Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become swollen and irritated. Typicially, sinusitis begins either during or immediately after a cold. Bacteria grow in your sinuses, eventually infecting them and creating blockages so the sinuses cannot drain. Other causes include smoking, allergies, swimming in contaminated water, or exposure to cold or dry heat. Symptoms include pain; pressure; swelling in the forehead, cheek or eye region; headache; fever; chills; cold symptoms; dry cough; and thick, yellow-green discharge from the nose.

Sinusitis appears on a CT scan image as a thickening of the lining of the sinuses. Proper treatment can usually relieve the problem within a few days, and can include antibioitics, decongestants and painkillers. Severe cases may require surgery, which is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. A follow-up CT sinus scan can help the doctor evaluate the results of the surgery.