$Unique_ID{BRK01083}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Doctor's Concern Over Sinusitis}
$Subject{sinusitis Respiratory Infections nasal sinuses sinus infection
membranes swollen membrane ostium vacuum orbital cellulitis meningitis brain
abscesses abscess ampicillin amoxicillin}
$Volume{H-6, A-6}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Nasal Cavities and Sinuses*0005501.scf
Anatomy of the Sinuses*0005502.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Doctor's Concern Over Sinusitis


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QUESTION:  A splitting headache drove me to the doctor's office, where after
an examination, the diagnosis of sinusitis was made.  A prescription for an
antibiotic was given to me, but I sensed that my doctor was very concerned.  I
was required to return in just three days, but everything seemed to be going
fine.  Can you read my doctor's mind and tell me what he was worrying about?

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ANSWER:  It is not difficult to imagine the concerns of a caring physician
when faced with a case of acute sinusitis.  He was already visualizing the
possible complications, and was planning your care to avoid those
possibilities.  The sinuses are actually hollow spaces within the bones that
form parts of the skull, normally filled with just air and lined with delicate
mucous membranes.  When an infection strikes, the membranes become swollen and
may close the small holes (ostium) which provide drainage for the liquid
normally formed by the tissue, and which allow for the free passage of air in
and out of the sinus.  As a result, the air in the sinus is absorbed by blood
cells in the membranes, and the pressure within the sinus drops (vacuum
sinusitis), which can be painful.  If this condition persists, the membranes
then produce large amounts of fluid which fill the sinus cavity, and which can
serve as perfect breeding grounds for bacteria.  As the body attempts to
defend against this infection, it pours additional serum and white blood cells
into the area, and soon creates a positive pressure within this closed space,
causing pain often described as "splitting" and tenderness.  This can lead to
the extension of the infection beyond the sinus, provoking infections in the
orbit of the eye (orbital cellulitis) as well as within the skull itself
(meningitis and brain abscesses).  However, full doses of appropriate
antibiotics, ampicillin or amoxicillin in most cases, for 10 to 14 days, is
usually sufficient to prevent these serious complications.  Drainage of the
sinus may be aided by using a vaporizer, which helps to reduce the pressure,
relive the pain and hasten the recovery.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.