Sinus Infection

What are sinuses?

There are four pairs of sinuses in the head that assist the control of temperature and humidity of the air reaching the lungs. Sinuses begin as pea-sized pouches in the newborn extending outward from the inside of the nose to the bones of the face and skull. They expand and grow throughout childhood and into young adulthood. Eventually they become air pockets or cavities that are lined with the same kind of lining that lines the nose. They are connected to the inside of the nose through smaller openings called ostia.

Normally the nose and sinuses produce a pint and a half of mucus secretions per day. These secretions pass normally through the nose picking up dust particles, bacteria and other pollutants along the way. This mucus is swept into the back of the throat by millions of tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which line the nasal cavity. The mucus moves into the throat and is swallowed. Most people do not notice this mucus flow because it is a normal bodily function.

What Are Sinuses | ENT Doctor Cape Town
Sinus Infection | ENT Doctor Cape Town

Types of sinusitis

Sinus infection occurs in two types:



What causes sinusitis?

It is worth noting that pain in the face may well be due to other causes such as tension headache, migraine, neuralgia and jaw dysfunction. The pain from sinusitis usually occurs as a result of blockage of the sinus opening. These blockages may be caused by infections, irritants, allergies or a structural abnormality.





Diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics and medication to reduce the swelling of the nasal lining e.g. decongestants. Chronic sinusitis may need long term treatment. Medical treatment options include antibiotics, decongestants and other treatments to reduce the swelling of the lining such as nasal steroid sprays. Antihistamines will have a place in patients who have an underlying allergy. In the vast majority of cases sinusitis can be managed effectively with medical treatment. Occasionally symptoms will persist despite ongoing use of medicines in which case surgery may be necessary. The diagnosis of sinusitis by a specialist will involve the use of a nasal endoscope which the doctor can use to examine the nasal lining and the sinus openings.

Sinus surgery

Surgery is normally only considered if medical treatment fails. When surgery is needed the ENT specialist can choose from a number of different options depending on the severity of the sinus disease. Most sinus operations are performed without an external incision. Most surgeons will ask for a scan of the sinuses to assist with the planning of the operation.

