Sinusitis is an infection of the nasal cavity and sinuses. Since the nasal cavity and sinuses are connected and the mucosa is continuous, an infection of one can implicate the other, making it difficult to completely distinguish rhinitis from sinusitis. Currently, rhinitis and sinusitis are collectively referred to as rhinosinusitis in both international and national academia.
The etiology includes bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Air pollution, allergies, anatomical abnormalities of the nose, smoking, gastroesophageal reflux and other diseases are predisposing factors and are among the reasons why sinusitis is difficult to cure completely. Air pollution, in particular, is often overlooked.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are: nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge or purulent nasal discharge followed by pharyngeal drainage. Other symptoms are itchy nose, sneezing, headache or facial pain, sore throat, poor sleep, memory loss and poor concentration.
Examination may reveal purulent nasal discharge, enlarged turbinates, and in severe cases, nasal polyps.