Inflammation of the sinuses

A network of air-filled chambers in the bones in the area of ​​the nose, makes up the entire structure of the paranasal sinuses. Mucus that cleans and moistens the nasal passages is produced here.

Small hairs (cilia) line the inside of the sinuses. They constantly transport mucus through small openings (ostia) into the nose and throat.

Once the drainage is blocked, mucus and air build up in the sinuses, creating a feeling of congestion. The stagnant, moist environment of a blocked maxillary sinus provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can then lead to bacterial sinusitis.

A blocked sinus and the associated feeling of illness usually subside within a week, but the condition can also worsen. This is often the beginning of a bacterial infection of the sinuses. Such sinus infections can become chronic and sinusitis can smolder in the body indefinitely.

Sinus problems typically begin with swelling of the sinus tissue due to irritation or inflammation in the sinuses. As a result, the ostia mentioned can become narrowed or closed, hindering the drainage of mucus from the sinuses.

Most cases of sinusitis are acute. This means that they come on quickly and go away in less than four weeks. It usually starts with a common cold. Thus, sinus congestion within the first few days of the disease often has a viral cause.

trigger sinusitis are:

• Colds can lead to a viral cold or a bacterial infection of the paranasal sinuses

• Nasal allergies can lead to recurrent, seasonal or chronic sinusitis and swelling

• fungal infections Chronic inflammation can cause the body's inflammatory response to fungal spores

• Pollutants, such as tobacco smoke or air pollution, can cause or worsen sinusitis

Sinus congestion can also be caused by:

• tissue growths (nasal polyps) or narrow nasal passages (deviated nasal septum)

• Air travel - Altitude or air pressure changes can seal a sinus cavity, allowing a bacterial infection to develop

• Other causes - A non allergic rhinitis, a festering tooth infection, an underactive immune system, cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis) or an abnormality of the cilia can lead to sinus problems.

The clear DiagnosisIt is difficult to determine whether a sinus infection is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, feeling of pressure in the face, mucus discharge, cough, headache, earache, fatigue and malaise can occur with both viral and bacterial infections. To rule out other reasons for a persistent infection, a health check.

The likelihood that a current sinus infection is a bacterial sinus infection is increased if you have the following symptoms:

• Persistent symptoms that last for seven days or longer

• Thick, yellow or greenish mucus in the nose or throat

• Facial pain or tenderness in the sinus area, especially on one side of the face

• Pain in the upper teeth, especially if one side of the mouth is more affected

The body can usually fight off bacterial sinusitis on its own

In over 70% of cases, the symptoms of an acute bacterial sinus infection subside within two weeks without taking antibiotics. Doctor Prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

Over 85% of patients who take antibiotics for a bacterial infection are free of symptoms within two weeks.

If the symptoms of sinusitis persist

Acute sinusitis may persist despite treatment, flare up within a week or two after treatment, or even occur several times a year.

In addition, chronic sinusitis may develop, lasting 12 weeks or longer. Chronic sinusitis is often associated with an overreaction of the immune system to an environmental irritant such as dust, pollen or fungi. The irritation itself does not cause infection, but acute bacterial infections can develop within the swollen sinuses.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A persistent acute bacterial infection can be treated with an antibiotic. Short-term use of oral corticosteroids can also calm inflammation or help reduce swelling of a polyp.

In these cases of sinusitis, medical attention is needed:

If sinusitis lasts for seven to 10 days and symptoms such as severe pain, high fever, double vision or blurred vision occur, medical attention is necessary.

How to quickly feel better with sinus infections

Regardless of whether acute sinusitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, there are ways to significantly alleviate the symptoms:

• warm compresses on the face or inhaling steam from a pot of hot water or a warm shower

• over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)

• short-term use of over-the-counter nasal sprays or oral decongestants

• Nasal irrigation can relieve symptoms

• prescription nasal sprays containing cortisone can accelerate healing in certain cases

• Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus