Nose & Sinus

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a large group of diseases of the sinus lining and sometimes the surrounding structures. Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinuses, called the mucosa, becomes inflamed or irritated. The inflammation of the lining of the sinuses can become so extensive that it causes the very small sinus ostia to become blocked.

In turn, the obstructed ostia trap the mucus within the sinuses. Sinuses are warm and dark spaces that when filled with wet mucus can create the ideal conditions that are perfect for organisms to grow. These are the conditions that are also ideal for fungal organisms to grow. We all know other warm, dark and moist spaces that fungus grows well in- examples- under wet carpet, in our bathrooms and under the refrigerator.

These infectious bacterial and fungal organisms can themselves call additional tissue irritation and swelling or inflammation that slows normal mucus clearance within the sinus, further propagating the cycle of inflammation and infection. Sinus cavities that are infected and/or swollen cause the major symptoms that most people call sinusitis.

Allergic Rhinitis

This condition occurs when the body's immune system over-responds to specific, non-infectious particles such as plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal hair, industrial chemicals (including tobacco smoke), foods, medicines, and insect venom. Essentially, during an allergic attack, antibodies, primarily immunoglobin E (IgE), attach to mast cells in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. Once IgE connects with the mast cells, a number of chemicals are released. One of the chemicals, histamine, opens the blood vessels and causes skin redness and swollen membranes. When this occurs in the nose, sneezing and congestion are the result.