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Have you ever had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn't go away? If so, there is a good chance you might have had sinusitis. It is estimated that 37 million people develop sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in America. That number may be significantly higher, since the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis often mimic those of colds or allergies, and many sufferers never see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause headaches or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with a sinus infection may also have a cough, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. Sinusitis is categorized as acute, or chronic. Causes of Sinusitis Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy causing substances or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect. Chronic sinusitis has similar symptoms to acute sinusitis, but can last longer. With chronic sinusitis symptoms include drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat. Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose is also exhibited. Additionally, pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead can be experienced with a reduced sense of smell and taste. Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms are involved in chronic sinusitis. Fungi are also becoming an increasing cause of chronic sinusitis, especially in people with diseases that weaken the immune system such as AIDS, leukemia, and diabetes. Sinusitis Symptoms Signs and symptoms of sinus infections depend upon which sinuses are affected and whether the sinus infection is acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis can affect behind your eyes, cheek bones and behind your forehead. Depending on the area, it will reflect on your symptoms. Behind your cheek bones, you may exhibit pain across the cheekbone, under or around the eye, or around the upper teeth. Pain or pressure can also be felt on one side or both sides of your cheeks. With chronic sinusitis, it can last longer than eight weeks or can occur more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days. You may experience chronic nasal discharge, obstruction, and low-grade discomfort across the bridge of the nose. Pain is often worse in the late morning or when wearing glasses. Chronic sinusitis can also be accompanied by sore throat and bad breath. Acute sinusitis tends to occur behind the eyes and consists of nasal discharge or postnasal drip. In addition you may experience pain or pressure around the inner corner of the eye or down one side of your nose. The pain or pressure you exhibit can get worse when coughing, straining, or lying on your back. The pain gets better, though, when your head is upright. If you are experiencing pain or pressure in your upper face accompanied by nasal congestion or discharge, postnasal drip, or ongoing bad breath unrelated to dental problems. Fever can be a symptom of a sinus infection or a cold. Simple congestion with a low-grade fever probably indicates you may have a cold and may not need medications or further diagnosis. Your ENT can treat your sinusitis, but if left untreated complications of sinusitis can lead to severe medical problems and possibly death. Visit the providers at Naugatuck Valley Ear, Nose and Throat Associates for further diagnosis and treatment of your nose symptoms. It is always important to seek early treatment in order to further prevent any future complications.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading ENT doctors in Waterbury, Dr. Raymond Winicki and Dr. Jerome Sugar. Working alongside Drs. Winicki and Sugar at Naugatuck Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates is Judith Lynch, APRN. At Naugatuck Valley Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, these ENT doctors in Middlebury, Cheshire and Waterbury are committed to providing the best in quality care for their patients.
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