The Different Types Of Sinus Infection

In the human skull are four pairs of chambers which serve to help in the resonation of voice

, in reducing the weight of the head, and in insulating the human skull. These are called the sinuses.

Although the sinuses are normally filled with air and fortified with defenses against invading microbes, there are occasions when these immune system's defenses are disrupted. Such disruptions cause harmful microbes like bacteria and viruses that are already present in the nasal passages to colonize the sinuses. When this happens, the microbes stick to the mucosal lining of the sinuses, thereby causing sinus infection, a condition characterized by swollen mucous membranes of the sinuses.

Sinus infection is categorized under two types acute and chronic.

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is usually preceded by a viral infection, like the flu, in the upper respiratory tract. The virus then spreads to neighboring tissues of the sinusitis and then damages these tissues, leading to inflammation and blockage. The result is blocked sinuses and trapped virus floating in mucus. Because of the moist and dark environment within the sinuses, the causative agent has an ideal breeding ground. This then causes a disruption in the normal processes of discharging mucus and microbes cause the symptoms associated with acute sinusitis.

While viruses are the most common culprits of acute sinusitis, other agents such as chemical and environmental pollutants as well as allergens and bacteria can produce similar effects.

The initial stage of acute sinusitis typically lasts for no more than 10 days without medications. When the flu-like symptoms do not subside within this period, these are likely to develop into full-blown acute sinusitis symptoms which can persist for as long as 8 weeks.

Medications work well in helping the sinus tissues heal. The primary defense against the spread of the causative agents and the exacerbation of symptoms is an anti-viral medication or anti-histamine in the case of acute sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Other typical sinusitis medications such as decongestants, pain relievers, expectorants, and intranasal steroids may work well in the reduction of the symptoms. Although antibiotics are commonly used to treat sinusitis, acute sinus infection does not often respond to the properties of antibiotics unless it was caused by bacteria.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is caused by a much wider array of microorganisms, from bacteria to fungi and molds. This makes the identification of the causative agents and the recommendations for treatment very difficult. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis such as sinus pain and headache, chronic nasal discharge with intermittent pus discharge, chronic sore throat, toothache, and damage to the tissues of the sinuses may last anywhere from 20 days to more than 8 weeks. Patients of chronic sinusitis often report of experiencing episodes of symptoms for more than four times in a year.

As with acute sinusitis, the treatments for chronic sinusitis include medications and therapies that aim to reduce the inflammation of the sinus tissues, to eliminate the causative agent from the sinus cavities using a combination of antibiotics and other medications, to open the passages to promote drainage, and to free up the sinus cavities of any material that is normally not there.

If you are suffering from any symptom associated with both types of sinusitis, it is best to first observe your condition. Only after you have ruled out the possibilities of flu and other minor conditions of the upper respiratory tract should you visit a specialist for treatment recommendations.

by: Jillian Phillips

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