A deep dive into sinusitis symptoms, causes and management

Xander woke up to another morning with a heavy head, stuffy nose, and a dull ache around his eyes. As he dragged himself out of bed, he felt the familiar pressure that had been plaguing him for weeks. He knew he was dealing with more than just a common cold. He immediately booked an online appointment on Cellmaflex and after consulting with his healthcare provider, it was determined that he was suffering from sinusitis, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Read the blog and know more about sinusitis, symptoms, causes and types of sinusitis, how is it diagnosed along with how to manage sinusitis.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Sinuses are structures inside the face that are normally filled with air. Bacterial infections, viral infections and allergies can irritate these sinuses and cause them to get blocked and filled with fluid. This leads to pressure and pain in the face, a stuffy nose and other symptoms. Sinusitis is also sometimes called rhinosinusitis.

The terms sinusitis and rhinosinusitis are often switchable, as there is a minute difference between them. Sinusitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, while rhinosinusitis involves inflammation of both the sinuses and the nasal cavity. In short, rhinosinusitis covers a broader area, including the nasal passages. Understanding this minute yet important difference helps in accurately diagnosing and treating the condition.

According to Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2023, in 8 people globally are affected by chronic rhinosinusitis (sinusitis).

What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• Postnasal drip i.e. mucus dripping down the throat
• Runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus
• Stuffy nose
• Facial pressure, particularly around the nose, eyes and forehead. This might get worse when one moves their head around or bend over
• Pressure or pain in the teeth
• Ear pressure or pain
• Fever
• Bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in the mouth
• Cough
• Headache
• Tiredness

Types of Sinusitis

Healthcare providers describe the types of sinusitis based on how long it has been going on i.e. if it’s acute, subacute, chronic or recurrent, and what is causing it – bacteria, virus or fungus.

Acute sinusitis has symptoms such as nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure and decreased sense of smell. It lasts less than four weeks and is usually caused by viruses like the common cold.

Subacute sinusitis symptoms last four to 12 weeks.

Chronic sinusitis symptoms last at least 12 weeks. Bacteria is usually the cause.

Recurrent acute sinusitis symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.

Bacterial and viral sinusitis

Viruses, like the ones that cause the common cold, cause most cases of sinusitis.

Bacteria can cause sinusitis, or they can infect you after a case of viral sinusitis. If the runny and stuffy nose, facial pain that does not go away after ten days, you might have bacterial sinusitis. The symptoms may seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms. Antibiotics and decongestants usually work well on bacterial sinusitis.

Fungal sinusitis
Sinus infections caused by fungus are usually more serious than other forms of sinusitis. They are more likely to happen if there is a weakened immune system.

Causes of Sinusitis

Several factors can lead to the development of sinusitis. Viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergens can cause sinusitis. Specific triggers for sinusitis include:

Viral Infections: The most common cause, typically following a cold.

Bacterial Infections: Can occur when a viral infection persists and creates an environment for bacteria to thrive.

Fungal Infections: More common in people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.

Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and blockages in the sinuses.

Environmental Factors: Pollutants, smoke, and irritants can trigger sinusitis.

Weather Conditions: Hot and humid weather can worsen the sinusitis by promoting the growth of mold and increasing pollen levels. These conditions can lead to swelling and blockages in the sinuses, making symptoms worse.

How is a Sinus Infection Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose sinusitis based on the symptoms and health history. A provider will check the ears, nose and throat for swelling, draining or blockage. They might use an endoscope to look inside the nose.

Specific tests to performed to diagnose sinusitis

• Nasal endoscopy- a procedure to look at the nasal and sinus passages.
• Nasal swabs: The healthcare provider may use a soft-tipped stick to get a fluid sample from the nose to check for viruses or other germs that might be causing the symptoms.
• Imaging: In some cases, the healthcare provider might order a computed tomography (CT) scan to better understand what’s happening inside the sinuses.
• Allergy testing: If one has chronic sinusitis, the healthcare provider may test them for allergies that could be triggering it.
• Biopsy: Rarely, a provider may take a tissue sample from the nose for testing.

How is Sinusitis Treated?

There are several treatment options for sinusitis, depending on the symptoms and how long one has had them. You can treat a sinus infection at home with:

• Decongestants (medicine that provide short-term relief)
• Over the counter (OTC) cold and allergy medications
• Nasal saline rinses
• Drinking plenty of fluids.

If symptoms of sinusitis don’t improve after 10 days, a healthcare provider may prescribe:

• Antibiotics
• Oral or topical decongestants
• May prescribe intranasal steroid sprays

Can Sinusitis be Prevented?

Depending on the cause, there are a few ways to reduce the risk of getting sinus infections, including:

• Rinsing the nose with saline (salt water) as directed by the healthcare provider
• Taking steps to prevent allergies. This includes medications, allergy shots and avoiding the known allergy triggers (like dust, pollen or smoke)
• Using steroid nasal sprays if the healthcare provider recommends
• Good handwashing and other habits that reduce the risks of getting sick with infectious diseases
• Avoiding smoking

How Cellmaflex Helps Patients?

Cellmaflex is an all-in-one healthcare hub. Patients can sign up on Cellmaflex for free. Through Cellmaflex, they can search the directory to find the right specialist in a few clicks. Patients can easily view the doctors’ calendars and check their availability. With Cellmaflex, patients can book appointments with desired doctors with ease and receive appointment reminders.

Patients can receive their test results directly, access the test results and health records anytime, anywhere. Patients can order prescriptions with secure online payments.

Sinusitis is a challenging condition to live with, but understanding the causes, symptoms, types and how to manage sinusitis and when to see a doctor can help one manage it effectively. If you suspect you have sinusitis, book your appointment on Cellmaflex and consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. With the right approach, you can alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.