Khaberni - The German site "Gesundheitsinformation.de" states that sinusitis typically occurs after catching a cold when the swollen mucous membranes block the drainage of mucus, leading to the buildup of secretions in the sinuses, which promotes inflammation.
The health-focused site explains that the upper and ethmoid sinuses are most affected, noting that sinusitis can be acute (7-14 days) or chronic (if it persists for more than 12 weeks).
Causes
Sinusitis may be caused by the following:
- Viral infection: In more than 90% of cases, sinusitis is a result of a cold; where the swollen mucous membranes prevent ventilation of the sinuses, thereby preventing the drainage of secretions, creating a perfect environment for the proliferation of pathogens.
- Additional bacterial infection: If the infection lasts for more than 10 days, bacterial colonization often occurs.
- Allergies: Allergies such as hay fever, dust mites, or mold spores can chronically irritate the nasal mucous membrane and promote inflammation.
- Dental issues: Inflammation can spread from the upper jaw area through the roots of the teeth to the upper sinuses.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Facial pain (forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes).
- Nasal blockage or congestion.
- Yellowish-green or thick nasal discharge.
- Reduced or complete loss of smell.
- Headache and dental pain, especially when bending over.
- Cough (especially at night due to mucus secretions).
- General feeling of illness, and possibly fever.
Potential Consequences
Possible consequences of untreated sinusitis include:
- Chronic inflammation: Ongoing swelling in the mucous membranes and formation of polyps leading to difficulties in nasal breathing.
- Eye complications: Spread of the inflammation to the eye cavity causing visual disturbances, and in extreme cases blindness.
- Meningitis: A rare spread of the infection to the meninges, but life-threatening.
- Abscesses: Pus collections in the sinuses, often requiring surgical removal.
- Sinus-bronchial syndrome: Chronic drainage of mucus into the throat, cough, and bronchitis.
- Dental diseases: Spread of inflammation to the roots of the teeth.
Treatment Options
Prevention of these complications is usually possible with early treatment, which consists of:
- Nasal sprays that relieve congestion (for a maximum of 5 to 7 days).
- Nasal irrigation with saline solution.
- Steam inhalation.
- Pain relievers (such as ibuprofen and paracetamol) for treating headaches or facial pain.
- Drinking plenty of fluids: Helps thin the mucus.
Medications That May Be Required (if needed):
- Antibiotics: For severe or long-lasting cases (more than 10 days) or if there is a fever or worsening of symptoms after initial improvement.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays: For severe mucous membrane swelling or chronic conditions.
- Antihistamines: For swelling of the mucous membranes due to allergies.
In cases of chronic sinusitis, surgical procedures such as minimally invasive nasal opening widening may be necessary.
