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🤒 Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses—the air-filled cavities around the nose—causing swelling and blockage.
🧬 Types:
- Acute sinusitis: Lasts less than 4 weeks, often due to viral infections (common cold)
- Chronic sinusitis: Lasts more than 12 weeks, may involve bacterial infection or ongoing inflammation
- Allergic fungal sinusitis: Reaction to fungi in the sinuses
- Recurrent sinusitis: Multiple episodes per year
🩺 Symptoms:
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Thick nasal discharge (yellow/green if bacterial)
- Facial pain or pressure, especially around cheeks, forehead, or eyes
- Headache
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Post-nasal drip and cough
- Fever (especially in bacterial sinusitis)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Nasal endoscopy for detailed view of sinuses
- Imaging (CT scan) in chronic or complicated cases
💊 Treatment:
- Symptomatic relief: nasal decongestants, saline sprays
- Nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Pain relievers for facial pain/headache
- Antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infection
- Surgery (e.g., functional endoscopic sinus surgery) if medical treatment fails or for anatomical issues
⚠️ Complications:
- Spread of infection to eyes or brain (rare)
- Chronic sinus problems affecting quality of life