“Sinusitis is the inflammation of the nose and the cavities located around it, called paranasal sinuses. The severity of this condition depends on the type of sinusitis that develops, whether it is chronic or acute, infectious or non-infectious, or whether polyps are present or not,” explains Dr. Jorge Centeno, otolaryngologist at our clinic, who provides us with valuable information about this condition.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the nose and the cavities located around it, called paranasal sinuses. The severity of this condition depends on the type of sinusitis that develops, whether it is chronic or acute, infectious or non-infectious, or whether polyps are present or not.

What are its symptoms?

In acute cases, there is purulent nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, facial pain, altered sense of smell, headache and, in some cases, fever. In chronic cases, the discomfort is long lasting and presents with symptoms that may hide its true nature, such as nasal obstruction, headache and bad nasal odor.

What are the risk factors?

Among the factors that cause sinusitis are: chronic nasal inflammatory conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, nicotine abuse, drugs, acute viral infections and intranasal anatomical deformities.

How to prevent sinusitis?

By following a treatment for chronic nasal conditions and avoiding environmental pollutants. In other words, avoiding or controlling risk factors.

What is the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis?

• Our otorhinolaryngology service performs several tests and procedures for the best diagnosis of both chronic and acute sinusitis, including nasal videoendoscopy and rhinomanometry, useful to study the air flow through the nostrils during breathing.
• Within the treatment, it is essential to desinflate the nose using saline, if there is a lot of nasal secretion, antihistamines are a good option. In cases of acute bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics are indicated. If it is a chronic sinusitis, it is treated with intranasal corticosteroids for a long time. If improvement is not achieved, surgical intervention may be considered.

Dr. Jorge Centeno
Otolaryngologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma