skin found elsewhere within the respiratory tract. This skin has tiny little hairs projecting from it, called cilia. The cilia beat constantly, to help move the mucus produced in the sinuses into the respiratory tract. The beating cilia sweeping the mucus along the respiratory tract helps to clear the respiratory tract of any debris, or any organisms which may be present. When the lining of the sinuses is at all swollen, the swelling interferes with the normal flow of mucus. Trapped mucus can then fill the sinuses, causing an uncomfortable sensation of pressure and providing an excellent environment for the growth of infection-causing bacteria.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include:
- The common cold
- Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose
- Small growths in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps
- A deviated septum, which is a shift in the nasal cavity
There are different types of sinusitis, and they include:
- Acute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2-4 weeks
- Subacute sinus inflammation usually lasts 4-12 weeks
- Chronic inflammation symptoms last 12 weeks or longer
- Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year
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