Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses' cell lining, the paranasal sinuses being the air cavities in the skull surrounding the nose. Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi . An acute bacterial sinusitis is usually preceded by a viral RTI, e. g. a common cold, paving the way for a superinfection with bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae, streptococci, or staphylococci. Symptoms include severe feelings of pressure and pain in the facial area, the teeth and forehead, nasal congestion with thick, yellow-green mucous discharge and fever. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of acute sinusitis are essential for the prevention of chronic sinusitis and associated complications.
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree.
Primary pathogens are mainly viruses, i.e. common cold, but bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae may cause secondary infection . Symptoms of bacterial bronchitis are coughing, purulent expectoration and a dry, coarse rattling sound in the bronchi. The infection is generally self-limited with eventual complete healing. Still, bronchitis may be serious in debilitated patients and those with chronic lung and heart disease . Frequent infections can result in chronic bronchitis, which has become a major health issue, especially in the elderly.