Sinusitis Flashcards
Describe the anatomy of the sinuses.
4 symmetrical air-filled cavities called paransal sinuses
lined by ciliated, columnar epithelium
interconnected through small tubular openings (sinus ostia)
all drain into the osteomeatal complex which drains into the nasal cavity
What are the four sinuses?
frontal
ethmoidal
maxillary
sphenoidal
Describe what would be occurring during normal function of the sinuses.
mucus of appropriate viscosity, composition, and volume
normal mucociliary flow
open ostia to allow for adequate drainage and air flow
Which sinus drains against gravity, making functioning cilia very important?
maxillary sinus
What is sinusitis?
inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the paranasal sinuses
What is sinusitis best called?
rhinosinusitis
-nasal mucosa is always involved
True or false: sinusitis is only allergic and viral in nature
false
can be allergic, viral, bacterial, or fungal
What are the four types of sinusitis?
acute: new infection <4 weeks in duration
subacute: lasting 4-12 weeks
chronic: symptoms lasting >12 weeks
recurrent: 3 or more episodes in a year
What is responsible for the development of sinusitis?
blockage or inflammation of the osteomeatal complex
-the obstruction interferes with mucociliary clearance
-all the tubes are connected, URTI commonly results in sinus
inflammation
What happens once drainage and ventilation of the sinuses is compromised?
pH is decreased
oxygen content decreases
cilia is less functional
mucosal lining is damaged
MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO INFECTION
What are the risk factors for sinusitis?
immune deficiencies
foreign bodies
fractured nose
polyps
allergies/asthma
dental infection
What is the most common cause of early phase sinusitis?
viral infection lasting up to 10 days
-may originate from a cold
-mostly rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza
What percentage of viral sinusitis progress to bacterial infections?
0.5-2%
viral rhinosinusitis is 20-200x more common than bacterial sinusitis
What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis?
mucopurulent discharge
nasal congestion/obstruction
tenderness over sinus/facial pain
sometimes fever, headache, and cough
How long does it take for acute viral sinusitis tend to improve?
1 week
most patients well within 10 days