Administrators FlyJ Posted February 5, 2014 Administrators Share Posted February 5, 2014 This piece is to sensitise the general population to how debilitating sinus infections can be or how much we suffer as a result. Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed and swollen (as illustrated in the picture). Acute sinusitis can last up to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis typically lasts more than four weeks and occurs more than four times in a year. Causes Acute sinusitis can be caused by upper respiratory tract viral infection, such as the common cold; or bacterial/fungal infections, allergies, and environmental irritants. Chronic sinusitis can result from recurring episodes of acute sinusitis or it can be caused by other health conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, immune disorders, or structural abnormalities in the nose, such as deviated septum or nasal polyps. Enlarged adenoids, cleft palate and tumours can also lead to chronic sinusitis. Risk factors -Young children are prone to colds and may have between eight and 12 bouts every year. Smaller nasal and sinus passages make children more vulnerable; while ear infections such as otitis media are also associated with sinusitis. Nevertheless, true sinusitis is very rare in children under nine years of age. -The elderly are at specific risk for sinusitis. Their nasal passages tend to dry out with age. In addition, the cartilage supporting the nasal passages weakens, causing airflow changes. They also have diminished cough and gag reflexes and weakened immune systems -People with asthma or allergies are at higher risk for non-infectious inflammation in the sinuses. The risk for sinusitis is higher in patients with severe asthma. -Some hospitalised patients are at higher risk for sinusitis, particularly those with head injuries, or those whose conditions require insertion of tubes through the nose. Again, those who breathe aided by mechanical ventilators, and those whose immune system have been weakened are all susceptible to sinusitis. -People who experience changes in atmospheric pressure, such as while flying, climbing high altitudes, or swimming, risk sinus blockage and therefore an increased risk of developing sinusitis -Air pollution from industrial chemicals, cigarette smoke, or other pollutants can damage the cilia responsible for moving mucus through the sinuses. General symptoms Sinus symptoms are very common during a cold or the flu, but in most cases, they are due to the effects of the infecting virus and resolve when the infection does. Nasal congestion or discharge, itchy nose, eyes, facial pain or pressure, cough or scratchy throat, fever, diminished or absent sense of smell, recurrent sneezing, sinus headache, migraine and or cluster headaches, ear pain or pressure, dental pain, bad breath, fatigue, are common symptoms of sinusitis. Symptoms indicating medical emergency Eyes may be red, bulging, or painful if the sinus infection occurs around the eyes. Swelling and drooping eyelid, loss of eye movement (possible orbital infection, which is in the eye socket), development of severe headache, altered vision, a soft swelling over the bone (indicative of bone infection) are all signs that you should see your doctor immediately. Source 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guchi Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 wow, nice one, i have an exam on this course soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators FlyJ Posted February 5, 2014 Author Administrators Share Posted February 5, 2014 Good luck on it... i trust you will come out tops. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guchi Posted March 15, 2014 Share Posted March 15, 2014 tnx,lool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators FlyJ Posted March 16, 2014 Author Administrators Share Posted March 16, 2014 Have you written your exam yet? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guchi Posted March 16, 2014 Share Posted March 16, 2014 yea i ave, january Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators FlyJ Posted March 16, 2014 Author Administrators Share Posted March 16, 2014 Hope you Aced it? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guchi Posted March 16, 2014 Share Posted March 16, 2014 i pray so, result aint out yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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