Medical Term for Sinus Infection
The medical term for a sinus infection is rhinosinusitis, which is preferred over the older term sinusitis because inflammation of the nasal cavity nearly always accompanies inflammation of the contiguous paranasal sinuses. 1
Definition and Classification
Rhinosinusitis is defined as inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses. The most common cause of rhinosinusitis is infection, though other causes exist. 1
Rhinosinusitis is classified based on duration of symptoms:
- Acute rhinosinusitis: Symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks 1
- Subacute rhinosinusitis: Symptoms lasting 4-8 weeks 1
- Chronic rhinosinusitis: Symptoms lasting more than 8 weeks (or 12 weeks according to some guidelines) 1
- Recurrent rhinosinusitis: 3 or more episodes of acute rhinosinusitis per year 1
Why "Rhinosinusitis" is Preferred Over "Sinusitis"
The term rhinosinusitis is now preferred over sinusitis for several important reasons:
- Rhinitis typically precedes sinusitis
- Sinusitis without rhinitis is rare
- The mucosa of the nose and sinuses are contiguous
- Symptoms of nasal obstruction and discharge are prominent in sinusitis 1
Clinical Presentation
Acute rhinosinusitis typically presents with:
- Nasal congestion
- Purulent rhinorrhea (anterior and/or posterior)
- Facial pain or pressure
- Postnasal drainage
- Anosmia (loss of smell)
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough (often worse at night) 1
Microbiology
The causative pathogens differ based on the type of rhinosinusitis:
Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis: Primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 2, 3
Chronic rhinosinusitis: More commonly involves Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobic bacteria (Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Peptostreptococcus species) 3, 4
Nosocomial or immunocompromised patients: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative rods are more common 3, 4
Types of Sinuses Affected
Rhinosinusitis can affect different sinuses, with varying symptoms and risks:
Maxillary sinusitis: Most common form, presenting with infraorbital pain that increases when bending forward 1
Frontal sinusitis: Presents with supraorbital headache and has a higher risk of intracranial complications 1
Ethmoid sinusitis: Can lead to orbital complications due to the thin bone (lamina papyracea) separating the sinuses from the orbit 1
Sphenoid sinusitis: Rare but potentially serious with retro-orbital headache radiating to the vertex 1
Clinical Relevance and Complications
Rhinosinusitis can have significant impacts on morbidity and quality of life:
- It is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States, affecting approximately 12-16% of the population 1
- The overall annual economic burden is estimated at $22 billion 1
- Complications can include orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, intracranial abscess, cerebritis, and cavernous sinus thrombosis 1
- Rhinosinusitis can trigger or worsen asthma 1, 5
Special Considerations
Fungal rhinosinusitis: Particularly concerning in immunocompromised patients, with acute invasive fungal sinusitis having mortality rates of 50-80% 1
Pediatric rhinosinusitis: Often follows viral upper respiratory infections, with 8% of viral infections complicated by acute viral sinusitis 1
Dental origin: Up to 20% of maxillary sinus infections may originate from underlying dental disease 1
Understanding the proper terminology and classification of rhinosinusitis is essential for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and effective communication among healthcare providers.