What Is Sinusitis? Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Sinusitis is a common infection worldwide and is often confused with conditions such as flu and the common cold. The small, air-filled cavities located in the face behind the cheekbones and the forehead are called sinuses. Mucus produced in the sinuses cleans the nose and keeps it moist. The mucus produced here flows into the nose through small channels. When the sinus linings become inflamed, these channels swell and become blocked. Infected mucus takes on a yellow or green color and becomes thick. Breathing through the nose becomes difficult and the area around the eyes and nose becomes tender. The sinuses and face swell, and the blockage causes the infection to progress.

Microorganisms multiplying within the mucus cause nasal congestion. It usually occurs due to viruses and resolves within 2-3 weeks. Although it is often a self-limiting or acute condition, in some cases it becomes chronic. Nasal polyps, a deviated nasal septum and allergies in particular can cause persistent infection leading to chronic sinusitis. This condition is also known as chronic rhinosinusitis and can be seen in both adults and children. In addition, sinusitis may develop following an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or flu.

What Is Sinusitis?

The air cavities located on each side of the nose and in the front two parts of the head are called "sinuses". The sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity by narrow channels and provide mucus production. The mucus produced in the sinuses keeps the nose free of germs and allergens and cleans it. Sinusitis is the inflammation and swelling of the tissues lining these sinuses. As the tissues become irritated and fill with fluid, the sinuses become blocked. Bacterial and viral infections, allergies and other factors cause tissue irritation.

There are different types of sinus infection, but the symptoms are generally the same. It is diagnosed by evaluation of symptoms and physical examination. Swelling of the face and cheeks is checked. In some cases your doctor may request imaging tests. Imaging tests can identify mucus blockages and the presence of polyps. X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used. In addition, the nasal cavity is examined with nasal endoscopy, and samples are taken to detect the presence of viruses, bacteria and fungi. If an allergy triggering the sinusitis is suspected, allergy tests may be performed. Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV and cancer, can be detected with blood tests.

What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Sinusitis symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few weeks, but sometimes they may last up to several months. Symptoms of sinus infections include:

Thick yellow or green nasal discharge

Postnasal drip

Nasal congestion

Headache

Pressure in the face (especially around the forehead, eyes and nose)

Pressure and pain in the ears

Pain in the teeth and throat

Bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth

Fever

Cough

Fatigue

These symptoms may not be the same in intensity in every individual. Some people have mild symptoms, while others may go through a more severe course. Various treatment options are available depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Young children with sinusitis in particular may become more aggressive, have difficulty eating, and experience loss of appetite and sleeplessness. If you experience severe sinusitis symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor.

What Are the Causes of Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is fundamentally caused by fluid accumulation in the sinus cavities. This fluid accumulates and leads to the multiplication of microorganisms. The infection spreads within the sinuses and begins to produce symptoms. The main causes of sinus infections can be listed as follows:

Foreign microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria, etc.)

Common cold, flu, seasonal allergies and asthma

Smoking or inhaling cigarette smoke,

Structural problems in the sinuses such as nasal polyps (growths in the nasal and sinus mucosa),

A weakened immune system caused by HIV, cancer or medications,

Curvature or defects of the septum dividing the nose into two sections can narrow the nasal passages and cause obstruction.

There are various causes and risk factors for sinusitis, but some people are more likely to develop it. Individuals exposed to the conditions listed above are especially advised to be careful.

What Are the Types of Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is classified according to how long the disease lasts and what causes it. Based on duration, there are basically four types of sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis: Sinusitis lasting less than 4 weeks. It usually results from conditions such as the common cold.

Subacute sinusitis: Sinusitis lasting 4 to 12 weeks.

Chronic sinusitis: Sinusitis lasting at least 12 weeks. It is usually of bacterial origin.

Recurrent sinusitis: Sinusitis that occurs 4 or more times within one year, each episode lasting less than 2 weeks.

Based on the causative agent of the sinusitis, there are 3 types of sinusitis:

Bacterial sinusitis: Nasal discharge, congestion and facial pressure that do not improve after 10 days indicate bacterial sinusitis. Symptoms may subside and then return severely. Bacterial sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and decongestants (nasal spray/drops).

Viral sinusitis: Similar to the common cold, viruses can cause sinusitis. Bacterial sinusitis may develop after cases of viral sinusitis. Viral sinusitis cannot be cured with antibiotic treatment.

Fungal sinusitis: A type of sinusitis caused by fungi and is a more serious condition than other types of sinusitis. The likelihood of recurrence is high in people with weakened immune systems. It can be fatal, especially in people with suppressed immune systems.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Sinusitis?

There are several different treatment options for sinusitis depending on the type of causative agent, how long it has lasted and the symptoms. For example, antibiotics or steroid nasal sprays are not recommended for every case of sinusitis. Since it is usually caused by a virus, sinusitis often does not require treatment. Instead, treatments aimed at the symptoms are provided. Depending on the type of infection, the treatments your doctor may recommend are as follows:

Decongestants are spray or drop medications administered orally or through the nose that help relieve nasal congestion.

Allergy and cold medications can help relieve nasal congestion and discharge.

Saline nasal rinses are a preferred option for sinus infections.

If sinusitis does not improve after about 10 days, your doctor may turn to different medications. These are mainly:

Antibiotics,

Oral or topical decongestants,

Steroid sprays.

In many cases of sinusitis, antibiotics are not necessary and spontaneous recovery occurs. However, in some cases the symptoms may be severe, resistant and allergic. In the treatment of chronic sinusitis, steroid sprays, antihistamine sprays and oral tablets may be used, and surgery may be performed to treat nasal polyps or fungal infections. If sinusitis is resistant to treatment and does not improve, surgery may be performed.

Frequently Asked Questions;

Although sinusitis is a common problem in the community, there are many questions about it. You can read the rest of the article to see answers to the most frequently asked questions. The nasal congestion caused by sinusitis can cause headaches. In addition, general pain and pressure in the face can also trigger headaches. Not every headache indicates sinusitis, and it is often confused with headaches associated with migraine or flu. If thick yellow-green mucus, fever, nasal discharge and congestion are present, the cause of the headache may be considered sinusitis. Sinusitis may resolve on its own even if it is not treated. However, in rare cases, sinusitis can become life-threatening. In particular, sinus infections caused by fungi and some bacteria can spread to the eyes, adjacent bones and tissues, and the brain, and can pose a life-threatening risk. As a result, the risk of meningitis, brain abscess and bone infection increases. Sinusitis is often confused with other conditions such as the common cold, flu and migraine. In this case, specific features that can identify sinusitis should be considered. If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, there is bad breath, there is facial pain and pressure, and nasal discharge and congestion have lasted longer than 10 days, the likelihood of a sinus infection is high. Also, headache associated with sinusitis is felt in the nose and front of the head, whereas migraine pain can occur in many different areas of the head. Sinusitis is an infection that can be easily triggered by external factors. The main triggers associated with sinusitis may include asthma, allergic conditions such as hay fever and rhinitis, nasal polyps, smoking and inhaling smoke, a weak immune system, and an infected tooth or fungal infection of the mouth. In addition, sinusitis symptoms can largely be improved by well-managed allergies and asthma. Depending on the cause of the sinus infection, the following methods may be recommended to overcome the sinusitis process or prevent possible sinusitis:

Regularly using the saline solution (salt water) recommended by your doctor,

Avoiding triggering substances (pollen, dust, feathers, smoke, etc.) to prevent allergic reactions,

Avoiding cigarettes and cigarette smoke,

Paying attention to hygiene conditions to reduce the risk of infection (such as the habit of hand washing),

Using regular steroid nasal sprays if recommended by your doctor.

Sinusitis can negatively affect daily life, especially due to its bothersome symptoms. If you suspect sinusitis or have a history of sinusitis, it is recommended that you contact a relevant healthcare facility.