What is sinusitis?
In our skull bones, there are hollow spaces that open into the nasal cavity. They are called paranasal sinuses or just sinuses. There are 4 types of sinuses, maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal. All of them produce mucus, helping moisten the inhaled air. Now, sinusitis refers to a condition in which. One or more sinuses get inflamed, creating pain or headache. There are various causes of sinusitis. Firstly, an infection caused due to harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Secondly, anatomical deformities in which the sinus openings are too small. Making it difficult to drain the excess mucus. As a result, it becomes an ideal environment for illness-causing germs. Lastly, smoke or allergens like pollen, dust, etc. can also lead to sinusitis. Now, acute sinusitis usually lasts up to 4 weeks. Subacute sinusitis persists for 4 to 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks. Recurrent sinusitis occurs. When there are three or more episodes of sinusitis within one year.