The underlying causes of sinusitis are diverse and include: allergic reactions, anatomical defects of the sinuses (such as deviation of the nasal septum), nasal polyps, facial trauma, and upper jaw tooth pathologies. "origin of" inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is a "bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the upper respiratory tract (such as cold, flu and parainfluenza syndromes) or of the oral cavity.
Sinusitis typically causes pain in the face (usually the areas above and below the eyes, jaw and forehead are affected), nasal congestion, purulent rhinorrhea, headache, cough with phlegm, decreased taste and smell, general malaise and fever.
Diagnosis of sinusitis is based on clinical evaluation, endoscopic examination, and computed tomography (CT) of the facial mass. Decongestants, corticosteroid-based nasal sprays, and moist heat applications can help relieve symptoms. bacterial sinusitis is based, on the other hand, on antibiotic therapy. Surgery is indicated in case of failure of medical therapy and serves to correct the pathological causes and improve sinus drainage.
