Sinusitis is caused by viral or bacterial infection of the sinus mucosa in the respiratory system, causing the tissue in the sinus cavity to swell. The body produces a large amount of mucus secretion, leading to blockage and turning into pus or thick green nasal discharge. ‘Patients with sinusitis often experience nasal congestion, runny nose, and pain in the inflamed sinus area, along with other accompanying symptoms.’
Types of Sinusitis
Normally, the symptoms of sinusitis do not differ much, but the progression and recovery periods vary depending on the type of inflammation as follows:
- Acute Sinusitis (Acute) usually occurs along with a cold. The inflammation typically lasts about 2-4 weeks.
- Subacute Sinusitis (Subacute) the inflammation lasts about 4-12 weeks.
- Chronic Sinusitis (Chronic) the inflammation persists for about 12 weeks or more, often found in patients with allergies.
- Recurrent Sinusitis (Recurrent) inflammation occurs more than 3 times in 1 year, with each episode lasting more than 10 days.
What symptoms should raise suspicion of sinusitis?
Since sinusitis causes symptoms in the nasal cavity area, most people often think that nasal congestion is due to a common cold or flu. Some who experience it frequently may think they have allergic rhinitis or chronic cold. However, in reality, allergic rhinitis, cold symptoms, and sinusitis differ significantly. Today, we will explain how to recognize symptoms. If anyone has the following symptoms, sinusitis should be suspected and they should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Thick nasal discharge or phlegm that is yellow or green in the throat or dripping down the throat
- Difficulty breathing, discomfort, nasal congestion
- Bad breath or others around you notice a bad smell
- Cough, sore throat
- Toothache
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Pain around the eyes, forehead, cheekbones, nose between the eyebrows, and around the eye sockets
- May have headache, fever, fatigue, or chronic cough
If a patient has these symptoms continuously for more than 10 days, it can be suspected that the patient has ‘acute sinusitis’. If left untreated, it may develop into ‘chronic sinusitis’, which will worsen. The severity and course of the disease depend on whether the inflammation is caused by viral or bacterial infection.
In cases where the patient has been diagnosed with deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or other nasal abnormalities, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly as surgery may be necessary. This depends on the symptoms and suitability, which the doctor will consider on a case-by-case basis to choose the most beneficial treatment method for the patient.
