 |
Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
 |
|
|
Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
|
|
| Home What is Sinusitis? Sinusitis Quiz Symptoms Causes Treatment Options Find A Doctor Patient Stories Sinus Anatomy FAQ Glossary Editorial Contributors Tell Us Your Story ObstructedNose.com |
|
What is Sinusitis?Acute SinusitisAcute sinusitis, the more prevalent form, is usually caused by a viral cold. Computer tomography (CT) scans reveal that more than 80% of viral colds cause sinus inflammation. Typically, this inflammation – like the cold itself – resolves within two weeks. However, about 2% of colds in adults and about 20% in children are complicated by a secondary bacterial infection. Most healthy people harbor bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae in their upper respiratory tracts. These bacteria are kept in check until the body's defenses are weakened or cold blocks drainage from the sinuses. When this happens, the normally harmless bacteria can become trapped by nasal swelling and narrow sinus outflow passages. The trapped bacteria suddenly begin to multiply, causing acute bacterial sinusitis. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed for patients with specific persistent purulent nasal discharge and facial pain or tenderness who are not improving after seven days. Learn more about the treatment of Aucte sinusitis click here.
Email This Article To A Friend Find an ENT Professional Near You Return to What is Sinusitis?
THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 IMMEDIATELY. All articles and graphics copyright ©2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Medtronic, Inc. All rights reserved. Version 2.0 This web page was first published on May 14, 2002, and was last updated on June 14, 2006. |
