If you experience symptoms such as persistent nasal congestion, facial pain, or if the infection spreads and causes ear pain, it is advisable to suspect the presence of "acute sinusitis" and seek medical attention.
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What is Sinus?
The sinus refers to air-filled cavities located around the nasal passages. These sinuses exist on both sides of the face and are divided into four pairs in different areas:
- Ethmoid Sinus: Located between the eyes (one pair).
- Maxillary Sinus: Located in the cheeks (one pair).
- Frontal Sinus: Located in the forehead (one pair).
- Sphenoid Sinus: Located at the back of the nasal cavity, beneath the base of the skull or brain (one pair).
Normally, the sinuses have a natural mechanism to drain and eliminate substances through the nasal passages. However, if the drainage becomes blocked, pathogens can accumulate, leading to sinusitis. When sinusitis occurs, pus may accumulate, affecting the respiratory system and sense of smell, resulting in various symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
When sinusitis occurs, individuals often experience severe, throbbing pain around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, or the nose area. Some may feel pain similar to a toothache or upper jaw pain. This pain may worsen in the morning, afternoon, or when bending forward or changing positions. Other symptoms include:
- Headache
- Stuffy or Reduced Sense of Smell
- Nasal Voice
- Thick Yellow or Green Nasal Discharge
- Sore Throat with yellow or green phlegm
- Foul-Smelling Breath
- Fever (in acute cases)
Since the sinuses are close to the eyes and brain, some people may develop severe complications, such as pus flowing into the eyes, causing vision disturbances, double vision, or even blindness. Pus can also spread to the brain, leading to disabilities or even death.
Factors Contributing to Sinusitis:
- The likelihood of developing sinusitis after a cold is about 0.5-5%. Statistics suggest that about 1 in 8 individuals will experience sinusitis at some point in their lives.
- Individuals with nasal allergies have a high frequency (50-70%) of developing sinusitis.
- Those with abnormal nasal structures, such as a deviated septum, are prone to sinusitis.
- Smokers or people frequently exposed to smoke.
- Those living in areas with high air pollution.
Treatment of Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is a sudden condition often treated with medication, particularly antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Treatment usually takes 7-14 days. Doctors may collect a sample of nasal discharge to determine the specific type of bacteria for targeted antibiotic use.
Additionally, medication to reduce inflammation and facilitate mucus drainage may be prescribed. This can include oral medication or nasal sprays containing specific steroids. These medications effectively reduce inflammation, and newer sprays are considered safe with no side effects. However, according to research from the Cochrane Review, steroid sprays are most effective when they can effectively reach the sinus cavities.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis treatment often involves a combination of medication and surgery. Surgical options include conventional surgery or balloon sinuplasty. In the earlier stages, surgery primarily focuses on draining the sinuses, while later stages involve addressing blockages and restoring normal drainage to reduce the risk of recurrence.
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