Concept and Etiology: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus
cavities. As fluid accumulates, pressure builds up in the sinus cavity
and causes facial pain and headache which is one of the first signs of
sinusitis. Usually, the side of the face that hurts is the location of the
sinus that is affected. Sinusitis affects the upper respiratory system.
This includes the nose, nasal cavity, mouth, throat and the larynx. All
of these areas are affected if the sinuses are not draining properly.
The nose becomes congested, the throat and larynx become sore
from coughing and the nasal cavity is inflamed. Sometimes sinusitis
can become a bacterial infection because the build up from the sinus
cavity keeps the sinuses from draining and it becomes blocked. This
allows bacteria to grow and progress to becoming a secondary
bacterial infection. Sinusitis is often caused by environmental
irritants such as smoke, air pollutants, or hay fever. It can also be an
issue for the immunocompromised and for individuals with asthma
and cystic fibrosis.
Classified: Sinusitis can be classified in a number of ways.
Acute sinusitis can last up to 4 weeks but is usually associated
with a cold.
Subacute sinusitis which 4-8 weeks. If it lasts more than 8
weeks, it may be considered chronic.
Chronic sinusitis can last up to 12 weeks and the condition can
continue for months or years. You would have to have several
episodes of acute sinusitis before it can be considered chronic.
Recurrent sinusitis is recognized as having 3 or more acute
sinus infections in 1 year.
Clinical Manifestations: Signs and symptoms of rhinosinusitis are
facial pain or pressure which causes a headache, nasal congestion,
coughing, mouth breathing, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, bad
breath, fever, loss of smell.
Diagnostic Tests: A sinusitis diagnosis can be determined with a
patient history and physical exam, nasal culture and sinus x-ray.
Other diagnostic tests that can be performed are a sinus tomography
which is a CT scan of the nasal cavities and a sinus transillumination
in which light is illuminated against the sinuses. Both diagnostic test
can determine if the nasal cavities are inflamed or blocked.
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Chronic
Sinusitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-
sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661
Story, L. (2017). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach (3rd Edition).
Jones & Bartlett
Learning. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781284142983
Wenger, Dr. Mark. (2016). Recurrent Acute Sinusitis. Allergy
Partners. https://www.allergypartners.com/recurrent-acute-sinusitis-
2/
