Can a sinus infection cause a sore throat. How long does sinusitis typically last. What are the most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis. How can you differentiate between a sinus infection and a common cold. What are the best ways to relieve a sore throat caused by sinusitis.

Understanding Sinusitis: The Root Cause of Sinus-Related Sore Throats

Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, is a condition that can significantly impact your daily life, often leading to uncomfortable symptoms like sore throats and persistent coughs. But what exactly is sinusitis, and how does it relate to these symptoms?

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skull, become inflamed and infected. This inflammation is typically caused by bacteria settling in blocked sinuses, resulting in pain and discomfort. The duration of sinusitis can vary, with cases lasting up to eight weeks or more potentially being diagnosed as chronic sinusitis.

The Link Between Sinusitis and Sore Throats

Do sinus infections always cause sore throats? While not every case of sinusitis will result in a sore throat, it’s a common occurrence due to post-nasal drip. This phenomenon happens when excess mucus drains down the back of your throat, irritating the tissues and causing discomfort.

Post-nasal drip occurs because your sinuses typically drain through your nose and throat. When you’re healthy, this drainage is usually thin and unnoticeable. However, during a sinus infection, the mucus becomes thicker, and congestion can block the normal drainage pathways, forcing more mucus down your throat.

Identifying Chronic Sinusitis: Key Symptoms to Watch For

Chronic sinusitis can be a persistent and troublesome condition. How can you tell if you’re dealing with chronic sinusitis rather than a simple cold or acute sinus infection? Here are the primary symptoms to look out for:

• Sinus pressure and facial tenderness
• Pain in the ears, eyes, and teeth
• Redness and swelling in the face and nasal passages
• Thick yellow or green mucus
• Headaches
• Fever
• Congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Fatigue
• Itchy ears and throat

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of a common cold. The key difference lies in the duration – sinusitis typically lasts longer than a standard cold. If you experience these symptoms for an extended period, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to prevent potential complications.

The Domino Effect: How Sinus Infections Lead to Sore Throats

Why do sinus infections often result in sore throats? The answer lies in the interconnected nature of our respiratory system. When you have a sinus infection, several factors contribute to the development of a sore throat:

1. Increased mucus production: Sinus infections cause your body to produce more mucus than usual.
2. Thicker mucus: The mucus produced during an infection is typically thicker and more irritating.
3. Blocked nasal passages: Congestion prevents normal sinus drainage through the nose.
4. Postnasal drip: As a result, excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation.

This constant flow of thick, irritating mucus down the throat can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• A sore, itchy throat
• Frequent throat clearing and swallowing
• Bad breath
• Nausea (from mucus draining into the stomach)
• A persistent cough, often worse at night

Differentiating Sinus Infections from Common Colds: Key Indicators

How can you tell if your sore throat is due to a sinus infection or just a common cold? While the symptoms can be similar, there are several key differences to consider:

Duration of Symptoms

Sinus infections typically last longer than the average cold. If your symptoms persist for more than 10-14 days, it’s more likely to be sinusitis.

Facial Pain and Pressure

Sinusitis often causes more pronounced facial pain and pressure, particularly around the sinuses (forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes).

Mucus Color and Consistency

While both conditions can produce excess mucus, sinus infections often result in thicker, discolored (yellow or green) mucus.

Fever

Low-grade fevers are more common with sinus infections, especially if they’re bacterial in nature.

If you’re unsure about your condition, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Effective Treatments for Sinus-Related Sore Throats

Can sinusitis and its associated sore throat be effectively treated? Absolutely. While many cases of sinusitis can resolve on their own within a few weeks, there are several treatments available to alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery:

Over-the-Counter Medications

OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Decongestants can also provide relief by reducing sinus congestion.

Antihistamines

If your sinusitis is related to allergies, antihistamines may help by reducing the allergic response and associated inflammation.

Nasal Irrigation

Using a neti pot or saline nasal spray can help flush out mucus and irritants from your nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and post-nasal drip.

Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water can help moisten and soothe irritated nasal passages and throat tissues.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like herbal tea with honey, can help soothe a sore throat and thin mucus secretions.

Prescription Medications

In more severe or persistent cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (for bacterial infections) or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Natural Remedies for Sinus-Induced Sore Throats

Are there natural ways to alleviate a sore throat caused by sinusitis? Indeed, several home remedies can provide relief:

Saltwater Gargle

Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat inflammation and kill bacteria.

Honey

Known for its antibacterial properties, honey can soothe a sore throat and suppress coughs. Try adding it to warm tea or taking it straight.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus, when used in aromatherapy or diluted and applied topically, may help open up sinuses and provide relief.

Elevated Sleeping Position

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help prevent mucus from pooling in your throat overnight.

Spicy Foods

Consuming spicy foods can help break up congestion and provide temporary relief from sinus pressure.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sinusitis

While many cases of sinusitis resolve on their own, there are instances where medical intervention is necessary. But when should you consult a doctor for your sinus infection?

Consider seeking medical attention if:

• Your symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement
• You have severe symptoms, such as high fever or extreme facial pain
• You experience recurrent sinus infections
• Your symptoms worsen after initially improving
• You have a compromised immune system

A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include prescription medications or other interventions.

Preventing Sinus Infections and Associated Sore Throats

Is it possible to prevent sinus infections and the sore throats they cause? While you can’t always avoid sinusitis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Manage Allergies

If you have allergies, work with your doctor to keep them under control, as allergies can increase your risk of sinusitis.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mucus thin and flowing, reducing the risk of congestion.

Use a Humidifier

Keeping the air in your home moist can help prevent your nasal passages from drying out and becoming irritated.

Avoid Irritants

Stay away from smoke, strong perfumes, and other airborne irritants that can inflame your nasal passages.

Boost Your Immune System

Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.

By understanding the link between sinus infections and sore throats, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to treat and prevent them, you can better manage your respiratory health. Remember, while many cases of sinusitis resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention. With proper care and prevention strategies, you can minimize the impact of sinus infections on your daily life and overall well-being.

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

Was this helpful?

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 New treatment

Inpatient operations

How and with what to treat diseases of the nose and throat?

Askova Lyudmila Nikolaevna, otorhinolaryngologist of the “Clinic of Modern Medicine”, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor.

1. Sinusitis.

Symptoms. How to distinguish from a simple runny nose? What is dangerous? What will happen if not treated? How to treat? Prevention. Causes of occurrence.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus, which communicates with the nasal cavity. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute sinusitis most often develops as a complication of acute rhinitis (runny nose), after infectious diseases, as well as due to inflammatory diseases of the teeth (odontogenic sinusitis). Hypothermia against the background of a decrease in the body’s defenses can serve as a provoking factor. Sinusitis differs from rhinitis (runny nose): the duration of the disease – runny nose lasts 6-8 days, agoymoritis – up to 1 month, the presence of purulent secretions, pain in the area of ​​the affected sinus.

Chronic sinusitis is usually a consequence of the transition of acute inflammation to a chronic form. This can be facilitated by thickening of the nasal mucosa, thickening of the turbinates, curvature of the nasal septum, closing or narrowing the outlet of the maxillary sinuses, insufficient treatment of acute sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis is characterized by symptoms of general intoxication: chills, fever, poor general health, headache of varying intensity. In addition to communities, local symptoms are observed: pain in the cheek area. By nature, the pain is intense and constant, accompanied by a feeling of fullness, aggravated by tilting the head, coughing and sneezing. Sometimes there is photophobia and lacrimation. The nose is stuffed up, there is an abundant discharge of mucous (catarrhal sinusitis), mucopurulent, purulent nature (purulent sinusitis). On the side of the affected sinus, the sense of smell may decrease. When the periosteum is involved in the process, swelling of the cheek and swelling of the lower eyelid are noted.

Chronic sinusitis is characterized by general weakness, malaise, fatigue, headache (more often in the evening), nasal congestion, discharge. The sense of smell may decrease. Vasomotor and allergic sinusitis is characterized by an undulating course with periodic remissions. The clinical picture of exacerbation is characterized by the same symptoms as in acute sinusitis.

Treatment is prescribed by an otorhinolaryngologist. As a rule, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and consists of a course of pharmacotherapy: antibiotics, vasoconstrictor drugs, decongestants are prescribed. At the final stage, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy procedures.

In the case of odontogenic sinusitis, treatment by a dentist is also required.

In severe cases and the presence of complications, hospitalization is indicated.

Treatment of sinusitis is mandatory, because. this disease can cause serious intracranial, intraorbital and bronchus-pulmonary complications: swelling of the meninges, meningitis, swelling of the tissue of the eye sockets and eyelids, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other complications.

2. Tonsillitis

Symptoms. How to treat? Complications. Prevention.

Tonsillitis is a disease that is characterized by inflammation of one or more lymphoid formations of the pharyngeal ring (usually palatine tonsils) and is one of the most common infections of the upper respiratory tract.

Tonsillitis is acute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis is known as angina. The most significant bacterial causative agent of acute tonsillitis is group A hemolytic streptococcus. Less commonly, acute tonsillitis is caused by other streptococci, viruses, pneumococci, fungi, mycoplasmas, and chlamydia.

The pathogen is transmitted by airborne droplets. Sources of infection are sick and less often asymptomatic carriers. The greatest incidence is noted in the winter-spring period.

The incubation period for acute tonsillitis ranges from several hours to 2-4 days. This disease is characterized by an acute onset with fever up to 37.5 – 39 ° C, chills or chills, headache, general malaise, sore throat, aggravated by swallowing; frequent pain in the muscles and joints, swollen lymph nodes. Children may have nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The duration of the disease period (without treatment) is 5-7 days. In the future, in the absence of complications, the main clinical manifestations of the disease (fever, symptoms of intoxication, inflammatory changes in the tonsils) quickly disappear, the blood picture normalizes. The enlargement of the lymph nodes can last up to 10-12 days.

Under the influence of various factors (a weakened body, a highly pathogenic pathogen, improper treatment, lack of treatment, chronic diseases), acute tonsillitis can become chronic. Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by periodic exacerbations (after hypothermia, emotional stress, and other factors). Chronic tonsillitis is a focus of infection in the body. It weakens the body and can spread the infection to other organs (most often the kidneys, heart, joints).

The otorhinolaryngologist may prescribe conservative or surgical treatment.

Conservative method – restoring the health of the tonsils with the help of washing, the use of antibiotics, physiotherapy.

Surgical method – partial removal of damaged tissues by physical exposure to radio waves, laser, cryo exposure or complete removal of the tonsils surgically.

3. Laryngitis, pharyngitis

Laryngitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. Mass outbreaks are observed during epidemics of viral infections – in late autumn, winter, early spring. Typical symptoms of laryngitis are hoarseness, soreness in the throat, dry cough. This disease is most severe in children of the first years of life. Symptoms of laryngitis in children: barking cough, shortness of breath.

Treatment of laryngitis is associated with the elimination of the causes that cause the disease. For complete rest of the larynx for 5-7 days, the patient is advised not to talk. With laryngitis, you can not smoke, drink alcohol. It is also necessary to exclude spicy seasonings, spices. Warm drinks (milk), gargling with chamomile or sage decoctions, warm alkaline inhalations, antibiotic aerosol inhalations, heat on the neck, hot foot baths, cough medicines are useful.

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Pharyngitis is one of the manifestations of SARS, that is, it has a viral origin. Sometimes pharyngitis can also be caused by bacteria – most often streptococcus.

Manifestation of pharyngitis – sore throat, sore throat (constant, not only when swallowing and when swallowing saliva), cough. Depending on which pathogen caused pharyngitis (virus or bacterium), treatment is also prescribed, since bacterial inflammation must be treated with antibiotics that the doctor selects, and viral inflammation is treated with antiviral drugs.

Chronic pharyngitis is catarrhal, hypertrophic, atrophic. Causes of occurrence: frequent inflammation of the throat and nose, metabolic disorders, diabetes, diseases of the intestines, stomach, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, harmful factors in the form of dry air, dust, chemicals, smoke, alcohol, fungal origin, etc. .

Treatment of pharyngitis

The treatment regimen for pharyngitis is determined by an otorhinolaryngologist based on the diagnosis. Treatment of pharyngitis depends on the form of pharyngitis (acute or chronic). It may include a course of antibiotics, inhalations, physiotherapeutic procedures, lubrication of the mucous membrane with drugs, etc.