NE Valley Times

Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers' sinus inflammation specialists are eager to help patients who are suffering from inflammation of the sinuses during the holiday season or any time of year.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes found within one or more of the sinuses. Sinusitis that lasts anywhere from a few days up to a month is called acute sinusitis.

“Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses; this is important to note. As inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for sinuses to function optimally,” Arizona Breathe Free physician assistant Diana Ruiloba said. “Over time chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads to persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect quality of life.“

The sinuses are hollow air spaces in the bone cavities in the head. The sinuses make a fluid that serves to clear bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe. That fluid is called mucus. 

Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus. There is also a continuous mucous membrane lining that coats all the sinuses. Therefore, anything that causes swelling or infection in the nose also can affect the sinuses.

Even though sinusitis theoretically affects only the sinus lining, the symptoms of sinusitis can in fact affect the functioning of your whole body and can make your life miserable.  

“(Sinusitis) can also indirectly affect relationships,” Ruiloba said. “If you are experiencing snoring due to nasal obstruction, a significant other may not be too pleased. Also, lack of sleep, due to not breathing well, due to sinusitis, may make you less prone to being in a positive, happy mood around your loved ones or anyone in general.”

The most common causes of sinusitis are viral, bacterial or fungal infections of the upper respiratory tract, including the numerous viruses that cause the common cold.

The way that the infection happens is simple. When an infection, such as a cold, inflames and swells the mucous membranes in the nose, the swollen membranes obstruct the sinus openings and keep mucus from draining. This blockage is a critical point. As drainage becomes blocked, the blockage creates an environment in which bacteria and viruses trapped in the sinuses can grow.

Sinus infections are usually caused by a virus, but they are less commonly caused by bacteria. A secondary bacterial infection is also possible.

There are also several other, less frequently seen, causes of sinusitis. These include: allergies, a deviated septum, nasal polyps and other medical conditions, like cystic fibrosis, HIV or any immune deficiency disease.

Take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to find out more about your symptoms and whether you should see a sinus inflammation specialist for inflammation of the sinuses.