What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities (air-filled spaces in the skull) around the nose, characterized by pain, fullness, and headaches in the nose and forehead region. Sinusitis often develops after a common cold, allergies, or other respiratory infections.
In our informative article reviewed and approved by our Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist,
Prof. Ömer Faruk Ünal, you can find detailed information about sinusitis.
What are the Types of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is categorized into two types: acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. If symptoms such as daytime cough and runny nose persist for more than 10 days but resolve within 30 days, it is considered acute sinusitis. If symptoms persist for 4 to 12 weeks, it is categorized as subacute sinusitis, and if they last longer than 12 weeks, it is referred to as chronic sinusitis.
- Acute Sinusitis: It usually occurs as a result of a common cold, the flu, or another viral infection, and can last for a few weeks. Symptoms of acute sinusitis include a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain, or sensitivity.
- Subacute Sinusitis: This type of sinusitis lasts between 4 to 12 weeks, with symptoms persisting during this period.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis refers to the condition where symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks. These symptoms typically include facial pain or tenderness, nasal discharge, and congestion.
- Recurrent Sinusitis: Recurrent sinusitis means experiencing multiple acute sinusitis episodes within a year.
Each type can have its own symptoms and treatment methods, and the severity of sinusitis determines the treatment approach. While acute sinusitis can usually be managed with medications, chronic sinusitis may require longer-term treatment and sometimes surgical intervention.
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a condition characterized by distinct and discomforting symptoms. Approximately 90% of patients with a common cold can experience symptoms related to sinusitis. The symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis may be similar, but they differ in terms of duration and severity. The symptoms of sinusitis typically include:
- Nasal Discharge: There is often a thick nasal discharge that is green or yellow in color. This is usually a result of the inflammation of the sinuses.
- Nasal Congestion: Sinusitis can lead to blockage of the nasal passages, making breathing difficult.
- Facial Pain or Pressure: One of the most common symptoms is a sensation of pain or pressure, especially around the forehead, areas near the eyes, and cheeks.
- Headache: Headaches, particularly in the forehead region, are often more severe in the mornings.
- Reduced Sense of Smell and Taste: Blockage and inflammation of the sinuses can affect the ability to smell and taste.
- Toothache: Pain or discomfort in the upper jaw and teeth can be a sign of sinusitis.
- Fatigue and Weakness: A general feeling of fatigue and weakness can also be indicative of sinusitis.
- Cough: A cough, particularly more prominent at night, can be a symptom of sinusitis.
- Sore Throat: Drainage from the sinuses (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Fever: In some cases, especially when sinusitis has resulted from a bacterial infection, high fever can also be observed.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis typically occurs as a result of a viral infection, but bacteria and viruses can both contribute to this condition. Common factors that can lead to sinusitis include:
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Common cold, flu, and other viral infections can lead to the development of sinusitis.
- Allergies: Allergic Reactions can lead to inflammation in the sinuses. Particularly, exposure to seasonal allergies or constant allergens like dust mites, animal fur can trigger sinusitis.
- Polyps: Small, usually harmless growths that form in the nose or sinuses, known as nasal polyps, can block the sinuses and nasal passages.
- Deviated Septum: A deviated septum, which is a crooked division between the nasal passages, can obstruct sinus drainage.
- Immune System Disorders: Having a weakened immune system or certain immune-related disorders can increase the risk of developing sinusitis.
- Changes in Air Pressure: Situations where air pressure changes rapidly, like airplane travel or diving, can trigger sinusitis symptoms.
In addition to these reasons, nasal injuries and foreign objects getting into the nose can also trigger the development of sinusitis.
Is Sinusitis Contagious?
While sinusitis itself is not contagious, it often arises from upper respiratory infections, especially the common cold, which can be transmitted from person to person. In other words, even if someone comes into contact with a person exhibiting sinusitis symptoms, they wouldn't catch sinusitis itself but might acquire the viral infection causing it.
How is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
To diagnose sinusitis, your doctor will typically evaluate your symptoms, signs, and the results of a physical examination. In necessary cases, imaging tests like a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be utilized. The most common diagnostic methods include:
Physical Examination: Your doctor will first discuss your symptoms and overall health and then perform a physical examination. This may involve examining the nose, throat, and mouth, as well as checking for tenderness in specific areas of your face and head.
Imaging Tests: Your doctor may request a series of imaging tests to better understand the underlying cause of your sinusitis symptoms. These tests often include a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Culture Tests: If your sinusitis symptoms have become chronic or severe, your doctor may request a culture test. This test is conducted with a sample taken from your nasal cavity. Bacterial or fungal formations in the laboratory sample are examined.
Allergy Tests: If your doctor suspects that your sinusitis could be a result of an allergic reaction, allergy tests might be conducted.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Sinusitis?
The treatment of sinusitis generally aims to alleviate symptoms and manage the underlying infection. Treatment usually involves medications and home care methods. If sinusitis symptoms become chronic and cannot be managed with medications, surgical intervention can also be an option. Surgical options often aim to expand sinuses or alleviate blockages.
What Are the Best Medications for Sinusitis?
Treatment usually includes pain relievers, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and sometimes antibiotics. In cases of chronic sinusitis, your doctor may also recommend nasal steroid sprays or other long-term treatments.
Is Surgery Necessary for Sinusitis Treatment?
Most cases of sinusitis can be managed with medications and home care methods, but in severe or chronic cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve sinus drainage or correct underlying structural abnormalities.
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Sinusitis?
For complaints of sinusitis, individuals can consult the "
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgery" departments of healthcare institutions, where they can meet with specialized physicians.