Blocked Nose – Could it be Sinus?

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. However, when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection called sinusitis. Mostly people who have this condition a prone to blocked noses and the condition can become chronic.

Cause of Sinus Blockage:

·         Common cold Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose

·         Small growths in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps

·         A deviated septum, which is a shift in the nasal cavity

Below things can cause sinusitis in children:

Allergies 

Illnesses from other kids at day care or school

Pacifiers Bottle drinking while lying on the back 

Smoke in the environment

Where are Sinus located?

Sinuses are a connected system of hollow cavities in the skull. The largest sinus cavities are about an inch across. Others are much smaller.

Your cheekbones hold your maxillary sinuses (the largest). The low-center of your forehead is where your frontal sinuses are located. Between your eyes are your ethmoid sinuses. In bones behind your nose are your sphenoid sinuses.

What are the Types of Sinus conditions ?

Ø  Acute sinusitis (sinus infection): This is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi which infect the sinus cavity, causing inflammation.

Ø  Chronic sinusitis: This is more than infection, chronic sinusitis is a persistent process of inflammation of the sinuses.

Ø  Deviated septum : If the septum that divides the nose is too far too one side, airflow can be blocked.

Ø  Allergic sinusitis: Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander cause the defenses in the nose and sinuses to overreact.

Signs and Symptoms of  Sinuses:

Ø  Sinus headaches are often at their worst in the morning because fluids have been collecting all night long. It can also get worse when the barometric pressure of your environment changes suddenly.

Ø  As the discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent which worsens when lying down on the bed. Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. It starts as an  annoying tickle but may get worse.

Ø   If the infection lasts for a few weeks it may result in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice.

Ø  Cough and sometimes fever. It also leads to pressure or pain in the ears and teeth. It causes occasionally facial swelling and feeling of nasal stuffiness.

Treatment and Complications:

Sinus infection is generally diagnosed based on the patient history and physical examination. Bacterial sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics.

Early treatment of allergic sinusitis may prevent secondary bacterial sinus infections.

Complications of a sinus infection that may develop are meningitis, brain abscess, osteomyelitis, and orbital cellulitis.

If you are suffering from sinusitis and need further evaluation and treatment please visit our ENT department. Our ENT doctors expertise in treating this condition.