Rhino-sinusitis

Rhino-sinusitis is an inflammatory process involving one or more of the paranasal sinuses that usually follows an allergic reaction or viral upper respiratory infection. In some cases, rhino-sinusitis may occur due to increased production of bacteria on the surface of the sinus cavities.

Technically there is no difference between Rhino-sinusitis and nasal polyps, though a slight distinction is made that nasal polyps are a worst case scenario of the condition of rhino-sinusitis. Rhino-sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the tissues of the nose (rhino-) and sinuses. Nasal Polyps (tissue swellings) can form within the nose and sinuses, these are responsible for many symptoms described by patients with chronic rhino-sinusitis.

Rhino-sinusitis can be divided into four subtypes and causes may vary due to the type of the condition -

- Acute Rhino-sinusitis

Acute rhino-sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of one or more of the para-nasal cavities that usually lasts up to four weeks. Acute rhino-sinusitis can range from acute viral rhinitis (the common cold) to acute bacterial rhino-sinusitis.

Acute rhino-sinusitis usually begins with a cold, which obstructs the sinuses and causes mucosal swelling which is usually followed by a bacterial sinus infection... Then the mucus glands start to secrete large amounts of mucus which fills this cavity.

Patients should also be aware about common environmental irritants that may aggravate their rhino-sinusitis such as:

• Cigarette smoke
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Molds

Allergen avoidance is still the best way to manage an allergy problem.

A combination of two or all of the following conditions is a common symptom of acute rhino-sinusitis:

• Sneezing
• Running nose
• Stuffy nose
• Fever

- Chronic Rhino-sinusitis

Chronic rhino-sinusitis is the inflammatory and infection that concurrently affects the nose and para-nasal sinuses. Chronic Rhino-sinusitis is a debilitating form of sinusitis that can lead to significant physical symptoms as well as substantial functional and emotional impairment.

Chronic Rhino-sinusitis may become extensively painful and tissues of nose (rhino) may swell since this condition lasts for longer than 12 weeks. In chronic rhino-sinusitis, a long duration of the following symptoms is typical and may be present:

• Nasal polyps
• Cystic fibrosis
• Nasal obstruction

Chronic Rhino-sinusitis may be caused by a variety of underlying conditions such as:

• Viral growth
• Bacterial growth (Bacterial rhino-sinusitis results when the inflammatory process allows for an increased production of bacteria, which in turn causes more inflammation).
• Fungal growth

- Recurrent acute Rhino-sinusitis

Recurrent acute rhino-sinusitis is defined as about four or more recurrences of acute disease within a 12-month period, with resolution of symptoms between each episode. In most cases, each episode of recurrence lasts for at least seven days.

- Sub acute Rhino-sinusitis

Sub acute rhino-sinusitis is basically a low-grade condition of an acute infection that lasts for more than four weeks, but less than 12 weeks. Sub-acute rhino-sinusitis usually involves one or two pairs of the paranasal cavities.

Though Sub acute rhino-sinusitis is regarded as a low grade condition, it may cause a great deal of low productivity and discomfort.

Symptoms of Rhino-sinusitis

These are the general signs and symptoms of Rhino-sinusitis:

• Facial pain
• Facial pressure
• Nasal blockage
• Discharge
• Fever
• Headaches
• Halitosis
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Ear pain/pressure/fullness
• Malaise
• Sore throat

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