Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a condition where the mucous membrane inside one or more of the sinus cavities have become swollen. The condition becomes worse when the inflammation blocks the sinuses from draining into the nose.

The opening for this drainage is located near the turbinates in the nose. When this blockage takes place, mucus cannot escape and builds up in the sinuses which create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. As the condition progresses, pressure starts to build up and becomes painful.

Acute sinusitis is a category that refers to the length of time of the condition more than it refers to the symptoms or the type of infection.

It usually refers to the condition lasting for less than a month. If the symptoms persist, a physician may label it as sub-acute. Chronic sinusitis is considered to be an on-going problem. The number or days for the three types to be classified is just a general outline. It differs from doctor to doctor as to when the acute condition ends and the sub-acute or chronic state starts.

The Cause

Anything can be considered the cause of sinusitis if it contributes to:

• the inflammation of the mucous membrane
• the blockage that prevents the sinuses from draining
• the stopping or slowing down of the cilia which moves out the mucus and keeps the
• sinuses clean
• the sinuses not getting a good oxygen exchange with the nose

There is no cure for the common cold. If left to run its course, the immune system will heal the body. On the other hand, as the viral infection leaves the body, a bacterial infection can develop during this time frame in those who are prone to sinus infections. One variable that might make someone prone to sinus infections are those who have a narrow ostia. The ostia is the small opening that connects the sinus to the nose and where the sinuses drain.

Symptoms

Sinusitis symptoms can vary from person to person. Symptoms may also be different depending on which sinus cavity has the infection. And because of the close proximity of each of the sinus cavities, infections can easily spread to another sinus cavity. Some of the more common symptoms are:

• facial pain/tenderness
• an overall feeling of not feeling well
• fever
• cough
• general cold symptoms that last longer than a week
• congestion
• runny nose
• mucus discharge that is not clear in color
• a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics

Treatment

Treatment varies from person to person and from doctor to doctor who is administering the treatment. There are no simple 1-2-3 steps to follow. But the objective is always the same:

• to fight the infection if one exist
• to shrink the mucus membrane
• to open up the sinus ducts and unblock the ostium (the opening where the sinuses drain into the nose near the turbinates.)
• to get the mucus flow going again
• to restore the sweeping motion of the cilia
• to reduce symptoms and bring back the quality of life

Antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial infection. For acute cases, not often is the exact bacteria type identified. Generally, an antibiotic is used that is capable of killing a wide range of bacteria or one that is effective against the bacteria that is most likely suspected to be the cause. Usually the pill form is very effective because it travels in the blood stream. Unlike the spray form, traveling in the blood can reach areas inside the sinuses.

Decongestants are used to help shrink the mucous membrane which can aid in opening the sinus ducts and unblock the ostium. The disadvantage to this is that they also dry out the mucus making it become thicker which won't let it drain out as easily. It is important to get this mucus draining again so that it can carry out the bacteria with it. Thickening and drying of the mucus also makes it more difficult for the cilia to perform its important function.

For those of us who take a proactive role in our health, there are many things that can be done at home. Many of these methods are used for both sinusitis treatment and prevention. Using a nasal rinse or nasal irrigation or using a neti pot are three of the most common home remedy methods.

Summary

Even though I am not a doctor, I do know a lot of people with sinusitis. What I have observed is that most people with acute sinusitis don't consider their condition to be very serious. It is more of a nuisance to them. It is something that they have learned to live with because it does not occur that often or the condition does not last for very long.

Some have listened to me and some haven't. Acute sinusitis is nothing to take lightly. The concern is to prevent it from turning into a chronic condition. At this point, there is no damage to the delicate tissue inside the nose. But repeated episodes may have an impact over time. As the delicate nose and sinus tissues start to experience damage, each episode in the future may take longer to heal. No one starts out by having chronic sinusitis. It develops as acute sinusitis becomes worse and worse. Don't take this situation lightly.

If you would like to learn more, the Mayo Clinic has a good article on acute sinusitis.

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