Sinusitis

Sinusitis is defined as an inflammation of the sinuses or sinus linings. It is often caused by a bacterial or viral invasion of the sinus cavities and if left untreated can lead to further complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
When foreign particles such as dust, smoke, pet dander or bacteria/viruses become trapped in the nasal passages or sinus cavities mucus secretions, the mucus membranes start to become irritated. This irritation can cause two reactions to occur:

1. The mucus membranes produce more mucus in an effort to wash away the irritant or virus/bacteria particle safely down the throat or out the nasal passages.
2. The mucus membranes start to become swollen and inflamed. This inflammation or swelling causes the ostia or exit pathways for mucus drainage to become narrower and block. It is this accumulation and blockage that makes it impossible for mucus to freely exit these areas. As a result stagnant mucus becomes thick and sticky providing a rich habitat in which bacteria and viruses can thrive.

When bacteria or viruses start feeding off of stagnant mucus, they change the PH of the mucus from alkaline to acidic. It is this acidic mucus that can result in one experiencing an upset stomach or diarrhea during sinusitis.
Green, yellow, grey, orange, red, brown and even black mucus are all indicators that one is suffering with a sinus condition such as sinusitis.
There are three types of sinusitis:

1. Acute Sinusitis – This type of sinusitis is often a result of a common cold or flu (upper respiratory infection) and may last a couple of weeks. Usually the sinusitis symptoms stop once the cold or flu has been effectively treated.
2. Chronic Sinusitis – is sinusitis that has lasted for over 3 months.
3. Recurrent Sinusitis - Ever had a sinus condition disappear; only to have it reappear a couple of weeks down the line or a couple of times over a 6 month period? If you have, you may be suffering with what is known as recurrent sinusitis.

In severe sinusitis cases, the mucus membranes can become so swollen and inflamed that they press against the facial bones resulting in sinus aches and pains such as headaches, eye ache or toothache.

Causes of Sinusitis

• Fugal, bacteria or viral infection of the nasal passages.
• Hayfever and allergies
• Tumors in the nasal area
• Cystic fibrosis
• Scuba diving
• GERD – Gastro esophageal refulx
• Medications
• Rhinitis or a runny nose
• Untreated colds and flu’s
• Vasomotor rhinitis
• Deviated nasal septum
• Nasal polyps
• Insufficient fluid or water intake can lead to drying out of nasal mucus.
• Dental or tooth trauma. A tooth infection may also lead to the development of sinusitis.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

• Headaches or migraines
• Increased temperature or fever
• Rhinitis/runny nose
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• A sore throat
• coloured mucus secretions. These colours can include but are not limited to white, green, red, black, yellow, orange and grey.
• A complete loss or diminish in ones sense of smell or taste. It is common for one suffering with a loss of taste to be unable to smell.
• Congestion or blocked/stuffy nasal passages
• Toothache
• Snoring
• General discomfort and irritability
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Blurry vision
• Upset stomach, nausea or vomiting. Sinusitis can also cause diarrhea due to the change in mucus PH
• Post nasal drip
• Swelling of certain areas of the face
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Ear ache or tinnitus
• A lack of energy or general lethargy

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• Antibiotics – are medications prescribed by ones Doctor or GP and have been found to offer minimal relief for chronic sinusitis.
• Surgery is often recommended to help unblock blocked mucus