Sinusitis (Rhinosinusitis)
Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. It can be due to infection, allergy, or autoimmune problems. Most cases are due to a viral infection and resolve over the course of 10 days.
Part of: Viral Infections, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI)
About Sinusitis
It usually starts in autumn: more and more colleagues call in sick and stay at home in bed with a feverish cold. Sometimes a common cold can develop into sinusitis, which can last a few days or even weeks. Sinusitis makes people feel weak and sick, and besides the symptoms of a cold, they often have severe pain around the face. In this fact sheet we will inform you about the causes and symptoms of acute sinusitis, as well as the treatment options.
What is sinusitis and what causes it?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. The medical term is “rhinosinusitis” (“rhino-” meaning “nose“), because it affects the mucous membranes lining the nose and the sinuses.
The paranasal sinuses are part of the upper airways, and are connected to the nasal cavity. They are made up of several cavities in the skull found from the forehead down to the teeth of the upper jaw. Depending on where they are, these cavities are known as the frontal sinuses, the sphenoid sinus, the ethmoid cells and the maxillary sinuses. Sinusitis mostly affects the maxillary sinuses.
The paranasal sinuses are lined with mucous membranes that have tiny hairs on them (ciliated epithelium). These mucous membranes produce a secretion that runs down through the nostrils… Read more about Sinusitis