Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is It Possible To Have Bacteria Lodged In The Sinus Cavity?
Question: Your answer was helpful, but we have more information. She has not allergies. Sinus problems persist - is it possible to have bacteria or fungus lodged in the sinus cavity, but not detect by CT Scan?
Brief Answer:
REPEAT CT SCAN.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Answers for your queries.
1. Yes. It is possible. In case of low immunity status (diabetes, tuberculosis, renal failure, nutritional deficiencies), where fungal or pyogenic infections are more common and can grow silently in sinus cavities.
2. Initial stages of infection can be missed in CT SCAN. In case of strong suspicion, I suggest you to repeat CT scan of para nasal sinuses and culture and sensitivity of nasal or sinus secretions.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions
REPEAT CT SCAN.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Answers for your queries.
1. Yes. It is possible. In case of low immunity status (diabetes, tuberculosis, renal failure, nutritional deficiencies), where fungal or pyogenic infections are more common and can grow silently in sinus cavities.
2. Initial stages of infection can be missed in CT SCAN. In case of strong suspicion, I suggest you to repeat CT scan of para nasal sinuses and culture and sensitivity of nasal or sinus secretions.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Thank you for your answer. My daughter is 17, not necessarily low immunity or a diabetic. She has had long-time pressure in the frontal sinuses (ones above the eyebrow). CT Scan was clear, and since it has been a problem for so long, I wonder if a repeat would be useful. It seems like something is lodged there. She has cyst on top of the sinuses that ebb and flow. Not sure how to get rid of her sinus pressure.
Brief Answer:
wait and watch, with regular follow up an repeat ct.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
As such, mucus retention cysts in the sinuses are very, very common. In fact about 30-40% of people with absolutely no complaints of sinus problems will have cysts of the sinuses when they have a CT scan performed. Most retention cysts of the sinuses spontaneously shrink or don’t change over the long term.
In case of persistent cyst with symptoms, needs to be managed with sinus surgery. Before that, MRI is an ideal investigation to rule out the atypical cyst (compression on eye, brain or vessels).
I suggest you to do repeat ct scan (if cyst is big, obstructing sinus opening then MRI can be a valuable intervention).
In the mean time, tell her to do simple steam inhalations.
All the best. Take care.
wait and watch, with regular follow up an repeat ct.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
As such, mucus retention cysts in the sinuses are very, very common. In fact about 30-40% of people with absolutely no complaints of sinus problems will have cysts of the sinuses when they have a CT scan performed. Most retention cysts of the sinuses spontaneously shrink or don’t change over the long term.
In case of persistent cyst with symptoms, needs to be managed with sinus surgery. Before that, MRI is an ideal investigation to rule out the atypical cyst (compression on eye, brain or vessels).
I suggest you to do repeat ct scan (if cyst is big, obstructing sinus opening then MRI can be a valuable intervention).
In the mean time, tell her to do simple steam inhalations.
All the best. Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
