What Is Sinusitis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

Healthy sinuses are filled with air and can easily drain the secretions they produce into the nasal cavity. When these passages become blocked due to infection, allergies, or structural issues within the nose, secretions accumulate. This environment facilitates the growth of microorganisms, which can lead to inflammation.

Sinusitis often occurs following a common cold. Additionally, allergic conditions, structural abnormalities in the nose, and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help alleviate symptoms quickly and reduce the risk of the condition becoming chronic.

Acute Sinusitis

This is the most common type of sinusitis. It typically develops following viral upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold or flu. Symptoms resolve within 10 days for most people, though in some patients, they may persist for up to 4 weeks.

Subacute Sinusitis

This occurs when acute sinusitis does not fully resolve. Symptoms persist for 4 to 12 weeks.

Chronic Sinusitis

Symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks are classified as chronic sinusitis. Recurrent infections, allergies, and structural problems within the nose can contribute to the condition becoming chronic. This can significantly reduce quality of life.

What Causes Sinusitis?

The most common cause of sinusitis is upper respiratory tract infections. Beyond this, conditions that obstruct the natural drainage of the sinuses can also set the stage for the disease.

The primary causes include:

• Viral and bacterial infections
• Seasonal or year-round allergies
• Deviated septum
• Nasal polyps and enlarged adenoids
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Dental root infections, particularly those affecting the upper jaw teeth
• Trauma to the nose and facial area

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Acute and chronic sinusitis share similar symptoms. However, in chronic sinusitis, complaints persist longer and may flare up from time to time.

The most common symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Post-nasal drip
• Pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes
• Head and facial pain that worsens when bending forward
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Bad breath
• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Feeling of fullness in the ears
• Throat irritation and persistent cough
• Fatigue
• Mild to moderate fever

How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, the patient's symptoms are first evaluated, followed by an examination by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. In most cases, a physical examination is sufficient for diagnosis. When necessary, the following methods may be used:

• Nasal endoscopy: The inside of the nose is examined in detail with the help of a thin camera.
• Computed tomography (CT): It provides detailed imaging of the sinuses, especially for patients with chronic sinusitis or those scheduled for surgery.
• Allergy and blood tests: These may be performed when allergic causes are suspected.
• Culture test: In cases of treatment-resistant infections, a sample of nasal discharge can be taken to identify the causative microorganism.

Sinusitis Treatment

Treatment is planned based on the duration, severity, and underlying cause of the condition. Mild cases of acute sinusitis often resolve with supportive care.

• Nasal irrigation: Nasal rinses using saline or salt water help clear secretions.
• Medication: Nasal sprays, pain relievers, and fever reducers may be used as recommended by a doctor.
• Antibiotic treatment: This is recommended by a physician only in cases where a bacterial infection is suspected. Antibiotics are not effective for viral infections.
• Supportive care: Drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, and keeping the air in your environment humid can aid recovery.
• Surgical treatment: Endoscopic sinus surgery may be performed for chronic cases that do not respond to medication or for patients with structural issues in the nose.

What Happens If Sinusitis Is Not Treated?

Untreated sinusitis can become chronic, and symptoms may persist for a long time. In rare cases, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and cause serious complications.

These include:

• Periorbital infections
• Vision problems
• Meningitis
• Brain abscess
• Chronic pharyngitis
• Persistent throat complaints
• A significant decline in sleep quality and daily life.

How Can You Prevent Sinusitis?

• Protect yourself from infections by washing your hands regularly.
• Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
• If you have allergies, avoid triggers as much as possible.
• Ensure that your living spaces are sufficiently humid.
• Drink enough water throughout the day.
• Try to manage nasal congestion during a cold with saline solution.
• If you have symptoms such as prolonged nasal congestion, facial pain, or foul-smelling nasal discharge, consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist.