What is Sinusitis?
Sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the facial bones and skull, playing important roles in the respiratory system. In addition to balancing the temperature of the air we breathe, moisturizing it, and trapping particles, they also have functions such as preventing the proliferation of harmful organisms and secreting mucus. Inflammation of the cells lining the sinuses and filling these spaces with inflamed tissue is called "sinusitis." Sinusitis is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses located in the bones around the nose.
What is Acute Sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses characterized by nasal congestion, a sense of fullness in the cheekbones, around the eyes, and the forehead. It usually occurs after viral upper respiratory infections. Common viruses causing acute sinusitis include rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza viruses. Additionally, bacteria such as streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, and moraxella catarrhalis can also cause acute sinusitis. Besides infections, allergic conditions, nasal polyps, adenoid infections, and certain genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis can also play a role in the development of acute sinusitis. In these conditions, the secretions in the nose are thick, leading to blockage in the sinuses.
Symptoms of acute sinusitis include nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, sore throat, night-time cough, postnasal drip, headache, pressure sensation in the facial sinuses, ear and tooth pain, bad breath, alterations in smell and taste senses, and general fatigue. Particularly, nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, and pain or pressure sensation in the facial area are prominent symptoms in the diagnosis of acute sinusitis. A headache alone is not considered sufficient for diagnosis, but a sense of fullness in the face can sometimes be a significant finding for diagnosis. Viral acute sinusitis cases generally show a tendency to improve within 3-5 days. However, symptoms persisting for 10 days or longer, or those that improve and then worsen again, may indicate a bacterial infection. In children, acute bacterial sinusitis may occur alongside fever, unlike in adults. Also, in children, the nasal discharge initially is thin and watery but thickens over time.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, is a condition defined by the persistence of sinusitis symptoms for 12 weeks or longer. For a diagnosis of this illness, at least two of the symptoms such as nasal congestion, nasal or postnasal discharge, a sense of pressure or fullness in the face, and a reduced sense of smell, must be present for at least 3 months. Chronic sinusitis, often beginning after upper respiratory infections, can cause fatigue and lethargy, negatively impacting the quality of life.
How is Sinusitis Treated?
Sinus treatment can be performed using medical or surgical methods. Acute sinusitis cases, which generally last 4 weeks, tend to resolve spontaneously. The treatment plan is shaped based on the underlying cause of the sinusitis. In the treatment of sinusitis, antibiotic use might be preferred in situations caused by bacterial factors, while other medications may be used to alleviate additional symptoms of the patient. If sinusitis symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks and become chronic or if no response is obtained from medical treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially if structural problems like nasal bone curvature or polyps are present. This surgical procedure is performed to relieve blockages in the sinus channels and to ensure airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and how can it be detected?
Chronic sinusitis is not a condition that resolves in a few days or weeks like acute sinusitis. This form describes sinus inflammations lasting more than 12 weeks. The symptoms persist continuously without increasing in severity over time.
Main symptoms of chronic sinusitis include nasal congestion and continuous postnasal drip. Patients often complain of headaches, a sense of fullness in the forehead and cheeks, a decreased sense of smell, and occasional toothache.
Pressure sensation around the nose and increased pain when bending forward are typical. Additionally, fatigue and distraction can also be observed due to sinusitis. If such symptoms last more than three months, the individual should be evaluated for chronic sinusitis.
Which doctor should be consulted for sinusitis?
When experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, consulting the correct department accelerates the diagnosis and treatment process. The first specialty to consult for sinusitis is the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department.
ENT specialists can evaluate the structure of the sinuses and detect the presence of an infection through internal nasal examination. Sinus tomography or endoscopic imaging can be performed when necessary.
If sinusitis is related to allergies, an allergy specialist; if complaints are confused with migraines, a neurology specialist may also be involved. However, the direct answer to which doctor to consult for sinusitis is: an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
What are the treatment methods?
The approach to sinusitis treatment varies according to the duration of the disease, its cause, and the severity of symptoms.
Mild sinusitis might not require antibiotic treatment. In such cases, decongestant sprays, nasal cleaning with saline, and pain relievers aiming to alleviate symptoms might be sufficient.
However, antibiotic treatment is recommended for bacterial sinusitis. For allergy-related sinusitis, allergy control should be achieved, and antihistamines can be used.
Surgical treatment might be necessary for chronic sinusitis patients. Endoscopic sinus surgery aims to expand the sinus cavities to ensure drainage. Supporting methods during the treatment process include steam baths, keeping the head elevated, and sufficient fluid intake. These methods are home-applicable treatment options that help alleviate symptoms.
What are the differences between chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis usually begins suddenly and resolves within a few days or weeks. It often develops after a cold or flu.
Chronic sinusitis is a long-term condition. The symptoms are usually mild but persistent. Complaints such as loss of smell, continuous postnasal drip, and facial pain can last for weeks or even months.
In the chronic form, tissue structure might also be affected, mucus thickens, and the self-cleaning feature of the sinus cavities is impaired. These differences directly impact the treatment plan. While medication treatment is often sufficient in acute sinusitis, surgery might be necessary for chronic sinusitis.
What can be done to prevent sinusitis recurrence?
Sinusitis is a condition that can recur. It is especially common in individuals with allergies or structural nasal abnormalities.
Some lifestyle adjustments may help prevent recurring sinusitis attacks.
These include:
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Paying attention to nasal hygiene
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Regularly ventilating the home and work environment
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Avoiding triggers if there is an allergy
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Increasing fluid intake
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Supporting the immune system
If there are conditions that predispose to sinusitis (such as nasal concha enlargement, septum deviation), surgical corrections may also be necessary.
Does sinusitis cause dizziness?
Yes, sinusitis can cause dizziness in some individuals. Especially, mucus accumulation in the sinuses can affect the pressure balance related to the inner ear. This can prevent the proper functioning of balance-regulating structures.
Patients may experience lightheadedness, a sense of emptiness in the head, and short-term imbalance when changing positions. Dizziness associated with sinusitis is temporary, but if it occurs frequently, an ear, nose, and throat examination should be conducted.
Does sinusitis cause facial pain?
Yes, sinusitis is a common cause of facial pain. When the sinuses become filled and mucus flow is obstructed, pain may occur in the forehead, cheekbones, around the eyes, and sometimes radiating to the teeth.
This pain is usually pressure-like and can intensify when bending forward. Sinusitis-related facial pain can fluctuate during the day and becomes more pronounced in certain positions.
Is celandine effective for sinusitis?
Celandine is considered one of the herbal solutions used for sinusitis among the public. However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently proven medically.
Some herbs can cause skin irritation, and their application near the eyes or mucous membranes can be harmful. Especially in sensitive areas like eye treatment, products like celandine should not be used without a doctor's approval. Herbal supplements should be evaluated within the knowledge of a physician and not used uncontrolled.
Which doctor should be consulted for sinusitis?
Patients with sinusitis complaints should directly consult the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department. An ENT specialist examines the condition of the sinuses through physical examination and endoscopic evaluation.
When necessary, detailed evaluation can be done using imaging methods like computed tomography.
Since sinusitis can be confused with diseases like migraine or allergies, consulting the correct branch accelerates the treatment process. If there are allergic conditions, an allergy specialist, and if there is pain radiating to the eye area, an ophthalmologist can work in collaboration.