Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses, which are spaces in your forehead, cheeks, and nose usually filled with air. It causes facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes a fever and other symptoms. Sinusitis is usually caused by the common cold, but other viruses, bacterRead more
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses, which are spaces in your forehead, cheeks, and nose usually filled with air. It causes facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes a fever and other symptoms. Sinusitis is usually caused by the common cold, but other viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies can also cause sinusitis. Specific triggers for sinusitis include:
– The common cold
– The flu (influenza)
– Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
– Haemophilus influenza bacteria
– Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria
– Nasal and seasonal allergies
-Smoking or using any type of tobacco,
A health care provider can diagnose sinusitis by asking about symptoms and doing an exam. The exam might include feeling for tenderness in the nose and face and looking inside the nose. Other ways to diagnose acute sinusitis and rule out other conditions include: - Nasal endoscopy: A health care proRead more
A health care provider can diagnose sinusitis by asking about symptoms and doing an exam. The exam might include feeling for tenderness in the nose and face and looking inside the nose. Other ways to diagnose acute sinusitis and rule out other conditions include:
– Nasal endoscopy: A health care provider inserts a thin, flexible tube, known as an endoscope, into the nose. A light on the tube allows the provider to see inside the sinuses.
See less– Imaging studies: A CT scan can show details of the sinuses and nasal area. It’s not usually used for simple acute sinusitis. But imaging studies might help rule out other causes.
– Nasal and sinus samples: Lab tests aren’t often used to diagnose acute sinusitis. But if the condition doesn’t get better with treatment or gets worse, tissue samples from the nose or sinuses might help find the cause.