Szinuszgyulladás

Szinuszgyulladás, commonly known as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinus cavities, which are air-filled spaces in the bones of the skull. These cavities are located around the nasal passages and include the frontal sinuses above the eyes, the maxillary sinuses in the cheeks, the ethmoid sinuses between the eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses deep within the skull. When the lining of these sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, it can obstruct drainage, leading to a buildup of mucus.

The most frequent cause of sinusitis is a viral infection, often a common cold. However, bacterial infections can also cause or prolong sinusitis. Other contributing factors include allergies, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and even dental infections. Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, thick discolored nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes a cough or fever. The facial pain is often localized to the affected sinus area.

Diagnosis is usually based on a patient's medical history and a physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis or identify underlying issues. Treatment for sinusitis depends on its cause and severity. For viral sinusitis, which is the most common, treatments focus on relieving symptoms with decongestants, nasal saline rinses, and pain relievers. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis, lasting for 12 weeks or longer, may require different management strategies, including steroid nasal sprays, allergy treatments, or surgery in persistent cases.