Recurrent Rhinosinusitis

What is Recurrent Rhinosinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is a condition in which the person affected has swollen nasal passages (sinuses-a cavity which connects your skull with nasal activities), for an extended time. The condition is diagnosed when the inflammation continues for more than 10 weeks and when normal treatment for sinus is not working. A stuffed up nose and pressure on the cheekbones can often mean acute sinusitis. A person will not be able to drain his/her nose, due to infection and swelling of the nose. The condition is common among adults and rare in children.

Chronic sinusitis is a common disease worldwide, particularly in places with high levels of atmospheric pollution. Rhinosinusitis is more common in the pediatric population because this term includes both acute and chronic infection and both viral and bacterial disease.

Symptoms

Recurrent rhinosinusitis will interfere with your normal nasal activities like drainage and breathing through nose. People can also have a swollen face, pain, and tender facial muscles. The common symptoms include:

  • Yellow or green discharge from the nose.
  • Throat infection.
  • Acute cough in the night.
  • Headache, fever, and weakness.
  • Patient will feel mucus (slimy substance in nose) being pushed back into the throat.
  • Pressure on eyes, nose, cheeks, forehead, ear, along with tooth pain.
  • Mild problem in smelling and change of taste.

 

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Causes

The most probable causes of chronic sinusitis are:

  • Acute growth in the sinuses.
  • Bacterial infection in the respiratory tract.
  • Nose allergy and nasal tumours.
  • Infection in the tooth.
  • Disease which causes slimy substance to build up in the nose
  • Nasal septum in which the wall between the nostrils blocks the sinus passage.
  • Low immunity can also result in nasal blockage.

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Risks

Patients under certain conditions are more prone to suffer from chronic sinusitis. The main risk factors are:

  • Nasal passage abnormality.
  • Asthma.
  • Resistance to blood thinners.
  • HIV.
  • Cystic fibrosis.

 

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Prevention

Acute sinusitis can be prevented by taking certain steps:

  • Treat your blocked or cold nose by taking hot water steam.
  • Avoid inhalation of smoke.
  • Avoid allergic reaction to your nose.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have cold.

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How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will physically examine your nose, to detect swelling, infection, or any other sign of abnormality in the nasal activities. Diagnostic tests carried out at Medanta include:

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How is it treated?

At Medanta, our doctors may employ several methods to treat recurrent rhinosinusitis, which may vary on a case-to-case basis.

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  • Home based treatments

    The doctor may recommend certain home-based treatments for symptom management. These are easy-to-follow clinical instructions. It includes, using warm cloth to ease your nasal congestion, nasal sprays, drinking fluids, sprays to reduce swelling, pain relievers, antibiotics and aspirin prescription, and immunotherapy.

  • Surgery

    Surgery is done using an endoscope and other surgical instruments, and depending upon the exact nature of the disease. It is done to remove nasal polyps (abnormal growth of small cells on nose line or nasal passage), and nasal tumours. It also treats crooked nose, when nasal septum (the wall which divides the nose) is deviated and drain the sinuses or open the narrow sinuses.

When do I contcat the doctor?

Acute sinusitis will last for more than 4 weeks. Consult a doctor immediately, if you have high fever, swelling in the eyes, extreme headache, change in vision, or experience stiffness in the neck. The doctor will diagnose the level of the problem and start the necessary treatment.

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How does Medanta provide care?

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