What is Sinusitis? What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is inflammation and swelling of the tissues lining the sinus cavities located behind the eyes and nose. The sinus cavities, located at the back of the face, are air-filled structures in healthy individuals. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and allergies can irritate the sinuses and cause them to fill with fluid. Microorganisms that multiply in the fluid can cause infection here. In the presence of colds, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps and septum problems, it can lead to blockage of the sinuses. As a result of blockage of the sinus cavities, tension and pressure may occur around the eyes, nose and forehead, and headache may be severe. This condition, also called “rhinosinusitis”, can be acute or chronic. “If you are looking for answers to the questions “What is sinusitis?“, “What is acute sinusitis?“, “What are the symptoms of sinusitis?” you can read the rest of the article.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinuses are 4 cavity structures located behind the eyes, cheekbones and forehead. These structures are connected to each other through narrow channels. The sinus cavities produce mucus that helps keep the inside of the nose moist. In addition to regulating humidity and temperature, mucus and dust, allergens and other substances are retained here. Therefore, pathogenic microorganisms are prevented from entering the body. The mucus produced is drained out of the ducts and regenerated. Inflammation of the sinus cavities caused by various factors is called “sinusitis” or “rhinosinusitis”. In case of inflammation of the sinuses, the nasal passages become blocked and can cause pressure. The pressure can contribute to pain, swelling and redness. Clinically, sinusitis can be divided into 4 types:

1. Acute sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses lasting less than 4 weeks. Viruses that usually cause the common cold are the causative agents of acute sinusitis.
2. Subacute sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses lasting 4-12 weeks.
3. Chronic sinusitis: Sinusitis that persists for at least 12 weeks can become chronic. Bacteria in particular can cause chronic sinusitis.
4. Recurrent sinusitis: Sinusitis that recurs 4 or more times a year and lasts less than 2 weeks each time.

Cases of sinusitis can often cause similar symptoms, but not everyone gets them in the same way.

What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Inflammation of the sinuses can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. may occur due to the disease, and may be acute or chronic in duration. However, the symptoms of sinusitis can often occur in a similar way. The main symptoms of sinus infections may include

• Yellow-green and thick mucus discharge from the nose,
• Nasal congestion
• Mucous discharge down the throat,
• Pressure or pain in the ears,
• High fever
• Headache
• Bad breath and bad taste,
• Pressure on the face, including around the nose, eyes and forehead,
• Fatigue and weakness.

What are the Symptoms of Allergic Sinusitis?

Allergic conditions can lead to inflammation in the sinuses. Allergic reactions can also predispose to the development of secondary bacterial sinusitis. It can often vary according to the season and can be confused with non-allergic sinusitis. If allergy tests are positive, medications to control allergic reactions may be prescribed. Individuals with allergic sinusitis may be exposed to smoke, odors, tobacco products, etc. should avoid triggering substances. In cases of non-allergic sinusitis, itching in the nose, eyes and throat may occur compared to other types of sinusitis. In addition, symptoms of allergic sinusitis may include

• Swelling, tenderness and pressure around the nose, forehead and eyes,
• Decreased sense of smell and taste,
• Fatigue and restlessness,
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Sleep problems

What are the Symptoms of Advanced Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis, also known as advanced sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or longer. In advanced cases of sinusitis, symptoms may be similar to acute sinusitis. However, symptoms tend to last longer even when treatment is provided. In advanced sinusitis, mucus cannot flow due to nasal congestion. As a result, the nose and eye area swell and become sensitive. However, symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include

• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing,
• Colorless and thick mucus from the nose,
• Accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat,
• Decreased sense of taste and smell,
• Ear, throat and headache,
• Cough and bad breath.

Symptoms of advanced sinusitis usually do not include fever, but in some cases it may occur.

What are the Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis has a sudden onset and usually lasts less than 4 weeks. Since it is self-limiting, it can result in a full recovery. It can often be caused by viruses. Viral sinusitis can develop in about 90% of cases of the common cold. The main symptoms of acute sinusitis may include

• Pressure and tension in the face,
• Fire,
• Face fullness
• Nasal congestion
• Ear, tooth and headache,
• Fatigue and weakness,
• Inability to smell.

What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis in the Brain?

The sinus cavities in the head are located close to the brain. Especially when there is inflammation in the frontal and sphenoid sinuses, it may be possible for bacteria or viruses to move towards the brain. Life-threatening infections can occur when microorganisms reach the brain through the bones or blood vessels. Sinusitis that spreads to the brain can cause a number of serious symptoms. Depending on where the infection has spread, the symptoms of sinusitis may differ. Symptoms of sinusitis in the brain may include

• Sudden fever,
• Headache
• Change in consciousness,
• Visual problems,
• Personality changes,
• Stiffness in the neck,
• Seizures and coma.

The spread of infection to the brain is serious and requires urgent medical care. Symptoms of sinusitis brain inflammation can become severe.

What Causes Sinusitis?

Sinus infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and allergens. Bacteria entering the sinuses and causing inflammation there indicates bacterial sinusitis. Bacterial sinusitis can often occur after viral upper respiratory tract infections. It can cause worsening of symptoms about 5 days after viral sinusitis and persistent symptoms can occur after 10 days. After 10 days, a runny and stuffy nose that does not improve, pressure and pain in the face can be among the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis. Antibiotic drugs and sprays may be preferred in cases of bacterial sinusitis. Sinusitis cases can commonly be caused by viruses. The severity of signs and symptoms may ease, but infections may recur. Fungal sinusitis caused by fungi is usually more serious. Fungal sinusitis may be easier to develop in individuals with a weakened immune system. In addition, seasonal allergies, colds and flu, anatomical disorders in the nose (crooked nose, etc.), the presence of polyps and excessive use of nasal sprays are other factors that can cause sinusitis.

How Does Sinusitis Pass?

The factor causing the sinusitis, the duration of the infection and the symptoms can shape the treatment. Not all sinusitis can be treated in the same way. The methods applied in the treatment of sinusitis can be alone or in combination. In response to the question “How does sinusitis pass?“, the preferred applications within the scope of sinusitis treatment may be as follows:

• Antibiotic drugs: This is a standard method of treating bacterial sinusitis. Antibiotics are generally recommended for 3-28 days. Symptoms may not be relieved unless antibiotics are effective against the bacteria.
• Decongestant sprays: May help narrow swollen and blocked nasal passages, increasing drainage flow. It is not recommended to use topical decongestants for more than 3-4 days.
• Antihistamine medicines: Can be used to treat allergic sinusitis and can help relieve symptoms.
• Corticosteroid sprays: May be effective in shrinking nasal polyps and preventing recurrence. It can be used to treat inflammation in the sinus cavities.
• Surgery Surgery may be preferred if other sinusitis treatments fail. Defects or anatomical defects in the nasal bones can be corrected, nasal polyps can be removed.

A doctor should be consulted to determine the most appropriate method of treating sinusitis.

How to Drain Sinusitis Inflammation?

Sinusitis can be drained with medical help or home care. Decongestants, cold and allergy medicines, antibiotics and steroid sprays prescribed for the question “How to drain sinusitis?” can be used to drain the inflammation. However, it is possible to treat sinusitis without medical treatment. Using humidifiers in rooms, inhaling steam, using nasal saline solutions, resting and drinking plenty of fluids can be effective in draining inflammation. Drinking plenty of fluids is an important step in thinning and draining mucus. Washing the face with warm or hot water can relieve facial tension and help open blocked nasal passages. The use of nasal saline solutions can help keep the nasal passages moist. In addition, washing the nose with salt water prepared at home can be effective in draining mucus. Boiled water and a sterile syringe can be used to prepare the solution. Salt water is a common method for draining sinusitis and draining mucus. Devices must be sterilized after use.

What is Good for Sinusitis Headache?

The quick and definitive solution to sinus headache is to treat the underlying cause. In this context, providing treatment of sinusitis is the most effective method for relieving headaches. However, some applications can be recommended to relieve the pressure in the sinuses and sinusitis pain:

• Applying hot compresses to pressurized and sore areas,
• Using decongestant sprays to drain the sinuses and reduce pressure,
• Apply saline or nasal drops,
• Inhaling vapors.

In some cases, sinusitis headache can be severe and may not resolve on its own. In case of chronic sinusitis headache, it may be necessary to seek medical help.

What is Good for Sinusitis Eye Pain?

Sinuses located near the back and inner corners of the eye can affect the eyes. Sinusitis eye pain can be caused by pressure behind the eyes. In order to clear the sinuses of infection, the flow of mucus must be ensured. This can lead to pressure and pain in the sinus channels. In some cases, infection in the sinuses can spread to the eyes. Sinusitis can also cause irritation of the eyes. Medical treatment of sinusitis causing eye pain should be provided. Allergy medications and decongestants, antibiotic drugs can be used in the presence of eye pain. In the presence of chronic and severe sinusitis eye pain, the sinuses can be drained by balloon sinoplasty.

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