What are sinuses?

Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull which is lines by membranes. These membranes will produce a thin secretion to trap dirt particles and keep the nasal passages moist.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a condition where infection or inflammation of the membranes that line the sinuses occurs. Sinusitis is common and happens even in young children. It is divided into 2 types:

• Acute sinusitis.
• Chronic sinusitis.

What agents cause sinusitis?

Infections are due to:

• Virus.
• Bacteria.
• Fungus.

Other agents of inflammation are:

• Allergy.
• Chemical irritants.
• Nasal polyp.

How does sinusitis present?

Signs and symptoms are varied and include :

• Blocked nose.
• Cough.
• Head or face ache.
• Soreness in the face.
• Persistent cold with yellow or green runny nose.
• A constant foul smell in the nose.
• Mild to high grade fever.
• Weakness.
• Tiredness.
• Cough which is worse at night with coloured mucous.

How can sinusitis become dangerous?

Acute sinusitis may lead to:

• Chronic sinusitis.
• Chronic headache.
• Abscess (pus formation and destruction).
• Maxillary sinus abscess.
• Frontal sinus abscess.
• Ethmoidal sinus abscess.
• Brain abscess.
• Eye – Subperiosteal abscess.

How can sinusitis be treated?

Consult your doctor. He may recommend or prescribe:

• Rest.
• Breathing-in steam from a bowl of hot water (where menthol may be added).
• Pain killer to reduce pain (paracetamol or ibuprofen).
• Decongestants to reduce the swelling in the nose and allow the sinuses to drain.
• Antibiotics if bacteria is the likely cause.

If you have chronic sinusitis, besides above treatment, other measures may be necessary. They are:

• Steroid nasal spray (to help reduce swelling and inflammation).
• Long term use of antihistamine.
• Endoscopic nasal surgery to wash and widen the drainage hole.

How does one prevent sinusitis?

The following measures may be helpful:

• Remove pets if there is associated allergy to animal dander, hair etc.
• Keep the air humid at home.
• Use an air-filtering vacuum cleaner.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Use a decongestant spray or tablets before diving or swimming.