Clarification: "Newcastle Disease" Does Not Affect Human Sinuses
You are likely referring to inflammatory disease or sinusitis within the left maxillary sinus, not "Newcastle disease," which is exclusively an avian viral infection that does not cause sinus disease in humans. 1, 2, 3
What Newcastle Disease Actually Is
Newcastle disease is caused by avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1) and affects over 250 bird species worldwide, causing devastating disease in poultry. 1 While Newcastle disease virus can occasionally cause transient conjunctivitis in humans through direct contact with infected birds, human-to-human spread has never been reported, and it does not cause sinus infections in humans. 1
What You Likely Have: Maxillary Sinusitis
If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory disease in your left maxillary sinus, this represents sinusitis—inflammation of the maxillary sinus lining. 4
Understanding Maxillary Sinus Inflammation
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities lined with ciliated pseudocolumnar epithelium that normally remain sterile. 4 Inflammatory disease in the maxillary sinus typically manifests as:
- Mucosal thickening visible on CT imaging, which can range from minimal to complete sinus opacification 4
- Obstruction of the sinus ostium (the drainage opening), leading to mucus accumulation and bacterial superinfection 4
- Clinical symptoms including facial pain over the affected sinus, purulent nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and postnasal drainage 4
Common Causes of Maxillary Sinus Disease
Predisposing factors include: 4
- Viral upper respiratory tract infections
- Allergic rhinitis
- Dental infections (particularly from maxillary molar teeth, as tooth roots project into the sinus floor) 4
- Anatomic obstruction of the ostiomeatal complex 4, 5
- Fungal infections (allergic fungal sinusitis or fungal balls) 4
When to Seek Further Evaluation
You should consult an otorhinolaryngologist if: 4
- Membrane thickening exceeds 4-5 mm on CT imaging 4
- Symptoms persist beyond 10-14 days despite medical therapy 4
- There is complete sinus opacification or bone erosion 4
- You have recurrent episodes of sinusitis 4
Treatment Approach
Initial management includes: 4, 5
- Nasal saline irrigations to improve mucociliary clearance 5
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays for at least 8 consecutive weeks 5
- Antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is commonly used) 4
Surgical intervention may be necessary if: 4, 5
- Medical therapy fails after appropriate duration (typically 3 months of symptoms) 5
- There is persistent ostiomeatal complex obstruction 5
- A fungal ball is present, which requires surgical removal as it will not resolve with medical treatment alone 4
Critical Distinction
The term "Newcastle" in your diagnosis is almost certainly a transcription error, misheard terminology, or mistranslation. Newcastle disease is an avian illness that does not cause human sinus infections. 1, 2, 3 Request clarification from your healthcare provider about the actual diagnosis, which is likely chronic or acute maxillary sinusitis with specific inflammatory characteristics. 6