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What Are the Causes of Paranasal Sinus Disease?

Paranasal sinuses are spaces within the skull that are linked to the nasal cavity. There are four sets of paranasal sinuses that are located above and below the eyes, in the nose and at the base of the skull. The lining of these air-filled spaces can become irritated or infected from allergens, bacteria or viruses, such as a cold. This causes mucus to fill the paranasal sinus cavities, which blocks the openings, or otria, that connect to the nasal passages.

  1. Causes

    • Simple inflammation of paranasal sinuses that causes irritation of the lining and that results in mucous formation and possible soreness constitutes the majority of paranasal sinus diseases. There are many causes of these conditions, making it difficult to identify the exact source of the disease. Fungus infections in the nasal passages may also contribute to the development of a paranasal sinus disease.

    Other Causes

    • Viral infections, allergies and disorders in the nasal passages and septum from nontraumatic shock may cause paranasal sinus disease. Symptoms can occur even at an early age as the bone structure of the face develops. While these conditions are generally temporary in nature, chronic sinus problems can occur in situations where the source of causation of symptoms is prevalent. Continuous proximity to allergens and bacteria are often a cause of paranasal sinus disease.

    Symptoms

    • According to the National Cancer Institute, headaches; post-nasal drip, or anterior rhinorrhea;, dysosmia, or altered sense of smell; and facial pressure can be symptoms of paranasal sinus disease, although these symptoms are often caused by unrelated conditions. The presence of these types of symptoms, however, can be an indication of disease and may be included in an examination of an existing sinus condition. A deviated septum or the development of a polyp in this area can also cause these symptoms to appear.

    Diagnosis

    • In many cases, the onset of paranasal sinus problems can result in a condition commonly known as sinusitis. Many people suffer from this condition, and the diagnostic formulae are consistent with relative symptoms of paranasal sinus disease. Sinusitis is an inflammation of one of the sets of nasal cavities, usually the maxillary cavities under the eyes, that is the cause of the itching, pain and nasal drainage. Diagnosis of a sinusitis condition, usually done by X-ray, will generally take into consideration the possibility of paranasal sinus disease.

    Treatment

    • For most cases of paranasal sinus disease, anti-inflammatory drugs or allergy medications, either prescription or over the counter, will be sufficient to treat the condition. Nasal irrigation--cleaning out or removal of blockages in the nasal passages--or nasal sprays may also be prescribed by a qualified medical professional, such as a rhinologist. In rare cases where facial structure presents a potential for chronic conditions that will contribute to paranasal sinus disease, such as a deviated septum, surgery may be recommended.

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