Sinusitis – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the sinuses. It causes facial pain, nasal congestion, and pressure in the head.
Wissenswertes über "Sinusitis"
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the sinuses. It causes facial pain, nasal congestion, and pressure in the head.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the paranasal sinuses -- the air-filled cavities in the bones of the skull that connect to the nasal passages. The sinuses affected can include the frontal sinuses (forehead), maxillary sinuses (cheeks), ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes), and the sphenoid sinus (behind the nose). Sinusitis can be classified as acute (lasting up to 4 weeks) or chronic (persisting for more than 12 weeks).
Causes
The most common causes of sinusitis include:
- Viral infections: The majority of sinusitis cases are triggered by common cold viruses, which cause the nasal lining to swell and block sinus drainage.
- Bacterial infections: A secondary bacterial infection may develop after a viral illness.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions such as hay fever can lead to chronic inflammation of the sinus lining.
- Anatomical factors: A deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps can obstruct normal sinus drainage.
- Environmental irritants: Cigarette smoke, dry air, and air pollutants can irritate the mucous membranes and promote inflammation.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Facial pain or pressure, especially below the eyes, around the forehead, or in the cheeks
- Blocked or runny nose with yellow or green discharge
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Headaches that worsen when bending forward
- A feeling of pressure in the ears
- Fatigue and general malaise
- Occasionally, a mild fever
Diagnosis
Sinusitis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and assessment of symptoms. A doctor will check for tenderness over the sinuses and may examine the nasal passages using a thin flexible camera called a nasal endoscope. In cases where complications are suspected or symptoms are unclear, imaging such as a CT scan of the sinuses may be ordered. A nasal swab can help identify the causative organism in bacterial sinusitis.
Treatment
Acute Sinusitis
Most cases of acute sinusitis are caused by viruses and resolve without antibiotics. Symptom relief can be achieved with:
- Decongestant nasal sprays (e.g., xylometazoline) to reduce nasal swelling -- use for a maximum of 7 days
- Saline nasal rinses to moisturize and clear the nasal passages
- Steam inhalation to help thin and loosen mucus
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol for facial pain and headache
- Antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or in severe cases, as prescribed by a doctor
Chronic Sinusitis
For chronic sinusitis, additional treatment options include:
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce ongoing inflammation
- Allergy treatment (immunotherapy) when an allergic cause is identified
- Surgical intervention -- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) may be recommended to restore sinus ventilation and drainage in severe or recurrent cases
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of the following warning signs:
- High fever above 39 °C (102.2 °F)
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Visual disturbances or swollen eyelids
- Symptoms that do not improve after 10 days or worsen after initial improvement
References
- Fokkens WJ et al. - European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS 2020). Rhinology. 2020;58(S29):1-464.
- Rosenfeld RM et al. - Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis. Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery. 2015;152(2 Suppl):S1-S39.
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Acute Respiratory Infections. Available at: https://www.who.int
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Related search terms: Sinusitis + Sinus Infection + Sinus Inflammation