Inflammation of the mucosa lining the sinuses and nasal passages. Normally, the paranasal sinuses are sterile. Infection occurs after damage to the mucous membrane accompanied a viral URTI or dental disease. Sinusitis is a complication of the common cold Self-limited sinus inflammation is a part of the pathophysiology of the common cold
The diagnosis of bacterial sinusitis should be considered if:
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Rhinorrhea or daytime cough persists without improvement for at least 10-14 days
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if signs of more severe sinus involvement such as fever, facial pain, or facial swelling develop.
The most common 3 causative agents are
- Streptococcus pneumonia (G+ve)
- Haemophilus influenzae (G-ve)
- Moraxella catarrhalis (G-ve)
- Others: Staph aureus and anaerobes
Clinical Manifestation
- Nasal Congestion
- some degree of nasal airway obstruction
- Purulent and clear rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, thick, tenacious and darkly coloured (peanut butter like) mucus
- Headaches
