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Diseases and Disorders of the
Sinus and Nose
Disease and disorders of the nose typically affect the sinuses, which
are air-filled spaces behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes
that are lined with mucus membranes. In healthy sinuses, mucus is able
to drain out and air can circulate easily. However, when there is a
sinus disorder or disease openings in the sinus cavity can become
blocked or too much mucus builds up and bacteria and other germs can
grow more easily leading to sinusitis. The nose is prone to diseases
such as rhinitis, nasal polyps and deviated nasal septum.
Sinusitis — is an inflammation of the sinuses that can last up to four
weeks, known as acute sinusitis, or can last three months or longer,
known as chronic sinusitis
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Rhinitis – occurs when you breathe in something you are allergic to,
such as dust, dander or pollen
Nasal polyps — are sac-like growths consisting of inflamed tissue lining
the nose (nasal mucosa) or sinuses. Nasal polyps usually start near the
ethmoid sinuses at the top of the inside of the nose and grow into the
open areas. Large polyps can block the sinuses or nasal airway.
Deviated Nasal Septum
Diseases of the Sinuses and Nose Symptoms:
Sinusitis symptoms:
The classic symptoms of acute sinusitis usually follow a cold that does
not improve or one that worsens after five-to-seven days of symptoms and
include:
Bad breath or loss of smell
Cough, often worse at night
Fatigue and general ill feeling
Fever
Headache -- pressure-like pain behind the eyes, toothache or facial
tenderness
Nasal congestion and discharge
Sore throat and postnasal drip
The classic symptoms of chronic sinusitis:
Same symptoms as acute sinusitis, but can last up to three months or
longer
Allergic rhinitis symptoms:
Allergic rhinitis symptoms usually happen in a group:
Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin
Problems with smell
Runny nose
Sneezing
Tearing eyes
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Additional rhinitis symptoms may develop later:
Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
Coughing
Sore throat
Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
Dark circles and/or puffiness under the eyes
Fatigue and irritability
Headache
Memory problems and slowed thinking
Nasal polyp symptoms:
People with undiagnosed nasal polyps often complain about having a cold
that has lasted for months or even years. Nasal polyps symptoms include:
Mouth breathing
Nose that feels blocked
Reduced or complete loss of sense of smell. (Complete loss of smell is
not a common symptom of a sinus infection.)
Runny nose
Deviated Nasal Septum
Causes of Diseases and Disorders in the Sinus and Nose:
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Acute sinusitis -- usually caused by a bacterial infection in the
sinuses that results from an upper respiratory tract infection
Chronic sinusitis -- long-term swelling and inflammation of the sinuses
that may be caused by bacteria or a fungus
Rhinitis – caused by breathing in an allergen such as pollen or dust
that triggers an allergic reaction. The body releases histamines to
fight the allergens which, in turn, cause symptoms such as itching,
swelling, and excessive mucus.
Nasal polyps -- people with the following conditions are more likely to
also have nasal polyps:
Aspirin sensitivity (wheezing)
Asthma
Chronic sinus infections
Cystic fibrosis
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
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