Can a sinus infection cause a sore throat. How long does sinusitis typically last. What are the most effective treatments for sinus-related sore throat. Is it possible to distinguish between a cold and sinusitis. How can post-nasal drip be managed effectively.

Understanding Sinusitis: Causes and Duration

Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when bacteria settle in blocked sinuses, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This condition can significantly impact daily life, causing a range of symptoms including sore throat. But how long does sinusitis typically last?

Most cases of acute sinusitis resolve within a few weeks. However, if symptoms persist for eight weeks or more, it may indicate chronic sinusitis. Chronic cases require more aggressive treatment and may necessitate consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Distinguishing Sinusitis from the Common Cold

Is it possible to distinguish between a cold and sinusitis? While these conditions share many symptoms, there are key differences:

• Duration: Colds typically last 7-10 days, while sinusitis can persist for weeks.
• Mucus color: Sinusitis often produces thick, yellow or green mucus, whereas cold mucus is usually clear or white.
• Facial pain: Sinus infections frequently cause pressure and pain in the face, which is less common with colds.
• Fever: High fever is more characteristic of sinusitis than the common cold.

The Link Between Sinus Infections and Sore Throats

Can a sinus infection cause a sore throat? Indeed, it can. Sinus infections often lead to post-nasal drip, where excess mucus drains down the back of the throat. This constant flow of mucus can irritate the throat, resulting in soreness and coughing.

Post-nasal drip associated with sinusitis can cause:

• Persistent throat clearing
• Difficulty swallowing
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat
• Chronic cough, especially at night
• Bad breath

Recognizing Sinusitis Symptoms

Identifying sinusitis symptoms is crucial for proper treatment. Common signs include:

1. Facial pressure and tenderness
2. Nasal congestion
3. Thick, discolored nasal discharge
4. Reduced sense of smell
5. Headache
6. Fatigue
7. Fever
8. Ear pain
9. Dental pain

Do these symptoms always indicate sinusitis? Not necessarily. Many of these signs overlap with other respiratory conditions, which is why accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential.

Effective Treatment Options for Sinus-Related Sore Throats

What are the most effective treatments for sinus-related sore throats? While addressing the underlying sinus infection is crucial, several methods can provide relief for the sore throat specifically:

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate throat pain and reduce inflammation. These should be used as directed and are not a long-term solution.

Throat Lozenges and Sprays

Numbing lozenges or sprays containing benzocaine or menthol can offer temporary relief from throat discomfort. They work by desensitizing nerve endings in the throat.

Warm Liquids and Hydration

Consuming warm liquids like herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat. Staying well-hydrated helps thin mucus and reduce irritation. Are certain beverages more effective than others? While individual preferences vary, non-caffeinated options are generally recommended to avoid dehydration.

Managing Post-Nasal Drip Effectively

How can post-nasal drip be managed effectively? Several strategies can help:

• Nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot or saline spray can help flush out excess mucus.
• Elevating the head while sleeping: This position can prevent mucus from pooling in the throat.
• Avoiding irritants: Minimize exposure to smoke, strong odors, and allergens.
• Using a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help thin mucus and reduce irritation.

The Role of Antihistamines

Can antihistamines help with sinus-related sore throats? While they may not directly target throat pain, antihistamines can reduce overall congestion and mucus production, which may indirectly alleviate throat discomfort. However, they should be used cautiously as they can cause dryness.

Natural Remedies for Sinus and Throat Relief

Are there effective natural remedies for sinus and throat relief? Several home remedies have shown promise:

1. Steam inhalation: Breathing in steam can help moisturize and clear nasal passages.
2. Eucalyptus oil: Adding a few drops to hot water for steam inhalation may provide additional relief.
3. Ginger and turmeric tea: These have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the throat.
4. Gargling with salt water: This can help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief.
5. Eating spicy foods: Some find that spicy foods help clear sinuses, though this may not be suitable for everyone.

While these remedies can offer relief, they should not replace medical treatment for severe or prolonged sinusitis.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sinusitis

When should you consult a doctor for sinusitis symptoms? Consider seeking medical attention if:

• Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
• You experience severe facial pain or headaches
• Over-the-counter treatments provide no relief
• You develop a high fever
• Your vision becomes affected

Healthcare providers can determine if antibiotics are necessary and rule out more serious conditions. They may also recommend additional treatments such as prescription nasal sprays or in severe cases, sinus surgery.

Preventing Sinus Infections and Related Sore Throats

Can sinus infections and related sore throats be prevented? While not always possible, several measures can reduce your risk:

1. Practice good hand hygiene to avoid viral infections that can lead to sinusitis.
2. Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep nasal passages moist.
3. Avoid known allergens and irritants that can trigger sinus inflammation.
4. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
5. Manage allergies effectively with appropriate medications.
6. Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and promote drainage.
7. Consider using saline nasal sprays regularly to keep nasal passages clear.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing sinus infections and the associated sore throats.

The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

Does overall health impact susceptibility to sinus infections? Absolutely. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can boost your immune system and make you less prone to infections. This includes:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Getting regular exercise
• Ensuring adequate sleep
• Managing stress effectively
• Staying up-to-date with vaccinations

By focusing on overall health, you’re not only reducing your risk of sinus infections but also improving your body’s ability to fight off various illnesses.

Understanding Chronic Sinusitis and Its Impact

What distinguishes chronic sinusitis from acute cases? Chronic sinusitis is defined by symptoms lasting 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment attempts. This condition can significantly impact quality of life and may require more aggressive management strategies.

Chronic sinusitis can lead to:

• Persistent fatigue
• Reduced productivity
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood changes
• Recurrent infections

Management of chronic sinusitis often involves a multifaceted approach, including long-term medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Working closely with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

The Role of Allergies in Chronic Sinusitis

How do allergies contribute to chronic sinusitis? Allergies can play a significant role in the development and persistence of chronic sinusitis. Allergens cause inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to blockages and creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Effective allergy management, which may include immunotherapy or regular use of antihistamines, can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections in allergy sufferers.

Innovative Treatments for Persistent Sinus Issues

Are there new treatments available for persistent sinus problems? Medical research continues to advance, offering new hope for those with chronic sinus issues:

1. Balloon sinuplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to open blocked sinus passages.
2. Biologic therapies: For cases related to certain types of chronic rhinosinusitis.
3. Endoscopic sinus surgery: Advanced techniques for removing blockages and improving drainage.
4. Probiotic nasal sprays: Experimental treatments aimed at balancing nasal microbiome.
5. Phototherapy: Use of light to reduce inflammation in nasal passages.

These innovative approaches offer alternatives for patients who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments. However, their suitability depends on individual cases and should be discussed with a specialist.

The Future of Sinus Infection Treatment

What does the future hold for sinus infection treatment? Ongoing research is focusing on several promising areas:

• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles
• Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis
• Development of new antibiotics targeting resistant bacteria
• Nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery
• Artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment planning

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize how we approach sinus infections, offering more effective and personalized treatment options in the future.

Does a Sinus Infection Cause a Sore Throat?

Does a sinus infection cause a sore throat? Yes, it certainly can. Sinus infections can often lead to complications with post-nasal drip — excess mucus draining down the back of your throat  —  which in turn can cause a sore throat or cough.

Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve a sore throat due to sinusitis. We cover those treatments here, along with sinusitis basics, info about other sinusitis symptoms, and more. 

What is sinusitis?

When it comes to sore throats, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if the sore throat is due to a sinus infection or the common cold. A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is most frequently caused by bacteria settling in your blocked sinuses, resulting in inflammation and pain. Sinusitis length becomes worrisome if the infection lasts for up to or more than eight weeks, which could result in a chronic sinusitis diagnosis. 

Chronic sinusitis symptoms

To deduce whether or not you have a sinus infection, look for the following sinusitis symptoms:

• Sinus pressure
• Tenderness in the face, including ear, eye, and teeth pain 
• Teeth pain
• Redness/swelling in the face and nasal passages
• Thick yellow or green mucus
• Headache
• Fever
• Congestion
• Post-nasal drip 
• Fatigue
• Itchy ears and throat

Keep in mind that the symptoms of sinusitis can be very similar to cold symptoms. However, sinusitis typically lasts longer than your average cold. In addition, untreated sinusitis symptoms can lead to further complications, with more extreme cases leading to a decreased sense of smell or even loss of vision. Because of this, it’s important to look for the aforementioned signs of sinusitis and seek treatment if necessary.

Can a sinus infection cause a sore throat?

Yes. Typically, your sinuses drain through your nose and your throat. The sinus drainage that goes down your throat is typically so thin and watery that you don’t even notice it. 

When you get sick, however, the system that regulates your draining sinuses may not function properly. For example, if you’re congested, your sinuses are no longer draining through your nose. And typically, the mucus created when you’re ill is thicker than usual. All of those forces converge so that more and thicker mucus than average is making its way down your throat.

As a result, post-nasal drip has its own set of symptoms including:

• Sore, itchy throat
• Frequent throat clearing, swallowing, or spitting
• Bad breath and/or a foul smell in the nose and throat
• Nausea from excess mucus draining into the stomach 
• Cough, typically worse at night.  

If you’re not sick frequently, it may be difficult for you to tell the difference between a sore throat caused by post-nasal drip or, say, a sore throat from mold exposure. But if you are suffering from sinusitis, it’s a safe bet that your sore throat is likely caused by post-nasal drip.

How do you get rid of a sinus sore throat?

Can sinusitis go away on its own? In most cases yes, a normal sinus infection can go away on its own — but if it doesn’t clear up in about eight weeks, you may need to seek chronic sinusitis treatment.

There are a handful of recommended sore throat sinus infection treatment options for post-nasal drip and sore throat caused by a sinus infection. However, keep in mind that you will likely be better off treating the sinus infection itself as opposed to the symptom of a sore throat. 

Over-the-counter medication

OTC medication can help soothe the uncomfortable nature of that sore throat. Medications such as Tylenol and ibuprofen won’t necessarily stop your sore throat in its tracks, but they can help relieve the pressure and pain that comes with it. Numbing cough drops and sprays can also provide temporary relief.

Antihistamines 

While antihistamines and other allergen-fighting medications may not help your sore throat directly, they may provide relief from other symptoms associated with a sinus infection, especially if your allergies are making you congested, which can cause your infection to run amok.

Warm liquids and certain foods 

Warm liquids such as tea and coffee can greatly help soothe a sore throat. But it’s important to remember to limit your caffeine intake and to stay hydrated. If you are going to drink warm liquids, non-caffeinated tea with honey is a great option. Eating certain foods, including spicy foods, can also help break up your congestion, which may temporarily help reduce post-nasal drip. 

Aromatherapy, humidity, nasal sprays, and steam

The tried and true remedy of using a humidifier or a steamy shower can also help provide temporary relief from sinusitis symptoms such as sore throat. Essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus may also help to open up your sinuses and relieve some of the blockages that are indirectly causing your sore throat. Finally, flushing out your mucus with a neti pot or a saline nasal spray can also provide temporary relief. 

Antibiotics

Prescribing antibiotics for a sore throat isn’t typical, but if your sore throat is caused by a sinus infection, professional treatment with antibiotics may be in order. Antibiotics may be the best medicine for sinus drainage in the throat as it will treat the underlying cause of the sinus infection itself. 

Is there a long-lasting chronic sinusitis treatment option?

When you are suffering from chronic sinus infections, chances are that you are also regularly dealing with a slew of sinusitis symptoms, including post-nasal drip and sore throat. And if your sinus infections haven’t responded to regular treatment, you may feel out of options. Fortunately, that’s not the case. 

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive new sinus treatment that helps restore proper drainage. During the procedure, your sinus doctor uses a tiny endoscopic balloon to widen your nasal passages and open up your blocked sinuses. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes, can be performed in-office, requires very little recovery time, and provides long-term relief. It is a wonderful alternative to traditional sinus surgery, which often necessitates the cutting of bone or tissue. 

Struggling with chronic post-nasal drip and sore throat caused by sinusitis? Contact Kaplan Sinus Relief today.

At the beginning of this article, we answered the question “Does a sinus infection cause a sore throat?” with an affirmative — yes, it can. But what if you didn’t have a sinus infection in the first place? 

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we help Houstonians find relief from acute and chronic sinusitis by offering balloon sinuplasty in Houston to our patients. In fact, Dr. Kaplan is a leader in spreading the balloon sinuplasty procedure across the nation; he has taught doctors across the country how to successfully perform balloon sinuplasty, helping to bring sinus relief to thousands of Americans.  

If you are struggling with acute or chronic sinus infections and the accompanying symptoms of post-nasal drip and sore throat, Kaplan Sinus Relief can help. To request an appointment, call us at (713) 766-1818 or contact us online today.

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

• Chronic Nasal Congestion: Causes and Treatment
• Can Fluctuating Weather Make You Sick?
• What is Ethmoid Sinusitis?
• Reasons To Get Balloon Sinuplasty
• How Do You Treat Enlarged Inferior Turbinates?

Sinus Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Sinusitis can cause facial pressure, sinus headache, and other symptoms. Treatment may depend on the cause.

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavities become infected, swollen, and inflamed. Fluid buildup in the sinuses can cause germs to grow, leading to a sinus infection.

Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria — or, rarely, fungi — may cause a sinus infection.

The type of sinus infection you have depends on how long it lasts and how often you get it.

• Acute sinusitis: This type of sinus infection lasts less than 4 weeks, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. It’s usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection (acute bacterial sinusitis).
• Subacute sinusitis: A subacute sinus infection lasts between 4 and 12 weeks.
• Recurrent acute sinusitis: An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting 7 days or more.
• Chronic sinusitis: Chronic sinus infections last for more than 12 weeks or continue to recur.

What can be mistaken for a sinus infection?

Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also cause sinus pain and symptoms.

Sinusitis symptoms can be similar to cold symptoms. But it may also cause:

• facial pain or pressure
• infected nasal discharge
• nasal congestion

Symptoms of acute infections last at least 10 days without improving or worsen within 10 days after seeming to improve. A general practitioner or an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) can provide a treatment plan.

Pain or pressure in your sinuses

Your sinuses above and below your eyes and behind your nose can cause facial pain. You may feel pain in:

• your forehead
• on either side of your nose
• in your upper jaws and teeth
• between your eyes

This may lead to a sinus headache, a headache on the top of the head, or an earache.

Tenderness in the face

Your face may also be tender to the touch. This can occur:

• at the bridge of the nose
• under the eyes
• on the forehead and cheeks

Runny nose and postnasal drip

You may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge. It may appear:

• cloudy
• green
• yellow
• pink-tinged with blood, due to frequent blowing

Discharge may also drain down the back of your throat, causing postnasal drip. It can cause symptoms that include:

• coughing at night when you’re lying down to sleep
• coughing in the morning after getting up
• hoarseness
• tickle in your throat
• sore throat

Nasal congestion

You may have swelling in your sinuses and nasal passages that lead to a “blocked“ feeling.

Because of the nasal congestion, you probably won’t be able to smell or taste as well as normal. Your voice may also sound “stuffy.”

Sinus headaches

Persistent pressure and swelling in your sinuses can give you symptoms of a headache. It can be worse:

• after lying down
• when barometric pressure changes
• when changing the position of your head

Throat irritation and cough

Postnasal drip can cause irritation and may lead to a persistent cough. It can be worse when lying down to sleep or after getting up from bed. It can also make sleeping difficult.

Sore throat and hoarse voice

Mucus can irritate your throat as it drips, resulting in a sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make it worse.

Fever

While not common, a low grade fever, meaning 100.4 to 103°F (38 to 39.4°C), may also occur with sinusitis.

Bad breath (halitosis)

The mucus that’s produced by your infected sinuses can smell bad and drip down the throat into the mouth.

Treatment for sinus infections may vary depending on how severe the infection is and how long it lasts.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Using a nasal decongestant spray, such as oxymetazoline, can help relieve sinus infection symptoms in the short term. But you should limit your use to no more than 3 days. Prolonged use can make your symptoms worse.

A steroid nasal spray such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone can help with nasal congestion symptoms without the risk of rebound symptoms from prolonged use.

OTC antihistamines and decongestants can help with sinus infections, particularly if you also experience allergies. Options can include:

• Sudafed
• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• loratadine (Claritin)

Decongestants are typically not recommended for people with:

• high blood pressure
• prostate issues
• glaucoma
• sleep difficulties

Consider talking with a doctor before taking any of these medications to make sure they are the best choice for your situation.

Nasal irrigation

Flushing out the nostrils may help people with chronic rhinosinusitis and other types of sinus infections.

Because using unfiltered tap water can lead to a fatal infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), experts recommend:

• if using tap water, boiling the water and allowing it to cool
• using a water filtration system
• buying distilled water
• using OTC premixed solutions

Learn how to do nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot.

Herbal treatments

Some studies (including a 2013 study of people with acute bronchitis and a 2017 study of children with acute sinusitis) suggest that herbal treatment may help treat acute and chronic sinusitis. These treatments include the product GeloMyrtol forte (sold as Myrtol 300 in the United States), an oral capsule of essential oils, and Sinupret, an oral mixture of herbs.

Additional research is needed to compare herbal treatments with other methods. If you’re considering herbal remedies, be sure to talk with a doctor about which treatment options are right for you.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics like amoxicillin treat acute sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection that has not resolved with other treatments.

Before prescribing antibiotics, a doctor may practice “watchful waiting,“ which involves monitoring a sinus infection to determine its cause before prescribing antibiotics. Antibiotics only treat bacterial sinus infections.

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection that has lasted 10 days or more without symptoms improving, or if symptoms seem to improve but then get worse within 10 days.

Other remedies for symptom relief

You may be able to find relief with home remedies that include:

• staying hydrated
• drinking hot liquids like tea and broth
• breathing in moist air in the shower or with a humidifier
• resting your voice
• sleeping upright with your head elevated
• using sinus rinses
• using a warm compress

You may be able to prevent sinus infections or reduce their frequency. Steps can include:

• quitting smoking, if you smoke, which can make you especially prone to sinus infections
• avoiding pollutants, including second-hand smoke and chemicals
• washing your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons
• diagnosing and treating allergies
• diagnosing and treating other health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or enlarged adenoids, which tends to affect children and teens

If you’re allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.

An allergy specialist can help determine the cause of the allergy. They may suggest:

• avoiding the allergen
• taking oral medications such as antihistamines
• doing allergic immunotherapy

A sinus infection may improve on its own. But in some cases, it may get worse.

While uncommon, if a sinus infection affects a sinus cavity close to the brain, it can spread to the space around the brain. Though rare, an infection can also pass into the eye socket and cause vision changes or blindness. These types of infections are more common in people with compromised immune systems.

While uncommon, a serious fungal sinus infection left untreated may pass into the bones.

Make an appointment with a doctor if you have severe symptoms, or if your symptoms last longer than 10 days or keep coming back.

Because the cause of your sinus infection can affect your treatment options, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you’re looking for a doctor.

If you may have chronic or recurring sinusitis, an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, may use imaging and other tests to determine the cause.

You could also have an underlying condition that causes chronic infections and needs special treatment.

Conditions that cause chronic infections may include:

• nasal polyps
• deviated septum
• allergies
• other medical conditions

When it’s an emergency

Rarely, symptoms like those of a sinus infection may occur with serious health conditions. You may need urgent medical care if you experience any symptoms of a more serious infection, such as:

• a fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
• confusion
• stiff neck
• changes in vision
• other related symptoms that are concerning or severe
• lethargy

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It’s common for children to have allergies and to be prone to infections in the nose and ears.

Your child may have a sinus infection if they have the following symptoms:

• a cold that lasts over 7 days with a fever
• swelling around eyes
• thick, colored drainage from the nose
• postnasal drip, which can cause bad breath, coughing, nausea, or vomiting
• headaches
• earaches

A pediatrician can determine the best course of treatment for your child. Treatment can include:

• nasal sprays
• saline sprays
• pain relief medication

Do not give OTC cough or cold medicines or decongestants to your child if they’re under 2 years old.

Most children will fully recover from a sinus infection without antibiotics. Antibiotics are used for severe cases of sinusitis or in children who have other complications because of sinusitis.

If your child doesn’t respond to treatment or develops chronic sinusitis, a doctor may recommend that they see an ENT doctor. Enlarged adenoids may also cause sinusitis and similar symptoms.

Sinus infections often start to improve on their own after about 10 days. If your symptoms last longer without improving or worsening, a doctor may need to treat the underlying cause of the infection. Acute sinusitis usually goes away within 1 to 2 weeks with proper treatment.

Chronic sinusitis may require seeing a specialist or having long-term treatment to address the cause. An episode of chronic sinusitis can last longer than 12 weeks. Practicing good hygiene, keeping your sinuses moist and clear, and treating symptoms immediately can help shorten the course of the infection.

Sinus infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms like pressure and congestion. They may go away with home care but sometimes require medical treatment.

Sinus infections that occur often may be due to an underlying condition.

Sinusitis, chronic, symptoms – Health Clinic 365 Yekaterinburg

With chronic sinusitis (sinusitis) , the cavities adjacent to the nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. This makes it difficult for mucus to pass and it accumulates inside the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis is a common condition also called chronic rhinosinusitis. Depending on which sinuses are inflamed, sinusitis is divided into sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis and sphenoiditis.

In chronic sinusitis, it becomes difficult to breathe through the nose and the facial area, especially around the eyes, becomes inflamed. There may be throbbing pain in the face or headache.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or a deviated nasal septum. Most people have a short-term form of sinusitis (acute sinusitis), but if the condition lasts more than eight weeks or recurs periodically, it is chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Thick, colorless discharge from the nose or running down the back of the throat
• Nasal obstruction and, as a result, difficulty in breathing through the nose
• Pain, tenderness, swelling or fullness around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
• Reduced sense of smell and taste

Other signs and symptoms also occur:

• Ear pain
• Pain in the upper jaw and toothache
• Sore throat
• Cough worse at night
• Bad breath
• Tiredness or irritability

Signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis are similar to those of acute sinusitis, but chronic sinusitis lasts longer and causes more fatigue. Chronic sinusitis is sinusitis that lasts more than eight weeks or recurs intermittently. Unlike acute sinusitis, fever is not among its symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?

Chronic sinusitis may be preceded by several episodes of acute sinusitis lasting less than four weeks.

Call your doctor:

• If you have had sinusitis several times and treatment does not help
• If your illness lasts more than 10 days
• If your condition does not improve after consulting your doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs and symptoms that could lead to a serious infection:

• Fever
• Pain or swelling around the eyes
• Puffiness in the forehead
• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Double vision or other visual disturbances
• Stiff neck
• Shortness of breath

Serious complications of chronic sinusitis complications are rare but may include:

• Vision problems due to inflammatory eye disease. Keratitis and some other diseases can occur if the infection spreads to the eye area. As a result, visual acuity may decrease, and in some cases complete blindness may develop.
• Infections. For example, meningitis is possible if the infection spreads to the lining of the brain.

For more information about chronic sinusitis, please contact the otolaryngologists of the Health 365 clinic in Yekaterinburg.

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Otolaryngologist

ENT for children

ENT for patients older than 70

Appointment with endoscopy

Diagnostics

Ambulatory medical treatment

Hospital operations

Sinusitis | Dr. Elad Azizli

Maxillary sinuses: It consists of 2 sinuses, one on each cheek. It develops in parallel with the development of the embryo, is present at birth, reaches a significant size at the age of 3 years.

Ethmoid sinuses: It consists of many air sacs located around the eyes, in the upper part of the nose. It develops in parallel with the development of the embryo, is present at birth, and reaches the adult level at the age of 12 years.

Sphenoidal sinuses: It is located on the back of the nose, in the deep part of the skull. Its formation is completed at the age of 2 years, and filling with air – at the age of 5 years.

Frontal sinuses: It consists of 2 sinuses located in the forehead. Its formation is completed at the age of 6 to 8 years, and it separates from the ethmoid sinus. It reaches its normal size within the next 8-10 years.

The bony surfaces of the sinuses are covered with a movable layer that secretes a mucus-like secret (mucus). The epithelium (tissue structure) inside the sinuses is identical to that of the nasal tissue, and all sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity. Any infection in the nose causes swelling and swelling of the nose. This disease prevents the passage of mucus produced by the sinuses and directed through the nasal cavity into the pharynx and esophagus into the nasal cavity. Mucus accumulates in the sinuses and leads to increased pressure.

Why does sinusitis occur?

The nose and sinuses are structures that purify the inhaled air, that is, they accumulate dirt, dust, viruses, bacteria and toxins and send clean air to the lungs. For this reason, viruses and bacteria that can lead to infection are always present in these places. There is no inflammation in the sinuses that can perform its function. However, in the presence of pathological and/or environmental effects such as upper respiratory tract infection, allergic reactions, turbinate hypertrophy (turbinate enlargement), deviation (curvature of bones/cartilage), sinus canal obstruction, adenoid enlargement in children, sudden pressure drops during underwater swimming and air travel, excessively polluted air and smoking, sinus ventilation is disturbed and inflammation occurs. Inflammation of the mucous membrane (mucus) lining the cavity of the sinuses, under the influence of various factors, is called sinusitis. They have different names depending on the course and duration of inflammation:

Acute sinusitis: Sinusitis lasting less than 2 weeks

Subacute sinusitis: Sinusitis lasting 2 weeks to 3 months

Chronic sinusitis: Sinusitis, lasting more than 3 months.

Recurrent sinusitis: 4 or more recurrent sinusitis within 1 year.

Precautions to prevent sinusitis include: not being in a cold environment for a long time, drying hair after swimming or rain, not leaving it wet, managing oxygen, humidity, and temperature levels in the living environment well, not breathing cigarette smoke, avoiding in places with a high concentration of dust and smoke that cause allergies.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinusitis symptoms vary from person to person depending on the severity of the cold or flu, the person’s immune system, and whether there are pathological problems in the nasal area. The most common symptoms are:

• Pain and pressure with a feeling of fullness in that part of the head and face that includes the sinuses (aggravated by bending the head forward),
• Nasal congestion, snoring,
• Sore throat, hoarseness, increased cough at night,
• Yellow/green thick viscous discharge from nose and/or nose,
• Bad breath, pain in teeth and gums,
• Smell and taste disorders,
• Malaise and slight fever,
• (in children) Cough, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
• One or more endoscopy, imaging, and tomography methods are used together to make a correct diagnosis.

How is sinusitis treated?

Sinusitis negatively affects the quality of life not only physically, but also psychologically. Problems faced; It also causes secondary (minor) problems in the stomach, intestines, and lungs. In addition, blurred vision and blindness can result from the spread of inflammation to the eye sockets, meningitis or abscess – if it spreads to meninges and the inner region of the brain, as well as cysts that dissolve bone tissue. Therefore, sinusitis must be treated medically or surgically to eliminate the factors that cause sinusitis.

The aim of the treatment of sinusitis is to suppress and destroy the viruses and bacteria that cause inflammation and open the blocked channels and openings from the sinuses to the nasal cavity. For this reason, medical treatment should be multifaceted, antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers and sprays should be used. Surgical techniques such as endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinoplasty surgery are used to treat sinusitis that does not respond to medical treatment and is not treatable; The intervention is performed by reducing the bone causing the obstruction, reducing the tissue or conch, and widening the sinus canal.

Since the formation of sinuses in children is not yet complete, surgery is performed only in mandatory cases. Surgery to remove adenoids or tonsils and supportive medical treatment are used.

Dressing in the form of cleaning the inside of the nose after surgery is very important. Especially allergic sinusitis can recur after a while.

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that occurs mainly after upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu and has a maximum duration of 2 weeks. Common complaints include nasal congestion, yellow-green thick viscous discharge from the nose and/or nose, sore throat, cough, pressure that increases when the head is tilted forward and causes pain and fullness in the head and face, including the sinuses, pain in mouth and jaw areas, nosebleeds, bad breath, infection around the eyes, voice changes, mild fever. Diagnosis can be made by physical examination or, if necessary, by X-ray.

Treatment of acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is usually treated with antibiotics for 10-14 days, sometimes up to 21 days. It should be noted that the drug should be continued for another 7 days after the thick discharge from the nose and / or the yellow / green nose has ended. Nasal decongestant spray, allergy and cold medications, nasal irrigation kits, and pain medications are also used as aids. In severe cases, aspiration may be done to remove fluid from the sinus.

What is chronic sinusitis?

Inflammation of the sinuses with a duration of at least 3 months is called chronic sinusitis. Persistent nasal congestion, colorless and profuse discharge from the nose and/or nose, sore throat, cough, pressure that worsens when the head is tilted forward, pain and fullness in the part of the head and face that includes the sinuses, pain in the mouth and jaw , nosebleeds, bad breath, infection around the eyes, voice change, mild fever, and acute sinusitis complaints such as feeling tired. If necessary, the diagnosis can be made by sinus endoscopy or sinus tomography.

Treatment for chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is treated primarily with antibiotic therapy. However, surgical treatment is used in cases resistant to drug therapy.