$Unique_ID{BRK00859}
$Pretitle{Respiratory System}
$Title{What Are the Causes and Reasons for Sinusitis?}
$Subject{sinusitis inflammation infection}
$Volume{H-6}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are the Causes and Reasons for Sinusitis?


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QUESTION:  My sinuses are a never ending cause for concern, they just don't
quit.  But I still don't understand the causes and reasons for sinusitis.
Please explain?

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ANSWER:  Sinusitis is an inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses.
The paranasal sinuses are cavities in the skull connected with the nasal
passages.  They are arranged in four pairs with members of each pair on the
right and left side of the head.  Doctors are not 100% sure of the functions
of the sinuses.  They are thought to help the nose to circulate, warm and
moisten air as it is inhaled.  Therefore, the lungs do not get a shock as cold
or dry air is inhaled.  The sinuses also play a minor role in voice
production, as they are believed to act as resonating chambers.
     Sinusitis often occurs during an upper respiratory infection.  Sometimes
excessive or strong nose blowing may cause the infection to spread from the
nose to the sinuses.
     There are, however, many, many other causes of sinusitis, which is why it
is such a tricky, annoying problem.
     Some of the factors which trigger sinus troubles are allergies,
infectious diseases, such as pneumonia or the measles, air pollution, diving
and underwater swimming, sudden extreme changes of temperature, structural
defects of the nose, or a complication from a tooth infection.  When you have
a sinusitis flare-up, you may feel pressure on the sinus walls, which in turn
causes discomfort, pain, fever, and difficulty with breathing.  This happens
because the mucous membranes of the sinus are inflamed, and the openings of
the sinus cavities become partially or fully blocked.  The blockage often
causes headaches and may lead to nasal discharge.  Sinus sufferers also
complain of dizziness, weakness and general discomfort.  People suffering from
these symptoms should certainly seek a doctor's help.  A physician can use
many diagnostic tools to confirm sinusitis, including radiography, ultrasound,
multiple x-ray exposures, and computed tomography.
     Most cases of acute sinusitis will respond to antibiotics.  The most
commonly prescribed being ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefaclor,
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and erythromycin.  If this treatment is
unsuccessful, your doctor should do further testing with x-rays to determine
whether your case of sinusitis is infectious, allergic, or caused by another
factor.
     Decongestants may also help the sinusitis patient by helping to increase
drainage.  Discomfort can be relieved through inhalation of steam or warm
moist air.
     If you've been suffering with sinus problems for a long period of time,
you may be one of those unfortunate people with chronic sinusitis.  This
condition occurs when the mucous membranes in the sinuses thicken and normal
drainage becomes obstructed.  If the previously mentioned treatments don't
clear up the problem, surgery may be necessary.
     Since the sinuses are close to the ears and brain, it is important to
treat sinusitis aggressively to minimize the risk of spreading the infection
to those organs.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
