Sinusitis

Definition

If the symptoms last less than 4 weeks, it is usually an acute sinusitis. Subacute sinusitis usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks.

Recurring attacks of sinusitis that occur more than 3 times a year are called recurrent acute rhinosinusitis.

How many paranasal sinuses are there?

There are four pairs of paranasal sinuses, all associated with the nose:

• Maxillary sinus (jaw cavity)
• Frontal sinus (Stirnhöhle)
• Ethmoid sinus (a cavity that extends inside the nose)
• Sphenoidal sinus (a cavity located on the lower side of the skull)

Because of the connections, infections can spread rapidly within each sinus.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Typical symptoms of sinusitis are obstructed nasal breathing, increased discharge of mucus, toothache or facial pain and impaired sense of smell . In some cases, symptoms such as B. fever, cough, tiredness, headache and earache occur.

Causes of sinusitis

A distinction is made between a viral and a bacterial cause. Acute sinusitis is often a viral infection that usually lasts 7 to 10 days.
Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, could be caused, among other things, by a mold allergy or nasal polyps (overgrowth of tissue in the nasal mucosa). Risk factors such as asthma, smoking, dental treatment, allergies and many more can also promote chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis in children

Children, like adults, are also affected by sinusitis, which is often triggered by the common cold. Children who regularly attend facilities with many other children, such as kindergartens or schools, are often affected.

Since the bone structures in children are not yet consolidated, they are at risk of spreading the infection into the eye sockets. Therefore, you should see a doctor as soon as possible if your child has a fever, runny nose or cough for a long time.

Diagnosis: How Can a Doctor Diagnose Sinusitis?

The following questions should be considered when making the diagnosis:

• How long have the symptoms lasted?
• Were there also symptom-free intervals?
• Were there any effective therapy attempts?
• Do you have previous illnesses, previous operations or past dental treatments?
• Are there any other complaints such as B. Vomiting, pain or fever?

In the case of recurring and chronic sinusitis, it makes sense to examine the back of the nose and throat.

When should I see the doctor?

If you have a fever, red eyes, sudden onset of pain, reduced general condition or your symptoms persist for a long time (over several days) , you should see a doctor.

Therapy: What helps against sinusitis?

Sinusitis treatment is usually not necessary because the symptoms often go away on their own. In some cases, over-the-counter nasal rinses, nasal sprays, eucalyptus extracts and steam inhalation can also relieve the symptoms.

Steam inhalation is a common home remedy for sinusitis. To prepare for inhalation, you can take the following steps:

1. Fill a pot or bowl with hot water and place the container on a table
2. Sit in front of it and place a towel so that it covers your head and the container
3. Ideally, the water vapor can be collected under the towel
4. Please make sure you are far enough away from the hot water
5. Now you can breathe in the resulting vapors deeply through your mouth and nose
6. The water vapor inhalation should last for 10 to 20 minutes
7. You can prepare a saline steam inhalation by adding 2 teaspoons of salt to every liter of warm water and following steps 2 through 6 of the instructions

Other medications such as corticosteroids, antibiotics or painkillers should only be used after consulting your doctor.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help with sinusitis

Do you have sinusitis at all? Is treatment necessary in your case? What useful treatment options are there? You can clarify these and other questions in a detailed discussion with one of our Med-Healths doctors.

If necessary, our Med-Healths doctor can issue a prescription,
certificate of incapacity, or referral to another specialist.