Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Sinusitis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be acute or chronic. It causes facial pain, nasal congestion, and a feeling of pressure in the head.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Sinusitis"

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be acute or chronic. It causes facial pain, nasal congestion, and a feeling of pressure in the head.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the paranasal sinuses -- air-filled cavities located in the bones around the nose and forehead. These sinuses connect to the nasal cavity and help regulate airflow and mucus drainage. Sinusitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks) and is one of the most common health conditions worldwide.

Causes

The most frequent causes of sinusitis include:

Viral infections: The majority of acute sinusitis cases follow a common cold, which inflames the nasal lining and blocks sinus drainage.
Bacterial infections: A secondary bacterial infection can develop after a viral episode, leading to more severe symptoms.
Allergies: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) chronically irritates the nasal passages and increases the risk of developing chronic sinusitis.
Structural issues: A deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps can obstruct normal sinus drainage.
Fungal infections: Rare, but more likely in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

Facial pressure or pain, especially below the eyes, across the forehead, or at the bridge of the nose
Blocked or runny nose with thick, discolored (yellow or green) mucus
Reduced or absent sense of smell
Headaches
Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
Fever, particularly with bacterial infections
Pain that worsens when bending forward or lowering the head

Diagnosis

Sinusitis is typically diagnosed through:

Clinical evaluation: A doctor reviews the symptoms and presses on facial areas to check for tenderness.
Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible camera is inserted into the nasal passages to examine the sinus openings and mucous membranes.
Imaging (CT scan): Used in chronic or complicated cases to assess the extent of inflammation and any structural abnormalities.
Nasal swab: May be taken to identify bacterial pathogens in suspected bacterial sinusitis.

Treatment

Acute Sinusitis

Most cases of acute sinusitis resolve on their own without antibiotics. Recommended measures include:

Decongestant nasal sprays or drops (for short-term use only)
Saline nasal irrigation to clear mucus and soothe the lining
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
Steam inhalation to ease congestion
Adequate rest and fluid intake

Bacterial Sinusitis

When a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, antibiotics such as amoxicillin are prescribed. Treatment typically lasts between 5 and 10 days.

Chronic Sinusitis

Management of chronic sinusitis may include:

Corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation
Allergy treatment when an allergic cause is identified
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) when conservative treatments fail to provide relief

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Severe headache or stiff neck
Visual changes or swelling around the eyes
High fever above 39 degrees Celsius
Symptoms that persist for more than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement

References

Fokkens WJ et al. - European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020. Rhinology. 2020;58(Suppl 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 including Sinusitis. WHO Global Health Observatory, 2023.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.