Summary about Disease
Rhinosinusitis, commonly called a sinus infection, is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection. Rhinosinusitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Symptoms
Common symptoms of rhinosinusitis include:
Nasal congestion
Nasal discharge (thick, discolored)
Facial pain, pressure, or fullness
Headache
Loss of smell (anosmia)
Cough
Fatigue
Fever (more common in acute cases)
Ear pain
Toothache
Bad breath (halitosis)
Causes
Rhinosinusitis can be caused by:
Viral infections (most common)
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Allergies (allergic rhinitis)
Nasal polyps
Deviated septum
Weakened immune system
Dental infections
Exposure to irritants (e.g., air pollution, cigarette smoke)
Medicine Used
Treatment options for rhinosinusitis include:
Decongestants: Over-the-counter or prescription nasal sprays or oral medications to reduce nasal congestion.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain and fever.
Saline nasal sprays or irrigation: To help clear nasal passages and relieve congestion.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Prescription nasal sprays to reduce inflammation in the sinuses.
Antibiotics: Prescribed by a doctor for bacterial infections.
Antifungal medications: Prescribed by a doctor for fungal infections (rare).
Allergy medications: Antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids for allergy-related rhinosinusitis.
Mucolytics: Medications that help to thin mucus.
Oral corticosteroids: In severe cases, oral steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Is Communicable
Viral rhinosinusitis is communicable, as the viral infection causing it can spread to others. Bacterial rhinosinusitis itself is not directly contagious, but the underlying upper respiratory infection that predisposes to it may be. Fungal and allergy related rhinosinusitis are non-communicable.
Precautions
Precautions to help prevent rhinosinusitis or reduce its spread:
Practice good hand hygiene (frequent handwashing).
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist.
Manage allergies with appropriate medications and avoidance of allergens.
Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia.
Use saline nasal spray or irrigation regularly, especially during allergy season or when exposed to irritants.
How long does an outbreak last?
Acute rhinosinusitis: Typically lasts less than 4 weeks. Symptoms often improve within 7-10 days, even without antibiotics in viral cases.
Subacute rhinosinusitis: Lasts between 4 and 12 weeks.
Chronic rhinosinusitis: Lasts for 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment attempts.
How is it diagnosed?
Rhinosinusitis is typically diagnosed based on:
Medical history: A doctor will ask about symptoms, duration, and any predisposing factors (e.g., allergies).
Physical exam: Examination of the nose, throat, and face.
Nasal endoscopy: In some cases, a doctor may use a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to visualize the inside of the nasal passages and sinuses.
Imaging studies: CT scans or MRI may be used in chronic or complicated cases to evaluate the sinuses.
Allergy testing: If allergies are suspected to be a contributing factor.
Nasal culture: To identify the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection (usually reserved for severe or recurrent cases).
Timeline of Symptoms
Viral Rhinosinusitis: Symptoms often start like a common cold (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing) and may worsen after 5-7 days. Facial pain or pressure can develop. Most viral cases resolve within 10 days.
Bacterial Rhinosinusitis: Often presents with more severe symptoms (high fever, intense facial pain) that either persist beyond 10 days or worsen after an initial improvement.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Symptoms are persistent and may fluctuate in severity over 12 weeks or longer.
Important Considerations
See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, especially if accompanied by high fever, vision changes, or neurological symptoms.
Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays can lead to rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa). Use them for no more than 3-5 days.
Antibiotics are not effective for viral rhinosinusitis and should only be used for bacterial infections.
Chronic rhinosinusitis may require long-term management and may involve consultation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
Underlying conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum may need to be addressed to effectively manage rhinosinusitis.