Sinusitis
- What it is
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis (or the medical term rhinosinusitis) typically occurs when there is inflammation of the mucosal membranes within the sinuses. This obstructs the flow of mucus out of the sinuses and leads to build-up of mucus in the sinuses which can then become infected forming pus. Sometimes the swelling and inflammation is so severe the mucosal lining forms small grape like projections called polyps.
What are sinuses and why do we have them?
Sinuses are naturally occurring air-filled spaces in the skull. Each sinus is covered with a mucosal covering. The sinuses are all connected to the nose and mucus produced in the sinuses naturally drain out through the nose. The exact function of our sinuses remains unclear. However, several theories have been proposed. The sinuses may provide a larger reservoir for the heating and humidification of air as we breathe in through the nose. They have been proposed to lighten the overall weight of our skull and function as a crumple zone to protect us against trauma. They also affect the overall resonance of our skull and voice quality.
What are the types of sinusitis?
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is classified into three main types:
Acute sinusitis: Lasts less than four weeks
Chronic sinusitis: Lasts more than 12 weeks, and can be loosely divided into chronic sinusitis with polyps or without polyps.
Recurrent acute sinusitis: Four or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a year, and symptom-free and well between each episode
