Sinusitis

Sinusitis refers to a medical condition which results in the inflammation and consequent swelling of the tissue lining in the sinus cavity. The sinus cavity refers to the four paired air cavities present behind the point where the nose and forehead meet in the human cranium. These cavities are filled with air, but can fill up and get blocked with microbes, fungi and fluids, which result in the onset of infections.

The blockage of the sinus cavities can occur due to a number of reasons, namely -

* Allergic reactions - Exposure to known allergens

* Common cold - Aggravation of cold symptoms

* A deviated septum - Shifted nasal cavity due to genetics or trauma

* Nasal Polyps - Growths in nasal linings

Sinusitis has a wide range of symptoms and the diagnosis of this condition is confirmed only when two or more symptoms occur concurrently. These symptoms include -

* Facial pain

* Facial pressure

* Nasal blockage

* Excessive nasal discharge

* Constant cough

* Chest congestion

* Increased fever

* Halitosis

* Tiredness

* Pain in the teeth

The variance in its symptoms has led medical professionals to classify sinusitis into the following categories -

* Acute sinusitis - Acute sinusitis usually lasts for less than 4 weeks

* Sub acute sinusitis - Lasts from 4 to 8 weeks, but it is characterized by milder symptoms

* Chronic sinusitis - Symptoms last for 8 weeks or more

* Recurrent sinusitis - Several attacks within a year

The diagnosis of sinusitis involves a physical examination by the doctor, involving application of pressure to the sinuses to check for tenderness. Another test involves tapping the patient's teeth to identify a potentially inflamed para-nasal sinus cavity. Other tests include X-rays, allergen testing, CT scans, blood work and nasal endoscopy.

Sinusitis can be treated via medication to soothe the inflamed sinus cavity tissue. However, in case the symptoms do not abate even after this, then it may be an indication of chronic sinusitis. In such cases, patients can also opt for sinus surgery after consulting their doctor.

Endoscopic sinus surgery often involves removing the bone and tissue from the sinus cavity after placing the patient under anesthesia. Although rather effective, it may result in post-operative complications, like pain and bleeding and it takes 1 to 2 weeks for patients to recover.

Nowadays, patients can opt for a minimally invasive operation for treating chronic sinusitis, known as Balloon Sinus Surgery. A relatively quick and simple procedure, which can be done in a doctor's office using only local anesthesia, this procedure involves positioning and inflating small balloons to open sinus pathways. Afterwards, these sinus balloons are duly deflated and then removed, leaving behind only open sinus passages, requiring only a couple of days for a full recovery.