Sinus infections can elicit numerous untoward, uncomfortable physical manifestations. Frequent occurrences of such events might have significant underlying causes necessitating a swift diagnosis and aggressive treatment from a sinus doctor. This brief article provides a brief overview of the sinuses and explores several potential underlying causes of recurrent sinus infections.
Brief Overview Of Nasal Sinuses
The nasal sinuses are discernible cavities encompassing an individual’s skull and facial bones. These structures are divided into four categories:
- Frontal Sinuses – Said features are located in the front of a person’s skull, adjacent to the forehead and just above the eyes.
- Maxillary Sinuses – These structures are situated on each side of the nose, close to the cheekbones.
- Sphenoid Sinuses – This differentiation penetrates deeper into the skull and is positioned behind one’s eyes.
- Ethmoid Sinuses – These spaces appear at the bridge of an individual’s nose, adjacent to the eyes.
The Pathology Of A Sinus Infection
The sinuses are lined with tissue and filled primarily with air. However, on certain occasions, pathogens and environmental debris might penetrate said cavities. Such infiltration precipitates the swelling of these tissues. Should swelling grow pronounced, the condition could morph into an infection known in medical terms as sinusitis.
This malady can produce numerous symptoms. In many instances, specific manifestations will correlate to the specifically impacted cavities. However, afflicted subjects might experience one or more of the following occurrences, fever, nasal congestion, headaches, fatigue, facial pain, post-nasal drip, coughing, and nasal discharge. Occasionally, this discharge can be yellow, green, and thick. Other, less common symptoms include ear discomfort, jaw and tooth pain, and a sore throat.
Causes Of Recurring Incidents
Frequent sinus infections can be precipitated by a variety of different causes, including:
Deviated Septum – The septum is a structure comprised of bone and soft tissues that separates the nose and is positioned between the nostrils. Typically, this nasal component remains straight. However, said features could shift or tilt for various reasons, such as traumatic injury, disease, or inherent defects.
Septum abnormalities, medically classified as a deviated septum often restrict or even blocks the smooth passage of air within the nasal cavity. Such circumstances could provide a fertile breeding ground for pathogens like bacteria to grow.
Underlying Chronic Illnesses – Certain chronic ailments can elicit recurrent incidents of sinusitis. Serious diseases, like HIV infection and other immune system-suppressing conditions, could lead to frequent sinus-related issues.
Nasal Polyps – Polyps are small growths. Should these abnormalities become discernible, obstructions of the nasal passages or sinus cavities could result. Such events might increase one’s risk of infection or an exacerbation of an already existing case of sinusitis.
Allergies – Nasal allergies often elicit manifestations similar to those produced by sinusitis. However, frequent allergic incidents can also result in severely inflamed or weakened sinus tissues. Progressive weakening or inflammation provides an optimal environment for bacteria to develop and flourish.
Pollutant Exposure – Individuals employed in professions utilizing chemicals, such as solvents or pesticides could be at increased risk. These caustic substances can irritate nasal passage linings.
Cigarette Smoking – Cigarettes and the smoke said products emit contain a host of abrasive chemicals, which can precipitate significant irritation and swelling along with nasal cavity lings and within the sinuses.
Aspirin Sensitivity – The bodies of certain individuals are overly sensitive to aspirin. Those who use said drug for a variety of causes might experience a respiratory condition of which recurrent sinus infections are a manifestation.
Potential Treatment Options
Those stricken with recurrent sinusitis are strongly encouraged to consult with a sinus doctor. Said medical professionals will perform a thorough physical examination. The specific therapeutic protocol a sinus doctor opts to employ will depend upon several factors, including the patient’s general health, the underlying causes, and the severity of said maladies. That said, commonly employed remediation techniques include:
- Antibiotics – These bacteria-eliminating drugs might prove effective in eradicating certain instances of sinusitis.
- Nasal Sprays – These preparations can be available for purchase over-the-counter at a common pharmacy or supermarket chains or only through prescription from a medical professional, like a sinus doctor. Such sprays are designed to reduce inflammation and promote the steady and efficient flow of air through the nasal passages.
- Allergy Treatments – Allergy treatments are often a two-pronged process. The first step involves identifying the offending allergen. Once that determination is made, a sinus doctor or other healthcare professional can determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Potential remedial protocols could range from prescription medications to avoiding environments in which the offending substance is plentiful.
- Surgical Intervention – Should recurrent sinus problems be linked to some type of structural problem within the nasal cavity, such as polyps or septum deviation, surgery may be indicated. The realignment of a deviated septum or removal or polyps could restore the proper flow of air through the nasal passages.
- Stop Smoking – If recurrent infections are tied to cigarette smoking, and afflicted subject might relief simply by curtailing or eliminating said vice.
Contacting Us
Recurrent sinusitis can ultimately have a profoundly adverse influence over an individual’s comfort and might even impact their ability to perform routine tasks. There are numerous potential underlying reasons such events might occur. Those dealing with frequent sinus infections are encouraged to contact us. Our team of experienced and professional sinus doctors can perform a comprehensive medical evaluation, may be able to identify the specific precipitating cause, and create the best possible treatment protocol. Further information about our practice can be found by visiting https://www.beckerentandallergy.com/sinus.