General Goal: To know the major cause(s) of these diseases, how they are transmitted, and the major manifestations of each disease.
Specific Educational Objectives: The student should be able to:
1. recite the common cause(s) of these disease.
2. describe the common means of transmission.
3. describe the major manifestations of this infection.
4. describe how you diagnose, treat and prevent this infection.
Reading: MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY by P.R. Murray, K.S. Rosenthal, G.S. Kobayashi and M.A. Pfaller, 3rd Edition. page number depends on microorganism.
Mosby's Color Atlas and Text of Infectious Diseases by Christopher P. Conlon and David R. Snydman. pp.53-66.
Lecture: Dr. Neal R. Chamberlain
References:
Less common causes of sinusitis are:
Infection of the sinuses may follow the common cold, dental extractions, rhinitis due to allergies, and jumping into water forcing infected water into the sinuses. Infections of the sinuses occur mostly in the winter months.
Obstruction of the paranasal sinusal ostia impedes drainage of mucus secretions. Bacteria can grow in these secretions irritating the underlying mucosa producing more secretions. Death and sloughing off of the mucosal cells occurs but cells will regenerate after the infection has cleared.
Chronic sinusitis can result in irreversible damage to the mucosa and may cause polyps and mucoceles (mucous polyp, dilatation of a cavity with an accumulation of mucous) to form.
A sensation of pressure over the sinus area followed by local pain, tenderness, malaise, and low-grade fever. Physical examination usually reveals edematous and hyperemic nasal mucosa. If the paranasal ostium is only partially blocked a purulent discharge can be seen. A patient with severe sinusitis.
Usually the diagnosis is made when there is a history of upper respiratory tract infection or allergic rhinitis, pain and tenderness over a sinus, and purulent discharge in the corresponding nasal meatus.
Chronic sinusitis may require more intensive studies. A careful dental examination, transillumination, roentography, and antral puncture may be required.
Prognosis is usually very good. Complications of acute sinusitis are rare. Spread of infection is manifested by chills, fever, general or persistent headaches, vomiting, convulsions, diplopia, edema and swelling of the forehead and eyelids, and signs of intracranial pressure.
In chronic sinusitis there is a remarkable yet unexplained association
with bronchiectasis (chronic dilatation of the bronchi).
Rank or disagreeable smell = fetid breath, paroxysmal cough, mucopurulent
expectoration.
No vaccines are available. Avoiding jumping in water without plugging ones nose, correction of septum deviations, removal of polyps or foreign bodies, and proper dental management.
