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Prevention
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Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when there
is an undrained collection of pus in one or more of the
sinuses. Disorders that cause swelling of the membranes of
the nose, such as allergic rhinitis or viral respiratory
infections, are the most common cause because the swelling
prevents fluid from draining out of the sinus normally. A
deviated nasal septum or other obstruction of the nose may
also trap fluid in a sinus. Occasionally, swimming or
immersion of the head in water may allow water and bacteria
to enter the sinus, causing irritation and infection. The
fluid trapped in the sinus may then become infected with
bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Dental infections such as tooth
abscess may spread into the sinus and infect it directly.
Acute sinusitis is most commonly the result of a bacterial
infection.
The pain of sinusitis results from the inflammation itself
or from pressure within the sinus from accumulation of
undrained fluid.
Prevention
Use of decongestants during
upper respiratory infections may reduce the chances of
developing sinusitis.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of acute sinusitis:
- headache (in the front of
the head or around the eyes)
- facial pain around the
eyes or in the forehead or cheeks
- pain in the roof of the
mouth or teeth
- nasal drainage (yellow,
yellow-green, thick)
- fever, chills
- general ill feeling
- occasionally, facial
swelling around the eyes
Additional symptoms that may be
associated with this disease:
- sore throat
- nosebleed
- breath odor
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