Main
- Maxillary sinusitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus: the outflow of mucus is disrupted, infection sets in, and without help the condition drags on.
- An otorhinolaryngologist treats it: they examine the nasal passages and, if the picture is unclear, refer for a scan of the sinuses.
- Symptoms: nasal congestion, thick yellow or green discharge, pain in the cheek and at the bridge of the nose, worsening when bending forward.
- See a doctor urgently: severe headache, facial swelling, high temperature, deterioration of vision.
- Warming and drops without a prescription can worsen the inflammation, so the approach is determined only by a doctor after an examination.
What is sinusitis
Maxillary sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus, one of the paranasal sinuses. Most often it occurs against the background of a runny nose or a cold, when the outflow of mucus is disrupted and an infection sets in.
What happens in the body
The maxillary sinus is a cavity in the bone of the upper jaw, lined on the inside with a mucous membrane. Normally, this membrane constantly produces a small amount of mucus, which flows freely out through a narrow ostium into the nasal cavity. When, due to swelling or anatomical features, this opening narrows, the outflow of mucus becomes sharply difficult. Bacteria or viruses begin to multiply actively in the stagnant contents, and inflammation develops. The mucous membrane swells even more, the lumen of the ostium closes almost completely, and a vicious circle forms. A person feels heaviness and fullness in the area of the cheek and the bridge of the nose, nasal congestion does not go away, and the voice takes on a nasal tone. If the outflow is not restored, the inflammation persists for a long time, so with prolonged congestion it is worth seeing a doctor.
What causes it to develop
- A previous viral infection of the upper respiratory tract: after a cold, the mucous membrane remains swollen, and the ostium of the sinus narrows, preventing the normal outflow of contents.
- Allergic rhinitis: prolonged swelling of the mucous membrane in allergy keeps the ostium closed, so mucus stagnates and creates conditions for inflammation.
- Deviated nasal septum: congenital or acquired features of the structure of the nose disrupt the patency of the ostium and impede the natural drainage of the sinus.
- Nasal polyps: growths of the mucous membrane block the path of mucus, because of which it accumulates inside the sinus and becomes a breeding ground for microbes.
- Smoking and polluted air: tobacco smoke and dust irritate the mucous membrane, maintain its swelling and hinder the restoration of normal outflow.
- Reduced immunity: after hypothermia or against the background of chronic diseases, the body resists infection worse, so inflammation develops more easily.
Who encounters this more often
People who already have problems with nasal breathing encounter inflammation of the maxillary sinus more often. A deviated septum, polyps or enlarged adenoids prevent mucus from coming out, so such features increase vulnerability. People with allergies are also at risk during an exacerbation, because the swelling of the mucous membrane persists for a long time and does not go away on its own. Children get colds more often than adults, and their narrow ostia become blocked more easily, so their runny nose drags on. Smokers and those who work in dusty rooms constantly irritate the mucous membrane and prevent it from recovering. After hypothermia or against the background of chronic diseases, the body's defences drop, and an ordinary runny nose turns into inflammation of the sinus. If nasal congestion does not go away for a long time, it is reasonable not to wait, but to discuss the condition with a doctor.
What symptoms can occur?
Sinusitis manifests with signs that are easy to mistake for a common cold, but they last longer and gradually worsen. Below is an explanation of how to recognise the onset, which symptoms occur most often, and in which cases help is needed without delay.
How it is noticed at the very beginning
At the beginning, sinusitis often looks like a lingering cold that does not go away within the usual timeframes. A person feels nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose, which makes them get used to breathing through the mouth and sleep poorly. Thick nasal discharge appears, often yellow or green, which does not end along with the runny nose. To this is added pain or pressure in the area of the cheek, around the eye, or near the bridge of the nose, at first mild and intermittent. Many attribute this condition to fatigue, lack of sleep, or overwork and postpone a visit to the doctor. Gradually the pain intensifies when the head is tilted forward, and the sense of smell noticeably decreases. If the signs persist for several days and do not weaken, it is reasonable not to wait any longer and to book an appointment with an ENT doctor.
Signs that occur most often
- Nasal congestion: nasal breathing is difficult, and this interferes with sleeping, eating, and working at a normal pace.
- Thick discharge: thick mucus comes from the nose, often yellow or green, which distinguishes the condition from an ordinary runny nose.
- Pain or pressure: discomfort in the area of the cheek, around the eye, or near the bridge of the nose indicates involvement of the sinuses.
- Worsening when bending: if the pain becomes stronger when the head is tilted forward, this is a noticeable and characteristic sign.
- Reduced sense of smell: smells are felt more weakly or disappear, and this is another reason to see a doctor.
- Temperature and weakness: a rise in temperature together with general malaise suggests that the process is not limited to a runny nose.
When to seek help urgently
Examinations and tests
Examinations for sinusitis are needed to confirm inflammation in the sinuses and understand its cause. The diagnosis is made by an ENT doctor after examination and taking a history of complaints, while additional investigations only clarify the condition of the sinuses.
How the examination begins
The examination begins with an appointment with an ENT doctor, who listens to the complaints and examines the nasal passages. The doctor performs rhinoscopy to see the mucosa, swelling and the nature of the discharge. The examination shows whether there is purulent discharge and how pronounced the swelling in the nasal passages is. Based on these signs, the specialist assesses whether the paranasal sinuses are involved and how deeply. If the picture is unclear, the doctor refers for an X-ray or computed tomography of the sinuses. These images show opacification, the fluid level and the thickness of the mucosa in the sinuses. The results of the examination and the images together provide the basis for further management. Keep all records and images to show them at a follow-up appointment.
What is prescribed and what it shows
What to prepare for the appointment
- Discharge summaries: take previous conclusions from an ENT doctor and other specialists so that the doctor can see the history of your visits and treatment.
- Images: bring X-ray images and discs with tomography of the sinuses if such investigations have already been carried out before.
- Tests: prepare the results of a complete blood count and cultures so that they are not prescribed again unnecessarily.
- Complaints: write down when the symptoms started, how they changed and what makes the congestion worse, so that you do not forget anything at the appointment.
- Questions: formulate in advance what you want to clarify with the doctor about your condition and further steps.
Which doctor should I see?
Choosing a doctor for sinusitis usually does not cause difficulties, but it is important to understand what exactly the specialist does. Let us look at who to go to, what happens at the appointment and what areas of care make up the treatment.
Which specialist manages this condition
Sinusitis is treated by an ENT doctor, that is, an otorhinolaryngologist, who deals with diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. If there is no specialist nearby, at the first stage you can consult a general practitioner, and they will refer you further to the right place. At the appointment, the doctor clarifies the complaints, examines the nasal passages and assesses how freely the nose breathes. They also look at whether there is swelling of the mucosa, purulent discharge and tenderness when pressing in the area of the sinuses. If necessary, the specialist prescribes additional examinations to understand the cause and severity of the condition. This determines whether local therapy will be enough or a more serious intervention will be required. If a runny nose persists for a long time and the pain in the area of the sinuses intensifies, it is not worth postponing a visit to the doctor.
What the treatment consists of
- Selection of therapy: the doctor takes into account the cause and symptoms, so the areas of care differ in different patients.
- Nasal irrigation: saline solutions help remove discharge and reduce swelling of the mucosa, making breathing easier.
- Decongestants: they are used in a short course to temporarily restore nasal breathing and ease the condition.
- Antibacterial drugs: they are prescribed only for confirmed bacterial infection, when there are clear signs.
- Physiotherapy: the procedures are selected by the doctor, they can complement the main treatment in certain forms of the condition.
- Surgical intervention: it is resorted to if conservative care has not had an effect or complications have appeared.
What depends on the patient themselves
Regular follow-up with the doctor noticeably affects how the treatment of sinusitis proceeds and how quickly improvement occurs. If a person follows the prescriptions and comes to follow-up appointments, the specialist notices changes in time and adjusts the care. If visits are missed and procedures are stopped on one's own, the inflammation may drag on and cause complications. It is important for the patient to inform the doctor about new symptoms, for example, increased pain or swelling, and not to wait for a scheduled appointment. It is also worth clarifying how to properly perform nasal irrigation so that the procedure brings benefit and not harm. Keeping simple notes about how you feel helps the doctor see the whole picture and more accurately select the areas of care. If the condition worsens, it is reasonable to contact the doctor earlier than the appointed time, without waiting for an exacerbation.
What helps prevent an exacerbation?
Exacerbations of sinusitis are often linked to what a person does every day. This section explains which habits and observations reduce the risk, without replacing the prescribed treatment.
What to change in your habits
Daily habits of caring for the upper respiratory tract noticeably affect the course of sinusitis. It is important to treat a runny nose and a cold in good time, without waiting for the congestion to become permanent. Getting chilled and spending a long time in polluted air increase the load on the nasal mucosa. Giving up smoking reduces irritation of the tissues and makes nasal breathing easier during the day. With allergies, keeping its manifestations under control helps to avoid the swelling that maintains stagnation in the sinuses. A balanced diet and physical activity support overall health and the body's resistance. If a runny nose drags on and you feel worse, it is sensible not to put off a visit to the doctor.
What is worth keeping under control
- Duration of a runny nose: if the congestion lasts longer than usual, that is a reason to see a doctor rather than wait for the condition to get worse.
- Manifestations of allergy: keeping them under control reduces the swelling of the mucosa that maintains difficult nasal breathing and stagnation.
- Smoking: giving it up reduces constant irritation of the airways and makes recovery after colds easier.
- Getting chilled: it is worth avoiding prolonged cold, because it weakens local protection and provokes an exacerbation.
- Polluted air: reducing time spent in such an environment lowers the load on the nasal mucosa.
- General well-being: a balanced diet and feasible activity support the body, so they are worth remembering at all times.
How often to see a doctor
A regular check-up with a doctor is needed even when you feel well. Sinusitis can run a sluggish course, and a person gets used to constant congestion, considering it a normal thing. The doctor assesses the condition of the upper respiratory tract and notices changes earlier than they become noticeable to the person themselves. If a runny nose recurs often or does not go away for a long time, that is a reason to come for an appointment outside the usual schedule. With allergies, monitoring helps to keep its manifestations under control and to change the approach in time. Timely treatment of a cold reduces the risk that the inflammation will turn into an exacerbation. It is sensible to discuss with the doctor a convenient frequency of visits and not to put them off if you get worse.
What is worth remembering
Sinusitis rarely clears up on its own, and the main mistake is to put off a visit to the doctor, hoping that everything will settle down. Below are brief conclusions that help you make a decision calmly and without unnecessary doubts.
Main conclusions
Sinusitis is an inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, and its course depends on how quickly a person seeks help. A lingering runny nose, heaviness in the facial area and a headache are a reason not to wait, but to see a specialist. The doctor examines the nasal passages, if necessary refers you for a scan and, based on the results, decides what to do next. Sinusitis itself is not treated with home remedies: warming and drops without a prescription can worsen the inflammation. It is difficult to distinguish an ordinary cold from sinusitis by how you feel, so it is worth relying on an examination rather than on your own guesses. If sinusitis is not treated, it can become a long-term form and cause complications. Therefore, at the first alarming signs, it is reasonable not to postpone the visit, but to calmly clarify the cause with a doctor.
