Paranasal sinus diseases, also known as sinusitis, refer to a group of medical conditions affecting the paranasal sinuses. The paranasal sinuses are a collection of air-filled cavities located within the bones surrounding the nasal cavity, including the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. These sinuses are lined with mucus-producing cells and are connected to the nasal passages through small openings called ostia.
When the sinuses become infected or inflamed, often due to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, it leads to paranasal sinus diseases. Common symptoms include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, headache, thick nasal discharge, cough, fatigue, and even dental pain. The severity and duration of symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors.
Paranasal sinus diseases can be acute, lasting less than four weeks, or chronic, lasting more than twelve weeks. Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection and tends to resolve on its own. However, chronic sinusitis may result from recurrent infections, structural abnormalities, nasal polyps, or immune system disorders. In some cases, allergies or environmental irritants can also trigger sinus inflammation and lead to chronic sinusitis.
Treatment for paranasal sinus diseases varies depending on the specific cause and severity of symptoms. It may include over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, nasal irrigation, or prescription medications such as antibiotics, antifungals, or corticosteroids. In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgical interventions, such as sinus drainage, polyp removal, or even sinus reconstruction, may be necessary to provide relief and prevent complications.
