Can you have a sinus infection on one side only. What are the symptoms of a unilateral sinus infection. How is a one-sided sinus infection treated. When should you seek medical attention for sinus pain on one side.

Understanding Sinus Infections: Unilateral vs. Bilateral

Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can affect one or more of the paranasal sinuses. While many people experience bilateral sinus infections, affecting both sides of the face, it is indeed possible to have a sinus infection on only one side. This condition is referred to as unilateral sinusitis.

Unilateral sinus infections can be particularly troublesome because they often cause asymmetrical symptoms, leading to confusion and concern for those experiencing them. Understanding the nature of these infections is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Distinguishing Features of Unilateral Sinusitis

• Pain or pressure localized to one side of the face
• Swelling around one eye
• Nasal congestion primarily in one nostril
• Uneven nasal discharge

Common Symptoms of One-Sided Sinus Infections

Recognizing the symptoms of a unilateral sinus infection is crucial for timely treatment. While some symptoms may overlap with those of bilateral sinusitis, the key difference lies in their asymmetrical presentation.

Is facial pain always indicative of a sinus infection? Facial pain, particularly when localized to one side, can be a strong indicator of a sinus infection. However, it’s important to note that facial pain can also be caused by other conditions, such as dental problems or neurological issues.

• Localized pain or pressure on one side of the face
• Swelling around one eye or cheek
• Nasal congestion or blockage predominantly in one nostril
• Unilateral nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip on one side
• Reduced sense of smell on the affected side
• Headache localized to one side

Causes of Unilateral Sinus Infections

Understanding the underlying causes of one-sided sinus infections can help in prevention and guide appropriate treatment strategies. While the exact cause may vary from person to person, several common factors can contribute to the development of unilateral sinusitis.

Are viral infections the most common cause of sinus infections? While viral infections are indeed a frequent cause of sinusitis, they typically affect both sides. Unilateral sinus infections are more often associated with other factors.

• Anatomical abnormalities (e.g., deviated septum)
• Nasal polyps
• Dental infections
• Fungal infections
• Foreign objects in the nasal cavity
• Trauma or injury to one side of the face
• Tumors (rare)

Diagnosing One-Sided Sinus Infections

Accurate diagnosis of a unilateral sinus infection is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm the presence of sinusitis and determine its underlying cause.

Can a sinus infection be diagnosed solely based on symptoms? While symptoms provide valuable clues, a definitive diagnosis often requires additional testing or imaging to rule out other conditions and confirm the presence of a sinus infection.

Diagnostic Methods

1. Physical examination
2. Nasal endoscopy
3. Imaging studies (CT scan or MRI)
4. Cultures of nasal discharge
5. Allergy testing

Treatment Options for Unilateral Sinus Infections

The treatment of one-sided sinus infections depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. A tailored approach is often necessary to address the specific factors contributing to the infection.

Are antibiotics always necessary for treating sinus infections? Not all sinus infections require antibiotics. Viral sinusitis, which is more common, does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics are typically reserved for bacterial infections or cases that do not improve with other treatments.

Conservative Treatments

• Nasal saline irrigation
• Steam inhalation
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Decongestants (used sparingly)
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Medical Interventions

• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
• Oral corticosteroids (in severe cases)
• Antifungal medications (for fungal sinusitis)

Surgical Options

In cases where conservative treatments and medical interventions fail to provide relief, or when structural abnormalities are present, surgical intervention may be necessary.

• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
• Septoplasty (for deviated septum)
• Removal of nasal polyps

Preventing Recurrent Unilateral Sinus Infections

While not all cases of one-sided sinus infections can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk of recurrence and promote overall sinus health.

Can lifestyle modifications significantly impact sinus health? Absolutely. Simple changes in daily habits and environmental factors can play a crucial role in maintaining healthy sinuses and preventing infections.

• Maintain good nasal hygiene
• Use a humidifier in dry environments
• Avoid known allergens and irritants
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Manage allergies effectively
• Stay hydrated

When to Seek Medical Attention for Unilateral Sinus Pain

While many cases of sinus infections can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment.

Should you always see a doctor for sinus pain on one side? Not necessarily. Mild, short-lived sinus discomfort can often be managed at home. However, persistent or severe symptoms, especially when accompanied by other concerning signs, should prompt a medical evaluation.

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Care

• Severe headache or facial pain
• Visual disturbances
• High fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
• Neck stiffness
• Mental confusion
• Swelling or redness extending beyond the cheek or eye area

Symptoms Warranting a Doctor’s Visit

• Symptoms persisting for more than 10 days
• Worsening symptoms after initial improvement
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Chronic nasal discharge
• Persistent facial pain or pressure

Understanding the nuances of unilateral sinus infections is crucial for proper management and timely intervention. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and knowing when to seek medical attention, individuals can effectively navigate the challenges posed by one-sided sinus infections. Remember, while many cases can be managed with conservative measures, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.

Sinus Pain or Congestion

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Fullness, pressure or pain on the face over a sinus
• Sinus pain occurs above the eyebrow, behind the eye, and under the cheekbone
• Other common symptoms can be a blocked nose, nasal discharge, or postnasal drip

Symptoms

• Most often, the pain or pressure is just on one side of the face.
• Swelling around just one eye.
• Other common symptoms are a stuffy or blocked nose or nasal discharge. Your child may also have a nasal drip down the back of the throat. This is called a postnasal drip.
• Less common symptoms are bad breath or mouth breathing. Also, may have a sore throat and throat clearing from postnasal drip.
• Age Limit. Sinus pain is not a common symptom before 5 years of age.

Causes of Sinus Congestion

• Viral Sinus Infection. Part of the common cold. A cold infects the lining of the nose. It also involves the lining of all the sinuses.
• Bacterial Sinus Infection. A problem when the sinus becomes infected with bacteria. (Occurs in 5% of colds). It starts as a viral sinus infection. Main symptoms are increased sinus pain or return of fever. The skin around the eyelids or cheeks may become red or swollen. Thick nasal secretions that last over 14 days may point to a sinus infection. This can occur in younger children.
• Allergic Sinus Reaction. Sinus congestion often occurs with nasal allergies (such as from pollen). Sneezing, itchy nose and clear nasal discharge point to this cause.

Treatment of Sinus Congestion

• Viral Sinus Infection. Nasal washes with saline. Antibiotics are not helpful.
• Bacterial Sinus Infection. Antibiotics by mouth.
• Allergic Sinus Reaction. Treatment of the nasal allergy with allergy medicines also often helps the sinus symptoms.
• All Thick Nasal Drainage. Nasal secretions need treatment with nasal saline when they block the nose. Also, treat if they make breathing through the nose hard. If breathing is noisy, it may mean the dried mucus is farther back. Nasal saline rinses can remove it.

Color of Nasal Discharge with Colds

• The nasal discharge changes color during different stages of a cold. This is normal.
• It starts as a clear discharge and later becomes cloudy.
• Sometimes it becomes yellow or green colored for a few days. This is still normal.
• Colored discharge is common after sleep, with allergy medicines or with low humidity. Reason: all of these events decrease the amount of normal nasal secretions.

Bacterial Sinus Infections: When to Suspect

• Yellow or green nasal discharge is seen with both viral and bacterial sinus infections. Suspect a bacterial infection if the discharge becomes thick (like pus). But, it also needs one or more of these symptoms:
• Sinus Pain, not just normal sinus congestion. Pain occurs mainly behind the cheekbone or eye or
• Swelling or redness of the skin over any sinus or
• Fever lasts more than 3 days or
• Fever returns after it’s been gone for over 24 hours or
• Nasal discharge and post-nasal drip lasts over 14 days without improvement

When to Call for Sinus Pain or Congestion

Call 911 Now

• Not moving or too weak to stand
• Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak or cry)
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Trouble breathing, but not severe. Exception: gone after cleaning out the nose.
• Redness or swelling on the cheek, forehead or around the eye
• Severe pain and not better after using care advice
• Weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
• Fever over 104° F (40° C)
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Headache lasts more than 48 hours
• Fever lasts more than 3 days
• Fever returns after being gone more than 24 hours
• Earache occurs
• Sinus pain (not just pressure) and fever
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Sinus pain (not just pressure or fullness) lasts more than 24 hours, after using nasal washes
• Thick yellow or green pus draining from nose and not improved by nasal washes. Exception: yellow or green tinged secretions are normal.
• Sinus congestion and fullness lasts more than 14 days
• Nasal discharge lasts more than 2 weeks
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Normal sinus congestion as part of a cold

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Sinus Congestion

1. What You Should Know About Sinus Congestion:
   • Sinus congestion is a normal part of a cold.
   • Nasal discharge normally changes color during different stages of a cold. It starts as clear, then cloudy, turns yellow-green tinged, then dries up.
   • Yellow or green-tinged discharge. This is more common with sleep, antihistamines or low humidity. (Reason: decrease the amount of normal nasal secretions. )
   • Usually, nasal washes can prevent a bacterial sinus infection.
   • Antibiotics are not helpful for the sinus congestion that occurs with colds.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Nasal Saline to Open a Blocked Nose:
   • Use saline (salt water) nose spray (such as store brand). This helps to loosen up the dried mucus. If you don’t have saline, you can use a few drops of water. Use bottled water, distilled water or boiled tap water. Teens can just splash a little water in the nose and then blow.
   • Step 1: Put 3 drops in each nostril.
   • Step 2: Blow each nostril out while closing off the other nostril. Then, do the other side.
   • Step 3: Repeat nose drops and blowing until the discharge is clear.
   • How often: Do saline rinses when your child can’t breathe through the nose.
   • Saline nose drops or spray can be bought in any drugstore. No prescription is needed.
   • Saline nose drops can also be made at home. Use ½ teaspoon (2 mL) of table salt. Stir the salt into 1 cup (8 ounces or 240 mL) of warm water. Use bottled water or boiled water to make saline nose drops.
   • Reason for nose drops: Suction or blowing alone can’t remove dried or sticky mucus.
   • Other option: use a warm shower to loosen mucus. Breathe in the moist air, then blow each nostril.
3. Fluids – Offer More:
   • Try to get your child to drink lots of fluids.
   • Goal: Keep your child well hydrated.
   • It also will thin out the mucus discharge from the nose.
   • It also loosens up any phlegm in the lungs. Then it’s easier to cough up.
4. Humidifier:
   • If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier. Reason: Dry air makes nasal mucus thicker.
5. Decongestant Nose Spray (Age 12 years or Older):
   • Use this only if the sinus still seems blocked up after nasal washes. Use the long-acting type (such as Afrin).
   • Dose: 1 spray on each side. Do this 2 times per day.
   • Always clean out the nose before using.
   • Use for 1 day. After that, use only for symptoms.
   • Don’t use for more than 3 days. (Reason: Can cause rebound congestion).
   • Decongestants given by mouth (such as Sudafed) are another choice. They can also open a stuffy nose and ears. Side effects: They may make a person feel nervous or dizzy. Follow the package directions.
6. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Use as needed.
7. Cold Pack for Pain:
   • For pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth.
   • Put it over the sinus for 20 minutes.
   • Caution: Avoid frostbite.
8. Allergy Medicine:
   • If the child also has nasal allergies, give an allergy medicine.
   • Long-acting allergy medicines (such as Zyrtec) are a good first choice. Other options are Allegra or Claritin. Reason: these meds do not cause your child to act sleepy.
   • Benadryl can be used if these products do not control symptoms.
   • No prescription is needed.
9. What to Expect:
   • With this advice, the viral sinus blockage goes away in 7 to 14 days.
   • The main problem is a sinus infection from bacteria. This can occur if bacteria multiply within the blocked sinus. This leads to a fever and increased pain. It needs antibiotics. Once on treatment, the symptoms will improve in a few days.
10. Return to School:
    • Sinus infections cannot be spread to others.
    • Your child can return to school after the fever is gone. Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities.
11. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Sinus pain lasts more than 24 hours after starting treatment
    • Sinus congestion lasts more than 2 weeks
    • Fever lasts more than 3 days
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 09/23/2021

Last Revised: 03/11/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Will my sinus infection clear up on its own?

Speaking of Health

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The first few weeks of the common cold aren’t fun, but the acute sinusitis that can pop up afterwards doesn’t help either. Sinus congestion and the common cold, unfortunately, go hand in hand. Acute sinusitis frequently is caused by the common cold, but also can be caused by allergies and bacterial and fungal infections. 

Sinus infections are caused when the cavities around your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen, which eventually interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up. This tends to get annoying, because it makes breathing through the nose difficult. It also affects the area around your eyes and face, and can cause a throbbing headache. 

When a sinus infection hits, it’s always worse than what you remembered from the last time you had one. This may give you the idea that you need antibiotics, but most clear up without them. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and aren’t recommended within the first week of developing a cold. About 70 percent of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

Consider these other forms of treatments instead of antibiotics:

• Decongestants. These medications are available for over-the-counter purchase. Be careful to only take these medications for a few days at most, as they can cause the return of more severe congestions.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers. Aspirins, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve temporary pain. 
• Saline nasal spray. This is used to spray into your nose several times a day to rinse your nasal passages. They can help to prevent and treat inflammation.  

Antibiotics only will be needed if the infection is severe, recurrent or persistent. The likelihood of bacterial infection increases when:

• Symptoms last seven days or more, particularly when symptoms initially improve and then worsen.
• Mucus is thick and yellow or greenish in color.
• There is facial or sinus tenderness, particularly if it’s worse on one side of the face.
• Pain is present in the upper teeth and is worse on one side of the face.

If the infection becomes severe, recurrent or persistent, contact your provider.

Leanna Munoz is a nurse practitioner at Express Care in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.

Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. The sinuses are four paired cavities (spaces) in the head. They are connected by narrow channels. The sinuses make thin mucus that drains out of the channels of the nose. This drainage helps keep the nose clean and free of bacteria. Normally filled with air, the sinuses can get blocked and filled with fluid. When that happens, bacteria can grow and cause an infection (bacterial sinusitis).

This is also called rhinosinusitis, with “rhino” meaning “nose.” The nasal tissue is almost always swollen if sinus tissue is inflamed.

What are the different types of sinuses near the nose and eyes?

The paranasal sinuses are located in your head near your nose and eyes. They are named after the bones that provide their structure.

• The ethmoidal sinuses are located between your eyes.
• The maxillary sinuses are located below your eyes.
• The sphenoidal sinuses are located behind your eyes.
• The frontal sinuses are located above your eyes.

The biggest sinus cavity is the maxillary cavity, and it is one of the cavities that most often becomes infected.

There are different types of sinusitis:

• Acute bacterial sinusitis: This term refers to a sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain that does not go away after 10 days, or symptoms that seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms (termed “double sickening”). It responds well to antibiotics and decongestants.
• Chronic sinusitis: This term refers to a condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and decreased sense of smell for at least 12 weeks.
• Subacute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms last four to twelve weeks.
• Recurrent acute sinusitis: This term is used when the symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.

Who gets sinusitis?

A sinus infection can happen to anyone. However, people with nasal allergies, nasal polyps, asthma and abnormal nose structures are all more likely to get sinusitis. Smoking can also increase how often you get a sinus infection.

There are an estimated 31 million people in the United States with sinusitis.

How can I tell if I have a sinus infection, cold, or nasal allergy?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection. The common cold typically builds, peaks, and slowly disappears. It lasts a few days to a week. A cold can transform into a sinus infection. Nasal allergy is inflammation of the nose due to irritating particles (dust, pollen, and dander). Symptoms of a nasal allergy can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and post nasal drip (mucus in the throat). Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can happen at the same time as a common cold.

If you are fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergy, see your healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes sinusitis?

Sinusitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus that swells and blocks the sinuses. A few specific causes include:

• The common cold.
• Nasal and seasonal allergies, including allergies to mold.
• Polyps (growths).
• A deviated septum. The septum is the line of cartilage that divides your nose. A deviated septum means that it isn’t straight, so that it is closer to the nasal passage on one side of your nose, causing a blockage.
• A weak immune system from illness or medications.

For infants and young children, spending time in day cares, using pacifiers or drinking bottles while lying down could increase the chances of getting sinusitis.

For adults, smoking increases the risks for sinus infections. If you smoke, you should stop. Smoking is harmful to you and to the people around you.

Is sinusitis contagious?

You can’t spread bacterial sinusitis, but you can spread viruses that lead to sinusitis. Remember to follow good hand washing practices, to avoid people if you are sick and to sneeze or cough into your elbow if you have to sneeze or cough.

What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis?

Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Post nasal drip (mucus drips down the throat).
• Nasal discharge (thick yellow or green discharge from nose) or stuffy nose
• Facial pressure (particularly around the nose, eyes, and forehead), headache and or pain in your teeth or ears.
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Cough.
• Tiredness.
• Fever.

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Diagnosis and Tests

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you a lot of questions in order to develop a detailed medical history and find out about your symptoms. They will also do a physical examination. During the exam, your care provider will check your ears, nose and throat for any swelling, draining or blockage. An endoscope (a small lighted/optical instrument) may be used to look inside the nose. In some cases, you might be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. If you needed an imaging exam, your provider would order a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Management and Treatment

How is sinusitis treated?

Sinusitis is treated in several ways, each depending on how severe the case of sinusitis is.

A simple sinusitis infection is treated with:

• Decongestants.
• Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.
• Nasal saline irrigation.
• Drinking fluids (sinusitis is a viral infection and fluids will help).

If symptoms of sinusitis don’t improve after 10 days, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics (for seven days in adults and 10 days in children).
• Oral or topical decongestants.
• Prescription intranasal steroid sprays. (Don’t use non-prescription sprays or drops for longer than three to five days — they may actually increase congestion).

Long-term (chronic) sinusitis may be treated by focusing on the underlying condition (typically allergies). This is usually treated with:

• Intranasal steroid sprays.
• Topical antihistamine sprays or oral pills.
• Leukotriene antagonists to reduce swelling and allergy symptoms.
• Rinsing the nose with saline solutions that might also contain other types of medication.

When sinusitis isn’t controlled by one of the above treatments, a CT scan is used to take a better look at your sinuses. Depending on the results, surgery may be needed to correct structural problems in your sinuses. This is most likely to happen if you have polyps and/or a fungal infection.

What complications are associated with sinus infection?

Although it does not happen very often, untreated sinus infections can become life-threatening by causing meningitis or infecting the brain, eyes, or nearby bone. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Do I need antibiotics for every sinus infection?

Many sinus infections are caused by viruses, the ones that cause the common cold. These types of infections are not cured by antibiotics. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection unnecessarily puts you at risk for side effects related to the antibiotic. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which may make future infections more difficult to treat.

Are complementary and alternative therapies useful for treating sinusitis?

You might find acupressure, acupuncture or facial massage helpful in reducing symptoms of sinusitis, including pressure and pain. They might also help you to relax. These treatments do not usually have unwanted side effects.

Is there a right way to blow your nose?

If you have a stuffy nose, trying to force yourself to blow your nose could make it worse. The best thing to do is to blow one side of your nose at a time gently into a tissue. You might want to first use some type of nasal rinse to loosen any material in your nose before blowing. Make sure you dispose of the tissue and then clean your hands with soap and water or an antimicrobial sanitizer.

Prevention

How can I prevent sinusitis?

Some of the home remedies used to treat sinus infections symptoms may help prevent sinusitis. These include rinsing your nose out with salt water and using medications that your provider might suggest, such as allergy medications or steroid nasal sprays.

You should avoid things you are allergic to, like dust, pollen or smoke, and try to avoid sick people. Wash your hands to reduce your chance of getting a cold or flu.

Living With

Will I need to make lifestyle changes to deal with sinus infections?

If you have indoor allergies it is recommended that you avoid triggers—animal dander and dust mites, for example—as well as take medications. Smoking is never recommended, but if you do smoke, strongly consider a program to help you quit. Smoke can also trigger allergies and prevent removal of mucous by the nose. No special diet is required, but drinking extra fluids helps to thin nasal secretions.

When should I go see the doctor about a sinus infection?

It is pretty easy to care for most sinus conditions on your own. However, if you continue to have symptoms that concern you or if your infections continue to happen, your primary care doctor might suggest you see a specialist. This could also happen if your CT scan shows something that does not look right.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Sinusitis, or swelling of the tissues of the sinus cavities, is a common condition with many causes, including viruses and bacteria, nasal polyps or allergies. Signs and symptoms may including facial pressure, fever and tiredness. You can treat symptoms at home by resting, taking over-the-counter products and increasing your fluid intake. Make sure you contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, if sinusitis happens often or if you have any symptom that worries you.

Viral vs. Bacterial Sinus Infections – Cleveland Clinic

Nasal congestion and swelling, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. Ugh. It’s probably another sinus infection. Or is it? And is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria — and does it really matter?

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It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infections very differently. Here’s what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them.

Viral or bacterial?

Sinusitis happens when your sinuses — the normally air-filled pockets in your face — become inflamed and blocked. Most sinus infections are viral. How can you tell whether your infection is viral or bacterial based on your symptoms?

“You can’t,” says Dr. Sindwani.

“Symptoms like bad breath, yellow or green mucus, fever and headache are not reliable signs of a bacterial infection,” he says. “They can occur with viral infections, too. Even your doctor can’t tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.”

Instead, your doctor looks largely at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.

Some steps you can take

Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive sinus care:

1. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril.
2. Use a nasal decongestant such as Afrin^®, but not longer than three days.
3. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day.
4. Get plenty of rest.
5. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the swelling of your sinuses.  

If your symptoms aren’t improving after one week, it’s important to see your doctor. If a bacterial infection is suspected, you’ll probably need to take an antibiotic to clear up the infection and prevent further complications. 

“If your infections occur more frequently, and your doctor really wants to establish if they are bacterial or viral, your Otolaryngologist or ear, nose and throat doctor can sample the snot from your nose when you’re infected and send it to a laboratory to know for sure.

Note: Antibiotics won’t help a viral infection, and taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good. You risk possible side effects and increase your chances of developing antibiotic resistance, which can make future infections harder to treat, says Dr. Sindwani. So it’s important to wait and see how long your symptoms last.

What to do for chronic sinusitis

If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis (nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and a decreased sense of smell lasting 12 weeks or longer) or you are getting frequent sinus infections you should see your doctor, says Dr. Sindwani.

Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed.

Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. But don’t look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens.

Five Signs You Might have a Sinus Infection 

Sinusitis is an often-misused term. It is frequently, but incorrectly, used to refer to a similar, but distinct condition called rhinitis.  Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages (not the sinuses), usually by a virus (the “common cold”) or an allergen (“hay fever”).  Sinusitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the sinus cavities, which are behind the cheeks and forehead, not in the nose at all.  But, each of the sinuses drains through tiny “passages” into the nose.   Therefore, both conditions cause nasal discharge, leading to the confusion between them.  To add to the confusion, sinusitis often follows rhinitis.  Similar to rhinitis, sinusitis may also be cause by a virus or allergen but additionally, can be caused by bacteria or fungi.

Since antibiotics are almost never helpful with the much more common rhinitis, but are often indicated for sinusitis, it is important to distinguish the two conditions.  So, how does one know the difference?  Below are five signs of a sinus infection or sinusitis:

Pain is among the most significant signs of sinusitis and is not common with rhinitis. There are sinuses located behind the forehead (frontal sinuses), behind the cheeks (maxillary sinuses), behind the nose (ethmoid sinuses), and near the eyes (sphenoid sinuses).  When any of these develops an infection, the resulting swelling and inflammation usually produces pain similar to a headache.

Pain may be felt generally throughout the head but will more often be experienced in the specific part of the head with the infected sinus.   Therefore, one sided, or very localized pain is more suggestive of a sinus infection that global head pain. Sinus headaches are often worse upon awakening in the morning due to the fluids that accumulated throughout the night. Changes in air pressure can also worsen sinus headaches.

• Thick and Colored Nasal Secretions

The nasal drainage of rhinitis is usually thinner, clear or slightly yellow in color and expressed from both nostrils equally.  In contrast, the nasal drainage associated with a sinus infection is thicker, darker green or brown, and sometimes bloody.  Importantly, since sinus infections are most often one-sided, dark or bloody secretions from only one nostril strongly suggest a sinus infection rather than a cold.

More often than the common cold, sinusitis can cause an increase in your body temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, the point at which temperature elevation is considered to represent a fever. You can relieve the fever and some of the discomfort by using over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). As with all over-the-counter medications, you should consult your doctor prior to taking them. Children under three months of age who exhibit signs of sinusitis or fever should see a doctor right away.

• Localized, specific symptoms

Unlike the common cold, that tends to produce symptoms in multiple locations including the nose, the throat, the bronchi and the lungs, sinus infections are much more specific to the sinus that is infected.  Therefore, phlegm production from the lungs, loss of voice, intestinal symptoms, chest pain or trouble breathing all suggest conditions other than a sinus infection. Chest pain, trouble breathing, or bloody phlegm produced from a cough should prompt evaluation by a doctor right away

In the same way that many colds are inappropriately referred to as a sinus infection, sinus infections can be inappropriately confused with an unusually persistent cold. It is unusual for the common cold to last beyond 10-14 days.  Instead, since sinusitis often follows the common cold, cold-like symptoms that persist beyond 2 weeks often represent sinusitis.   In fact, acute sinusitis can last for four weeks while chronic sinusitis can last for months.  Therefore, any symptoms consistent with a cold or sinusitis that persist beyond two weeks should be evaluated for possible sinusitis.

If you have symptoms of a sinus infection, see your doctor or visit one of CapRock Health’s facilities.

Symptoms, Causes, Duration, & Treatment

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and in your forehead. They make mucus, which keeps the inside of your nose moist. That, in turn, helps protect against dust, allergens, and pollutants.

Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.

Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include:

Types

You may hear your doctor use these terms:

• Acute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks.
• Subacute sinusitus usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic sinusitus symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
• Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.

Who Gets It?

Lots of people. About 35 million Americans have sinusitis at least once each year. It’s more likely if you have:

• Swelling inside the nose like from a common cold
• Blocked drainage ducts
• Structural differences that narrow those ducts
• Nasal polyps
• Immune system deficiencies or medications that suppress the immune system

For children, things that can cause sinusitis include:

• Allergies
• Illnesses from other kids at day care or school
• Pacifiers
• Bottle drinking while lying on the back
• Smoke in the environment

The main things that make sinusitis more likely for adults are infections and smoking.

Acute Sinusitis Symptoms

The main signs include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• “Stuffed-up” nose
• Runny nose
• Loss of smell
• Cough or congestion

You may also have:

It may be acute sinusitis if you have two or more symptoms, or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.

Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms

You may have these symptoms for 12 weeks or more:

• A feeling of congestion or fullness in your face
• A nasal obstruction or nasal blockage
• Pus in the nasal cavity
• Fever
• Runny nose or discolored postnasal drainage

You may also have headaches, bad breath, and tooth pain. You may feel tired a lot.

Lots of things can cause symptoms like these. You’ll need to see your doctor to find out if you have sinusitis.

Treatment

If you have a simple sinus infection, your doctor may recommend you use a decongestant and saline nasal washes. You shouldn’t use an over-the-counter decongestant for more than 3 days, though, because it can make you more congested.

If your doctor gives you antibiotics, you’ll probably take them for 10 to 14 days. The symptoms usually disappear with treatment.

Warm, moist air may help if you have chronic sinusitis. You can use a vaporizer, or you can inhale steam from a pan of warm water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot.

There are some other things you can do yourself to help with chronic sinusitis:

• Warm compresses can ease pain in the nose and sinuses.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin.
• Saline nose drops are safe to use at home.
• Over-the-counter decongestant drops or sprays can help. Don’t take them longer than recommended.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe steroids along with antibiotics.

Other Options

You also need to avoid any triggers linked to your sinusitis. 

If you have allergies,your doctor may recommend an antihistamine.

If a fungus is to blame, you’ll get a prescription for an antifungal medicine.

If you have certain immune deficiencies, your doctor may give you immunoglobulin, which helps fight the things your body reacts to.

Can I Prevent Sinusitis?

There is no sure-fire way to prevent sinusitis. But there are some things that might help.

• Don’t smoke, and avoid other people’s smoke.
• Wash your hands often, especially during cold and flu season, and try not to touch your face.
• Stay away from things you know you’re allergic to. Talk to your doctor to see if you need prescription medicines, allergy shots, or other forms of immunotherapy.

If your sinus problems keep coming back, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses.

What Happens if Sinusitis Isn’t Treated?

You’ll have pain and discomfort until it starts to clear up. In rare cases, untreated sinusitis can lead to meningitis, a brain abscess, or an infection of the bone. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Can You Have Sinus Pressure But No Congestion?

Can you have sinus pressure but no congestion? And if you can, does this mean you have a sinus infection that requires special treatment? If not, exactly what can mimic a sinus infection?

Unfortunately, the answers to this slippery slope of questions aren’t always so cut and dry. In particular, with a headache like this, there’s a chance that it’s not a sinus headache, but a migraine.

The treatment and causes of a migraine and sinus pressure are very different, but the symptoms can overlap significantly. These overlapping symptoms can lead to confusion and leave people at a loss for which types of treatment to pursue. 

If you’re feeling sinus pressure without the typical influx of mucus, here’s what you need to know.

How do you know if you’re experiencing sinus pressure?

Before we get into the weeds of answering the question, “Can you have sinus pressure but no congestion?” it’s important that we review the basics of sinus pressure. 

A sinus headache is a symptom of built-up pressure in the sinus cavities — typically causing maxillary sinus pain. This buildup occurs when your nasal passages mucus can no longer drain properly. In other words, sinus pressure and the sinus sinus headaches it causes are linked to congestion.

Since pressure buildup can get intense, many people have confused sinus pressure for a migraine and vice versa. However, sinus pressure is typically accompanied with other symptoms (including a fever, earache, or signs of a sinus infection) and frequently occurs in tandem with certain conditions.  

If you’re experiencing any of the following situations, you may be feeling the effects of sinus pressure instead of a migriane:

• You are feeling throbbing around your eyes, forehead, and nose. You may also be feeling this throbbing in your cheeks, jaw, ears, teeth, or back of the head.
• You are currently suffering from allergies or have (or recently have had) a sinus infection.
• You have thick mucus.
• You feel the majority of the pain in the morning. (A sinus headache in the morning is common and can help you determine whether or not you’re experiencing sinus pressure.)

Keep in mind that if you do have sinus pressure, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have a sinus infection. Everyday, non-serious issues, including allergies and the common cold can lead to sinus pressure and sinus headaches. 

If you are experiencing congestion, here are a few quick tips on how to get rid of sinus congestion.

Why are sinus headaches and migraines confused for one another? 

So, the answer to the question, “Can you have sinus pressure but now congestion?” is: not likely. But you can have a migraine whether you’re congested or not, and this is where the main point of confusion arises.

The root cause behind migraines is still up for debate. However the prevailing theory is that migraines are caused by neurological issues in the brain. Even so, the symptoms of sinus pressure can overlap with symptoms of a migraine. For example, patients suffering from either sinus pressure or migraines can experience drainage, watery eyes, and of course, facial pain. 

It is a commonly held belief that people who experience migraines have pain on the one side or the otherof their head. While this idea is true for many individuals, many others experience pain in their cheeks and forehead — ie, in the exact same place where you would experience sinus pressure. And some people experience sinus pressure on one side of their head.

People who experience migraines also frequently claim that factors such as weather changes, allergies, and congestion can act as triggers (albeit not as causes) for their headaches — contributing factors also shared with sinus headaches.

Key differentiators between migraines and sinus headaches  

So, how can you tell what’s causing your headache? If you’re struggling to identify whether your headache is a migraine or is caused by sinus pressure, the best thing you can do is to seek medical counsel. 

However, the two clearest differences are the location of the headache and whether or not you’re congested. If you experience the headache pain primarily on one side of your head, you may be more likely to have a migraine.  

If you’re not congested and have an extremely painful headache, you likely have a migraine. If you are congested and have an extremely painful headache, you may have either a migraine OR a sinus headache. 

Another potential indicator is the color of your mucus. Is it clear? If so, you most likely have a migraine. Is it yellowish? If so, your headache is likely caused by sinus pressure. 

To learn more about the differences between sinus headaches and migraines, check out our article: How Do I Know if I Have a Sinus Headache?

Do you have sinus pressure but no congestion? Contact Kaplan Sinus Relief today.

To reiterate: Can you have sinus pressure but no congestion? It’s highly unlikely to experience sinus pressure without mucus buildup and congestion. 

But that isn’t the end of the story. Treatments for sinus pressure and migraines differ. If you self-diagnose incorrectly and take sinus pressure treatments for a migraine, you could actually make your situation worse. And if you’ve ever had a migraine before, this you know just how unappealing this sounds.

If you do have sinus pressure, we can help you figure out the root cause of this pressure and provide you with various treatment options. These treatments could include decongestants, antibiotics, or in some situations, balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty in Houston has the ability to restore your sinuses’ natural drainage pathways and can help you find relief from sinus headaches and other underlying issues (including sleep apnea, snoring, allergies, and rhinitis).

For more information on balloon sinuplasty or to schedule a checkup today, give us a call at 713-766-1818 or request an appointment online today!

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief: 

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis) as a complication of prolonged rhinitis

This disease is caused by the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane lining the paranasal sinuses. Any of the paranasal sinuses can be involved in the process of inflammation in sinusitis, although more often in terms of the frequency of damage, the maxillary sinus (sinusitis) is in the first place, then ethmoid (ethmoiditis), frontal (frontal sinusitis), sphenoid (sphenoiditis).

This sequence is typical for adults and children over 7 years old.In young children under 3 years old, the ethmoid sinus is more often inflamed, and from 3 to 7 years old – a combined lesion of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. All sinuses on one side can be affected, then they speak of hemisinitis, and if both sides are affected, this is pansinitis. In acute and chronic sinusitis, an infection that penetrates the sinuses from the nose, teeth due to trauma or blood flow from a distant focus is of great importance. In acute sinusitis, monoflora is more common, and in chronic sinusitis, polymicrobial flora.

Most often, the picture of acute sinusitis appears on the fourth and more distant days after the onset of acute rhinitis. By this time, a secondary bacterial infection joins the course of acute rhinitis.

The transition of an acute form to a chronic one is most often promoted by the weakening of the body’s resistance after a severe infectious disease, or the presence of chronic foci of the disease in the body and anatomical disturbances in the architectonics of the nose, which prevent the outflow of contents from the sinuses.Allergy plays a significant role in the onset of chronic sinuitis. Acute sinusitis is characterized by: hyperemia of the nasal mucosa, infiltration, swelling and edema. Exudate of a serous, mucous, purulent, hemorrhagic or mixed nature accumulates in the cavity.

Sinusitis has the following symptoms:

First of all – a headache, most often in the forehead, regardless of which sinus is damaged. Obstruction of the corresponding half of the nose, unilateral purulent rhinitis.Decreased sense of smell. In acute sinusitis, an increase in body temperature is noted, there may be swelling in the cheek (with sinusitis), the root of the nose (with ethmoiditis), forehead (with frontal sinusitis), edema of the eyelids (lower – with sinusitis, upper – with frontal sinusitis), pain when probing the facial the walls of the corresponding nasal sinuses, and there is also difficulty in nasal breathing.

If the disease began with a rise in body temperature to 38 degrees or more, then by the third day the body temperature may decrease, but the headache, which is permanent, will intensify.

The patient may not notice a purulent rhinitis, because it drains into the nasopharynx in small quantities.

The sense of smell may be absent, but the patient may not notice it, because other disturbing moments distract his attention.

Experiencing difficulty in nasal breathing, the patient begins to use vasoconstrictor drops, which give a short-term positive result, but do not completely restore breathing.

These moments should alert the patient’s attention and induce to turn to an otolaryngologist for qualified help.

90,000 Bilateral sinusitis: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

Sinusitis is a common condition in which inflammation occurs in one or more of the paranasal sinuses. According to medical statistics, 1 in 10 people suffer from this pathology. Bilateral sinusitis is a serious disease that requires compulsory treatment with the assistance of a doctor. Self-medication in such a situation is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to extremely serious consequences.The disease is classified as bilateral in cases where the inflammation affects two opposite sinuses located on opposite sides of the nose.

With sinusitis, allergens, bacteria or viruses cause swelling of the nasal mucosa, due to which the sinuses become clogged and inflammatory exudate begins to accumulate in them. If, at the same time, the patency of the sinus lumen is not restored, then the patient’s well-being will continue to deteriorate and ultimately suppuration will occur in the inflamed sinuses.This condition is serious, and therapy is urgent, often even surgical. Most often, there is bilateral sinusitis (bilateral maxillary sinusitis), in which the maxillary sinuses are affected. However, this does not mean that the problem cannot affect other paired sinuses, such as the frontal or sphenoid sinuses. The course of the disease may be acute (acute bilateral sinusitis) or chronic. In rare cases, bilateral inflammation of all paired paranasal sinuses at once is possible.This condition is extremely serious. In medicine, it is called pansinusitis. A correct lifestyle helps to prevent the onset of the disease, which contributes to the maintenance of good immunity.

Reasons

There are three reasons for the appearance of pathology. They cause illness, usually in the presence of provoking factors that lead to a drop in immunity and a weakening of the body’s natural defenses. In persons who suffer from a constant decrease in immunity, the likelihood of pathology is especially high.The following reasons provoke the development of the disease:

• penetration of infection into the nasal sinuses – most often the problem is caused by bacteria and somewhat less often by viruses. Fungal sinusitis will be exceptional cases. Bacteria can enter the throat, nasal passages, or the infection enters the sinuses through the air;

• allergic reaction – also often provokes the appearance of pathology. Due to allergies, edema of the mucous membrane develops, which disrupts the outflow of the contents of the paranasal sinuses.As a result of this, stagnation develops in them, which becomes the cause of the further formation of sinusitis, which in most cases is bilateral;

• mechanical overlap of the lumen of the sinus – various polyps in the nasal cavity are often bilateral, which is why there is a violation of ventilation at once in the paired sinuses. Such a cause of pathology is not common, but it can take place.

As factors that lead to a drop in local immunity and allow the problem to begin to develop, doctors distinguish the following types of effects on the body:

• active and passive smoking;

• severe general hypothermia;

• the presence of chronic inflammatory pathologies of the pharynx;

• chronic inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity;

• proliferation of adenoids;

• the presence of carious teeth in the upper jaw that are left untreated;

• chronic lack of sleep;

• chronic overwork – not only physical, but also emotional;

• severe stress;

• monotonous nutrition, in which the body does not receive enough vitamins and minerals.

In the presence of predisposing factors that greatly increase the likelihood of developing sinusitis, special attention is required to your health. In such a situation, any runny nose that persists for more than 7 days requires an obligatory visit to an otolaryngologist. It is unacceptable to refuse professional treatment in such cases.

Classification

In medicine, bilateral sinusitis is classified according to the form of the course.In total, there are three types of bilateral sinusitis. Each of them develops from the previous one, if no treatment is carried out. Because of this, it is extremely important to seek medical help at the first suspicion of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. The division, depending on the severity of the process, is as follows:

• bilateral catarrhal sinusitis is the mildest form that does not pose a serious danger. With such a disease, a person experiences swelling of the mucous membrane, but complete blockage of the sinus duct does not occur, and its contents, albeit more slowly, come out.Mucus flowing from the nose, transparent, viscous consistency and without an unpleasant odor;

• exudative sinusitis – a disease of moderate severity. Inflammatory fluid (exudate) begins to accumulate in the paranasal sinuses. Discharge from the nose is mucous-watery, very abundant;

• purulent sinusitis is a severe form that develops with improper treatment of the exudative form of the disease.The fact that such a pathology takes place can be easily understood by the discharge from the nose of yellowish or greenish mucus with a very pungent unpleasant odor. The consistency of the mucus is stringy. Also, the patient has a constant feeling of flow along the back of the pharynx, which causes the need to cough up.

Independently, by the nature of the discharge, one can make an assumption about what form of violation occurs, but only an otolaryngologist can correctly diagnose.

Forecast

In the event that a person, at the very first symptoms of double sinusitis, sought medical help, the prognosis for him is favorable. Pathology will be completely eliminated at the initial stage and at the same time using the most gentle method. In such a situation, there are no complications, and the risk of an early relapse is minimal.

With an advanced disease, depending on the patient’s condition, the presence or absence of complications, the prognosis changes from unfavorable to poor.In some cases, with severe complications, even in a modern clinic, it is impossible to save a person. Because of this, it is highly discouraged to postpone therapy or to conduct it yourself.

Diagnostics

A presumptive diagnosis is made by a specialist already at the first appointment. During it, the history of the disease is collected and the patient’s complaints are listened to. Also, palpation of the areas of the nasal sinuses and rhinoscopy are performed. To further confirm the diagnosis, an examination is indicated.This makes it possible to accurately determine the degree of damage and sore sinuses.

1. X-ray of the face of the head. It is carried out most often, as it allows you to immediately assess the condition of the sinuses. At the same time, this method has contraindications. It cannot be used during pregnancy and childhood.

2. Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Allows you to identify as accurately as possible the affected sinuses, as well as immediately assess the general condition of the nasal cavity and detect neoplasms, if any.

3. Complete blood count. It is not always required, but is usually prescribed only with a significant violation in the patient’s condition.

In the event that the main reason for the appearance of the pathology was an allergic reaction, then the patient is sent for an allergy test. This skin procedure allows the irritant to be identified.

About Polyclinic No. 2 named after Semashko

Infectious acute rhinosinuitis, despite the introduction of modern methods of treatment, remains one of the most common diseases in otolaryngology.The pathogenesis of acute rhinitis is based on the effect of a viral agent against the background of a decrease in the natural defenses of the body and, first of all, the local protective properties of the nasal mucosa. In addition, the deterioration of the current environmental situation associated with anthropogenic factors of human activity, unfavorable occupational factors and bad habits contribute to an increase in the number of patients suffering from acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

According to various authors, the complications of rhinitis – rhinogenic sinusitis – account for 20-30% of all diseases of the ENT organs and have no tendency to decrease. But the frequency of acute sinusitis is most likely much higher than registered, since the disease often develops already in the first days of a respiratory viral infection, is masked by its symptoms and is not diagnosed in time by a general practitioner. The anatomical proximity of such important organs as the brain, the eye, the organ of hearing and balance, the possibility of developing rhinosinusogenic complications emphasizes the need for early diagnosis of sinusitis by an otolaryngologist (ENT), predicting the very possibility of the development of the disease and its prevention.

Insufficient effectiveness of therapeutic and prophylactic measures contributes to an increase in the number of chronic and persistently recurrent forms of diseases. Normally, all paranasal sinuses are filled with air entering through the nose. If an infection enters them and finds favorable conditions for growth there, inflammation occurs. The nature of the disease depends on the affected sinus, the intensity of the inflammation, and the symptoms of the disease are divided into general and local. Local symptoms include pain and a feeling of heaviness in the area of ​​the inflamed sinus.In particular, with sinusitis, pain in the cheek area worries, sometimes the teeth of the upper jaw or the entire half of the face hurt. The pain increases when the head is tilted, when coughing and sneezing. On the side of the affected sinus, the face may swell and the eyes may water. There is persistent congestion of the corresponding half of the nose and discharge from it. The most accurate information is provided by an X-ray examination, which is prescribed by an otolaryngologist (ENT), which allows not only to confirm the assumption, but also to reveal the size and norm of the sinuses, the type of change (thickening of the mucous membrane, cysts, accumulation of exudate).

Treatment of sinusitis by an otolaryngologist (ENT) is usually carried out on an outpatient basis and consists of the use of general medications, nasal drops. With purulent forms of sinusitis, the ancient rule remains in force: “where pus – remove there.” In our polyclinic №2 named. Semashko Moscow, it is possible to have a puncture-free treatment of the paranasal sinuses by the method of vacuum drainage by an otolaryngologist (ENT). An otogaryngologist (ENT) chooses a medicine and flushes the sinuses.In some cases, the otolaryngologist has to resort to puncturing the paranasal sinuses. The procedure, of course, is somewhat unpleasant, but in experienced hands and with proper anesthesia, it is easily tolerated and its therapeutic effect is very high. If pus is not removed from the sinuses in a timely manner, the disease can take a protracted course or become chronic. Therefore, you should not abandon this procedure. If sinusitis takes on a chronic course, it means that the acute process has not been cured.

Signs of chronic sinusitis: recurrent headache, often appearing in the evening, almost constant nasal congestion and discharge from it.A sure sign of chronic sinusitis is nasal polyps. Polyps form from the affected mucous membrane around the sinuses. They can become a serious obstacle to free breathing through the nasal passages. By making nasal breathing difficult, they support inflammation both in the nasal sinuses and in the nasal cavity. The operation to remove polyps is performed on an outpatient basis as gently as possible. For a more accurate diagnosis and choice of treatment by an otolaryngologist (ENT), in our clinic №2 named afterSemashko, an otolaryngologist can look at the nose through optical instruments.

Diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses: symptoms, types, methods of treatment

Without timely treatment of the common cold, the risk of developing complications increases – up to chronic diseases of the nose.

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Examination of scrapings from the nasal mucosa will help to quickly establish the cause of the disease, as well as identify the patient’s sensitivity to antibiotics.

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Ultrasound of the paranasal sinuses is a painless examination method that allows you to detect accumulated pus, lumps in the mucous membrane and cystic fluid.

Where can you get an ultrasound scan?

Computed tomography is a diagnostic study that allows you to obtain detailed images of the paranasal sinuses and identify the presence of malignant neoplasms.

How much does a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses cost?

Special offers, discounts and promotions will help you significantly save on medical examinations.

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A third of ENT patients come to the polyclinic with complaints of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Even a slight malaise can noticeably ruin our lives, because the nose is a very important organ. The nose and paranasal sinuses perform many functions – they provide breathing, warm and moisturize the inhaled air, cleanse it of dust, and give us the opportunity to enjoy the aroma of flowers and fresh bread. The nose is a complex and fragile system, and, unfortunately, its diseases are not uncommon.

Causes and prevalence of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses

The nose in the common sense is, one might say, the tip of the iceberg. The outer part of the nose consists of two bones, the lower part of it is the cartilage that forms the wings and the tip of the nose. In each half of the nose there are three turbinates and three nasal passages (lower, middle and upper) – inhaled and exhaled air passes through them. Behind the nose are the sinuses – the paranasal (paranasal) sinuses, located in the bones of the skull.

The nose is lined with a mucous membrane from the inside. It is very thin, but normally it successfully performs a protective function – the smallest cilia located on its surface remove mechanical impurities from the air, and the mucous glands help fight pathogenic bacteria. Unfortunately, our mucous membrane does not always cope with duties. This may be due to a weakened immune system or a lack of vitamins. Then bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic particles still enter our body.And the risk of getting sick increases significantly.

It should be said that today there is an increase in the number of people suffering from diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. There is no exact data on the reasons for this negative trend, but perhaps the whole point is in the poor environmental situation and uncontrolled self-medication. There are also seasonal fluctuations – in the autumn-winter period, due to outbreaks of acute respiratory diseases, the number of cases increases. Another peak is observed during the swimming season – water trapped in the nose during swimming and diving can also cause inflammation.

By the way
A runny nose is one of the most common diseases in the world. According to statistics, about 90% of the population at least once a year complain of nasal congestion.

What diseases of the nose are there?

Diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses can be caused by various causes. Among them are the individual features of the structure of this organ, trauma, disorders of the functions of various organs, infectious diseases, neoplasms.

Congenital nasal abnormalities

More common than you might think.In many people, the nasal septum is slightly curved, this is a variant of the norm and does not lead to any diseases. But sometimes there are more serious deformities that prevent the nose from functioning normally. Curvature of the nose, narrowing of the nasal passages, fistulas and other abnormalities can lead to chronic nose problems. In such cases, surgery is most often indicated.

Traumatic diseases

Injuries to the nose are also not uncommon.They can be closed, open and combined, with and without displacement of bone fragments, with deformation and without deformation of the outer parts of the nose. Even if the bones have not been damaged, trauma to the nose always leads to edema, which sometimes results in a hematoma of the nasal septum.

Infectious (viral, bacterial, fungal) diseases of the nose

This group of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses is the most common. It includes rhinitis, sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis, sphenoiditis), polyposis and many other diseases.Since they are very common, let’s dwell on them in more detail.

Symptoms and treatment of major diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses

Rhinitis

Popularly known as the common cold. This is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. There are many reasons for the development of inflammation – rhinitis can be caused by various microbes and viruses, allergic reactions. Sometimes a runny nose is a consequence of the presence of adenoids. If the runny nose is not treated, it will become chronic and it will be much more difficult to get rid of it.

The main symptoms of rhinitis are sneezing, watery eyes, mucous nasal discharge. In chronic rhinitis, there is a decrease in smell and severe swelling of the nasal mucosa.

For rhinitis, vasoconstrictor drugs, inhalation and rinsing of the nose with aqueous and antiseptic solutions are indicated.

Sinusitis

This is the name of the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses caused by an infection or an allergic reaction. Symptoms of this disease are nasal congestion, headache, fever, pressure on the eyes, and loss of smell.Sometimes there is a toothache on the affected side or noticeable swelling of the face. Sinusitis can be caused by both an infectious disease and injury, bathing in dirty water, dental problems, and the presence of polyps in the nasal passages. With sinusitis, puncture drainage of the paranasal sinuses, vasoconstrictor drops, drugs that strengthen the immune system, and antibiotics are shown.

Sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis and sphenoiditis are forms of sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane and bone walls of the maxillary sinus, and with frontal sinusitis, the inflammation is localized in the frontal sinus.Both are characterized, in addition to nasal congestion, headaches, weakness, and fever. With ethmoiditis, the pathological process develops in the cells of the trellis labyrinth. With sphenoiditis, inflammation of the sphenoid sinus is observed.
Sinusitis is very dangerous and requires urgent treatment – pus from the affected sinuses can spread to adjacent tissues and even to the brain, which threatens the most serious consequences.

Polyps

Arise due to the growth of the nasal mucosa.The causes of polyps are different, but most often chronic inflammation is to blame. It is curious that men suffer from polyposis 4 times more often than women. Due to the proliferation of the mucous membrane, the nasal passages are blocked and the openings of the paranasal sinuses are blocked, this makes breathing difficult and leads to the development of other ENT diseases. Symptoms of polyposis: nasal congestion, frequent inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx (polyps pinch blood vessels and the mucous membrane, practically deprived of nutrition, ceases to perform barrier functions), a characteristic nasal voice, impairment of smell and hearing.Treatment of polyposis is prompt, although in the early stages conservative methods can also be dispensed with – anti-inflammatory and antihistamines, strengthening immunity, specific immunotherapy with non-bacterial or bacterial allergens.

Scleroma

Chronic infectious disease affecting the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. It develops slowly over several years. It all starts with atrophic changes in the mucous membranes with the formation of infiltrates in the form of nodules, which then degenerate into scar tissue.This leads to narrowing of the nasal passages and difficulty in breathing. Symptoms: nasal congestion, shortness of breath, hoarseness, constant drowsiness, fatigue, headaches. In the treatment of scleroma, medical methods, inhalations are used. In recent years, X-ray therapy has been successfully used. Surgical methods are indicated only in severe cases.

In women, scleroma occurs more often than in men, often this disease affects several family members. Most often, scleroma is detected in a patient aged 15–20 years.

Prevention

It is impossible to reduce the risk of developing diseases of the nose to zero, but some measures can significantly reduce the risk.

Avoid hypothermia . Contrary to popular belief, cold itself does not provoke a runny nose and colds, but low temperatures cause narrowing of blood vessels and increase the vulnerability of mucous membranes.

Rinse nose . This is especially true in winter and autumn, during flu epidemics, as well as in spring, when flowering begins.For flushing and irrigation, a simple saline solution is suitable. It will wash away bacteria and allergens.

Eat well . The diet should be varied, with a predominance of natural products – fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and fish, cereals. Minimize your consumption of fast food and convenience foods. It will also be useful to take substances that strengthen the immune system. These include vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, cabbage, rose hips), vitamin A (rich in carrots, bell peppers, leafy vegetables), zinc (any green vegetables, eggs, dairy products), magnesium and selenium (buckwheat, oatmeal, dark rice and other cereals).Herbal adaptogens, such as ginseng, eleutherococcus, and lemongrass, also strengthen health well.

Since the symptoms of different diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses are very similar, it is almost impossible to independently determine what exactly you are sick with. Means that are effective in the treatment of some diseases are completely ineffective in others. Therefore, it is much more advisable to immediately consult a doctor so as not to waste money on useless drugs and prevent the development of complications.

Traditional Chinese Sinusitis Treatment

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses: maxillary (sinusitis), frontal (frontal), ethmoid labyrinth (ethmoiditis), sphenoid (sphenoiditis).The disease can affect the sinuses on only one side (unilateral sinusitis) or on both sides (bilateral), and it is also possible to involve several sinuses in the pathological process at once.

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Sinusitis

Causes of the disease

The main cause of sinusitis of any localization is the penetration of infection from the focus into the paranasal sinuses.Often, sinusitis becomes a complication of untreated rhinitis, flu, measles; the infection can penetrate with blood flow from a carious tooth, a focus of inflammation with angina.

Chinese medicine, first of all, considers a disturbance in the energy balance at the level of the lung meridian as the cause of the development of sinusitis, which entails inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane, and a decrease in immunity. Swelling of the mucous membrane also leads to the formation of stagnation of mucus, respiratory failure, and provides conditions favorable for the development of infection.

Acute sinusitis

The acute form of the disease is characterized by a sudden onset against the background of an already existing cold, runny nose or other infectious and inflammatory process. The patient feels unwell, general weakness, headache, sometimes – fever and chills. At this time, there is a feeling of pain and tension in the affected sinus, impaired sense of smell, and sometimes hearing on the side of the pathological process, lacrimation and photophobia.Attempts to press on the sinus projection area are accompanied by soreness, less often there is swelling of the facial tissues.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis often results from a neglected or poorly treated acute illness. In this case, the symptomatology may be somewhat weaker than in an acute disease, but it requires no less close attention.So, depending on which sinus is affected by chronic inflammation, the patient may have a runny nose (abundant discharge) or vice versa, increased dryness of the mucous membranes, headache, decreased performance, fatigue, an unpleasant odor may appear from the nose or mouth. Less commonly, there is swelling of the face in general or in its individual parts.

Maxillary sinusitis

The most famous name for maxillary sinusitis is sinusitis.The general symptoms of this disease are tension and pain on the affected side, deterioration of nasal breathing and smell, nasal discharge of a mucous or purulent nature, lacrimation and photophobia. Pain can not only be concentrated in the sinus area, but also spread to the forehead and temples. Common symptoms of sinusitis include deterioration of health, weakness, fever, chills. Attempts to even lightly press on the area of ​​the maxillary sinuses (near the wings of the nose, on the bridge of the nose and the growth zone of the eyebrows) are painful.In some cases, the cheek and cheekbones on the side of the inflammation are swollen.

Polyposis sinusitis

This form of the disease is characterized by the proliferation of epithelial tissues in the nasal cavity and their degeneration into polyposis tissue. In this case, the main problem is that the growing polyp significantly complicates nasal breathing. The patient complains of nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, often soreness and sensation of a foreign body in the nasal cavity.The accession of the infection together with the disturbed outflow of the contents of the nasal cavity is accompanied by purulent discharge. Common symptoms that bother the patient include headache, deterioration in general well-being, sleep disturbance and impaired performance. Today, for this form of the disease, European medicine offers only surgical treatment followed by antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, this can not always be considered a guarantee of complete recovery: without restoration of immune protection, without eliminating the cause, the disease often comes back again and again.

Sinusitis treatment

Traditional methods of treating sinusitis are taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, puncturing the sinuses, followed by drainage of the cavity and removal of purulent contents. These are very painful and not always successful methods. Many patients are well aware that the first puncture can be followed by a second and third. At the same time, Chinese medicine has quite a powerful experience in treating sinusitis without involving surgical techniques.In the clinic of Chinese medicine “TAO” doctors for each patient draw up an individual scheme of complex treatment, taking into account the form of the disease, the degree of its development, the general status of the patient. For these purposes, phytotherapy, acupuncture, warming with wormwood cigars, massage are used. A well-chosen complex allows not only to restore the energy balance, eliminate inflammation and pus without punctures, but also stimulate the natural factors of the body’s immune defense in order to save the patient from the recurrence of sinusitis and a whole range of other ailments.

Treatment of sinusitis. Symptoms, signs and causes of sinusitis.

24.03.2017

Sinusitis: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease of one of the many paranasal sinuses. The professional name is maxillary sinusitis. Every person can face sinusitis, and therefore it is important to know about the main symptoms and methods of treating this disease.

Development of sinusitis

The maxillary sinuses are located on the right and left sides of the nasal cavity and communicate with it through natural fistulas. The main cause of sinusitis is a violation of the outflow of mucus from the sinuses against the background of edema of the nasal mucosa, which manifests itself in congestion. The accession of the infection causes inflammation of the mucous membrane and the accumulation of pus in the paranasal sinuses. Often, the inflammation spreads to other paranasal sinuses.
The following factors affect the development of sinusitis:

• prolonged runny nose;

90,035 upper respiratory tract infections;

• diseases of the roots of the teeth of the upper jaw;
• curvature of the nasal septum;

With the wrong, inadequate treatment, sinusitis becomes chronic.Prolonged sinusitis can lead to serious complications, such as:

• meningitis – inflammation of the lining of the brain;
• meningoencephalitis;
• brain abscess;
• partial or complete loss of smell ;
• deterioration or complete loss of vision ;
• acute otitis media

Symptoms of sinusitis

There are four main symptoms of sinusitis:

• Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
• Increasing pain in the upper jaw when tilting the head forward and downward;
• prolonged nasal congestion;
• purulent discharge from the nasal cavity
• headache;
• increased fatigue, weakness.

If you suspect you have sinusitis, you should first of all avoid overheating of the sinuses and head (i.e. do not warm your nose, face, head) and make an appointment with a doctor. Only ENT doctor can diagnose sinusitis, and therefore it is worth contacting him directly if the symptoms persist within a week.

Diagnosis of sinusitis

The examination and treatment of sinusitis is carried out by an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT). At the initial appointment, the ENT will get acquainted with the patient’s complaints and conduct a general examination.If you suspect sinusitis, your doctor will refer you for an X-ray examination. Using an ENT X-ray, the doctor will determine the condition of the sinuses, as well as the presence of inflammatory changes or pus in them.

Treatment of sinusitis

Provided that you contact the doctor in a timely manner , the treatment of sinusitis is a painless process. However, the doctor chooses the treatment individually, in each case.

Prevention of sinusitis

The main condition for preventing sinusitis is maintaining the health of the nose.At the end of the treatment, the otorhinolaryngologist draws up a detailed scheme of preventive measures that are aimed at restoring correct nasal breathing.

In the medical centers “My Clinic” at Gorokhovaya st., 14/26 (metro Admiralteyskaya, Admiralteisky district) and Varshavskaya st., 59 (metro Moskovskaya, Moskovsky district) you can undergo diagnostics and treatment sinusitis and other ENT diseases in otorhinolaryngologist . Make an appointment by phone 493-03-03 or on our website.

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03/31/2021

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90,000 Sinusitis – How to Detect and Cure

Sinusitis is the most common type of sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses). It is common among all age groups and affects both men and women alike. According to statistics, this is one of the most common ENT pathologies among children and adults.

In this disease, the mucous membrane of the maxillary (or maxillary) sinuses – large air cavities on both sides of the nose – becomes inflamed. Most often, complications after infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract lead to it, therefore, the peak incidence occurs in the cold season – autumn, winter and early spring. However, sinusitis can be of another nature, for example, allergic.

Symptoms, signs of sinusitis

Sinusitis of the maxillary sinuses is well studied and amenable to successful treatment.The main thing is not to delay the visit to the doctor and “pacify” the disease at an early stage. To do this, it is important to know the main symptoms of sinusitis and pay attention to them in time.

• Obstruction of one or both nostrils and associated nasal voices.
• Ears congestion, cough (especially in the evening).
• Mucous discharge – first liquid, and then more and more abundant, viscous, turbid, greenish, with impurities of pus. Bad breath may occur.
• Pain in the area of ​​the paranasal sinuses on one or two sides, which increases with every hour, especially in the evening and at night. Drawing pains, a feeling of pressure and bursting can be felt in the bridge of the nose, temples, under the eyes, in the teeth.
• High temperature (37-38 ° C and above) and intoxication (loss of appetite, weakness, headache, chills) are bright signs of sinusitis at the initial stage. The chronic form usually proceeds without an increase in temperature.
• Edema, swelling of the eyes and cheeks, asymmetry of the face.

Symptoms in adults and children may differ depending on the type and stage of the disease. You need to seek medical help if there are at least one or two characteristic manifestations within a few days. This is especially true of the sluggish form, in which the picture of the disease is more blurred: there may be no vivid symptoms even with a serious inflammatory process.

Causes of sinusitis

Infections. As already noted at the beginning, most often the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses develops against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases.In particular, sinus inflammation can be provoked by untreated colds and colds, chronic diseases of the respiratory system and ENT organs, prolonged rhinitis and the associated uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictors, staphylococcal infection.

In addition to infectious, there are several types of sinusitis. Depending on the cause of the occurrence, they distinguish:

• Odontogenic sinusitis. It develops as a result of the pathology of the upper teeth (caries, pulpitis, the consequences of improper treatment, etc.)).
• Traumatic. One of the possible consequences of injuries to the nose or paranasal sinuses, curvature of the nasal septum, etc.

• Productive. It is associated with polyps, hyperplasia of the mucous membrane and other formations in the sinuses, which disrupt the outflow of mucus from the maxillary sinuses. In this case, there is one answer to the question “How to cure sinusitis forever” – surgically. The Daily Medical Medical Center carries out the removal of neoplasms and other operations of ENT organs using modern equipment, using gentle, low-traumatic methods.<
• Allergic. Differs in paroxysmal character, constant swelling and nasal congestion, sneezing.

In addition, not directly related factors, for example, smoking or weakened immunity, living in an area with a poor environmental situation, and chronic infections in the body, can lead to inflammation in the sinuses. Even emotions sometimes cause sinusitis. The psychosomatics of this disease is associated with suppression, denial of feelings of bitterness and disappointment.

Diagnosis of sinusitis

Diagnosis of sinusitis

When trying to figure out how to identify sinusitis, do not rely solely on symptoms. The above signs will help to suspect a disease, but not diagnose it. This requires consultation of an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor). He will take an anamnesis based on the patient’s complaints and general examination, and then, if necessary, prescribe additional studies:

• X-ray of the maxillary sinuses.
• Cytological examination (smears).
• General analysis of blood and urine.

Advanced diagnostics can include ultrasound, MRI, CT of the upper jaw, detection of allergens, diagnostic puncture, endoscopy of the nasal cavity, etc. All these measures help the doctor understand how to treat sinusitis, select individual therapy methods.

Diagnosis and treatment depend on the stage of the disease. Acute infectious sinusitis in its initial form (catarrhal) is characterized by severe swelling and the release of copious exudate (fluid) from the sinuses.In the absence of timely adequate treatment, the outflow of exudate is disturbed, bacteria actively multiply on the mucous membrane and pus is formed: catarrhal sinusitis turns into purulent. If purulent inflammation lasts more than a month, then calming down, then exacerbating, this indicates the symptoms of neglected, chronic inflammation.

Complications of sinusitis

The transition of acute catarrhal inflammation of the sinuses into a purulent, and then into a chronic form can entail a number of life-threatening consequences.Even organs that, it would seem, are not particularly associated with the maxillary sinuses, come under attack: chronic sinusitis can lead to inflammation of the kidneys, heart disease (myocarditis, pericarditis). But first of all, the “neighbors” of the upper respiratory tract are at risk: eyes, ears, frontal sinuses. Among the most dangerous consequences are intracranial complications: meningitis, brain abscess, osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bones of the skull).

Treatment of sinusitis

At the initial acute stage, conservative methods of treatment are used.Antibiotics for sinusitis in a mild form are not always used. Much more often, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and decongestants are prescribed, physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UFO, UHF), inhalation and rinsing with antiseptic solutions. Treatment of sinusitis at home should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor and in compliance with all prescriptions. Self-medication, the use of dubious folk remedies, especially warming up, will only aggravate the situation and contribute to the transition of the disease to a more severe form.

The treatment regimen for acute purulent sinusitis is more complicated. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory hormones are used. If drug therapy does not lead to positive results, the doctor may recommend a puncture (puncture) of the sinus in order to extract the purulent contents. After that, conservative treatment and physiotherapy are continued until complete recovery.

Chronic inflammation of the maxillary sinuses is the worst amenable to therapy. The principles of treatment are generally the same as in the acute form, however, the duration of medication and procedures can be much longer.In addition, it is important to strengthen the immune system and eliminate foci of inflammation in the body that can provoke sinusitis, for example, to heal teeth. In severe cases, opening and cleaning the sinus surgically is required.

Prevention

Part of the population does not even know what sinusitis is. Of course, someone was just lucky. However, preventive measures also play an important role. First of all, it is important to treat colds in a timely manner and try to avoid complications and untreated conditions.Also, to prevent sinusitis, it is necessary to treat polyps and other formations in the nose, correct, if necessary, a curved septum. Monitor the humidity level in the room and do not allow the nasal mucosa to dry out. Get a preventive dental check-up to rule out tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems.