Sinusitis Flashcards
What is the pathology of sinusitis?
Viruses lead to mucosal oedema and decreased mucosal ciliary actions, leading to mucosal retention therefore secondary bacterial infection
What bacteria can cause acute sinusitis?
Pneumococcus
Haemophilus
Moraxella
What bacteria can cause chronic sinusitis?
S. aureus
Anaerobes
Other than bacterial infections secondary to viral infections, what are the causes of sinusitis?
Secondary to dental root infections
Diving/swimming in infected water
Anatomical susceptibility
Systemic disease
What can produce an anatomical susceptibility to sinusitis?
Deviated septum
Polyps
What systemic disease can cause sinusitis?
PCD/Kartagener’s
Immunodeficiency
What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Pain Discharge Nasal obstruction/congestion Anosomia or cacosmia Systemic symptoms
Where might the pain be felt in sinusitis?
Maxillary area (cheek/teeth) Ethmoidal area (between eyes)
What might make the pain worse in sinusitis?
Bending or straining
How might discharge in sinusitis present?
Post-nasal discharge, causing foul taste
What is cacosmia?
Bad smell without an external source
What systemic features may be present with sinusitis?
Fever
What imaging can be done in sinusitis?
Nasendoscopy with or without CT
How is an acute/single episode of sinusitis managed?
Bed-rest
Decongestants
Analgesia
Nasal douching and topical steroids
What usually causes chronic/recurrent sinusitis?
Usually a structural or drainage problem
