WHAT IS ACUTE SINUSITIS ( Rhinosinusitis) 

Acute Sinusitis is responsible for the cavities around the nasal passage (sinus) to become inflamed and swollen. It interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up.The condition is mostly caused by the common cold. Unless or until a bacterial infection develops, most cases resolve within a week to 10 days. Home remedies are all that's needed to treat this. But persistent sinusitis can lead to serious infections and other complications. A Sinusitis that lasts more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment is termed chronic sinusitis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF  ACUTE SINUSITIS 

• Drainage of thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of throat 

• Nasal congestion

• Pain, tenderness, swelling and built up of pressure around eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead 

• Ear pressure

• Headache

• Aching upper jaw and teeth

• Reduced smell and taste abilities

• Cough, which might worsen at night

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Fatigue

• Persistent Fever

Causes

• Most often the common cold, a viral infection with a potential to turn into  bacterial infection

• Hay fever or other allergic conditions leading to sinus

• A nasal passage abnormality - deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or tumours

• Cystic fibrosis or certain immune system disorders such as HIV/AIDS

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis

• Nasal endoscopy

• Imaging studies.

• Nasal and sinus cultures 

• Allergy skin testing 

Treatment

Most cases of acute sinusitis, those caused by a viral infection, resolve on their own. Self-care helps preliminarily. 

1. Using Saline nasal spray to rinse your nasal passages.

2. Using Nasal corticosteroids to help prevent and treat inflammation. 

3. Using Decongestants primarily available over-the-counter (OTC) 

4. Over-the-Counter (OTC) mild pain relievers

5. Antibiotic, rare but if prescribed under medical observation 

6. Immunotherapy to aid If allergies are contributing to your illness

7. Keep away from people who have colds. Keep your hands regularly washed with soap and water, especially before eating. 

8. Contain the allergies by working closely with your doctor 

9. Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air as they can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages.

10. Bring in use a humidifier to add moisture to the dry air in your habitat surroundings .But make sure to maintain it clean and free of mold

Mostly, in alternate form  Rest, Drinking plenty of fluids or taking a hot shower, breathing in the warm, moist air helps ease pain and aids in mucus drain.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Complications: The following complications may lead if not treated 

• Chronic sinusitis. that might last longer than 12 weeks.

• Meningitis. resulting into inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.

• Other infections that can spread to the bones or skin.

• Partial or complete loss of sense of smell. Caused by nasal obstruction and inflammation.

• Vision problems. In case, infection spreads to your eye socket, this could reduce vision or even cause permanent blindness.