The nose not only supplies the body with one of its senses, but it also aids breathing. Hairs within the nostrils help to filter out irritants, such as dust and environmental pollutants, before they can reach the lungs.
However, because the nose acts as a first line of defence, it and other body parts involved in breathing, such as the sinuses, which are air-filled sacs in the skull, can sometimes become irritated and even infected.
The job of the sinuses is to produce mucus to further help trap dirt, dust, and other foreign particles so that they can eventually be removed from the body. The sinuses also help to warm the air that is breathed in before it reaches the lungs.
Despite being air-filled sacs, things can still go wrong within the sinuses. With this in mind, how common are sinus problems such as sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as facial pain, pressure, and difficulty breathing. Sinusitis is common and can affect any age group. It is prevalent in both sexes and can become a long-term problem depending on the cause.
The frequency of sinus problems and infections can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience sinusitis only occasionally, while others may have recurrent episodes. Sinus infections are also highly dependent on the number of viruses, such as the common cold, which an individual catches per year.
On average, it is considered normal to have several sinus infections within 12 months. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks at a time, the condition is then classified as chronic sinusitis. Frequent sinus infections are referred to as recurrent sinusitis.
Causes of sinusitis can be complex, and many, but the main reasons for developing this condition are down to viruses such as the cold virus or viruses that are behind flu outbreaks. Fungal and bacterial infections are less common causes of sinusitis.
If the condition becomes long-term, then the culprit can be an allergy. When this is the cause, then sinusitis can become difficult to treat.
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that can also be a cause of sinusitis. This is because these fleshy growths can block the sinus openings, leading to the development of sinusitis. Individuals with chronic inflammation and nasal congestion are also more prone to developing nasal polyps.
While sinusitis is not a life-threatening condition, it can still produce unpleasant symptoms. However, a typical bout of sinusitis usually resolves itself within a few weeks.
If a bacterial or fungal infection is behind the cause, then improvements in the condition are experienced once antibiotics or antifungals are administered. However, certain circumstances may occur with sinusitis that may warrant medical attention.
It is advisable to seek medical advice if the symptoms persist of sinusitis and do not improve but instead worsen after 10 days. This may indicate a more severe infection or an underlying condition that requires medical treatment.
Severe facial pain, swelling, or pressure, particularly around the eyes or forehead, may indicate a more serious form of sinusitis or potential complications. Prompt medical attention should be sought if an individual’s sinusitis is accompanied by such symptoms.
If frequent episodes of sinusitis, with symptoms recurring within a short period, are experienced, then it may be indicative of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed with further investigations by a healthcare professional.
Although rare, sinusitis can lead to complications such as a sinus abscess, meningitis, or orbital cellulitis. If an individual develops signs of these complications, including severe headache, high fever, vision changes, or neck stiffness, again, urgent medical attention should be sought.