Sinusitis
| Definition |
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- Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and can occur in acute and chronic time courses with distinct pathophysiologies.
| Acute Sinusitis |
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- Acute sinusitis may result from outflow obstructions of the sinuses. Typically, mucus produced in the paranasal sinuses is usually quickly transported out by the action of cilia, keeping the paranasal sinuses sterile even though they are adjacent to the bacteria-laden nasal passages. During an episode of rhinitis the outflow of mucus can become obstructed, allowing infection of the sinus.
- Alternatively, direct extension of infections from the oral cavity through bone can occur.
| Chronic Sinusitis |
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- Chronic sinusitis may occur due to unresolved case of acute sinusitis or secondary to another chronic disease affecting the upper respiratory tract including Kartagener Syndrome, Wegener Granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss Syndrome.