Sinusitis: A Chronic Condition That Requires Targeted Treatment

If you experience symptoms such as persistent nasal congestion or facial pain, or if the infection spreads and causes ear pain, you may be experiencing acute sinusitis and should seek medical evaluation promptly.

For further information or Booking..

What Is a Sinus?

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located around the nasal passages. They are present on both sides of the face and are classified into four paired groups according to their anatomical locations:

• Ethmoid sinuses – Located between the eyes

• Maxillary sinuses – Located in the cheeks

• Frontal sinuses – Located in the forehead

• Sphenoid sinuses – Located deep behind the nasal cavity, beneath the base of the skull and brain

Under normal conditions, the sinuses continuously produce mucus that drains naturally into the nasal passages. When this drainage becomes obstructed, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens can accumulate within the sinus cavities, leading to sinusitis. Inflammation and pus formation may occur, affecting breathing, the sense of smell, and overall quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Severe, throbbing facial pain, particularly around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, or nose

• Toothache-like pain or discomfort in the upper jaw

• Pain that worsens in the morning, afternoon, or when bending forward or changing positions

• Headache

• Nasal congestion or reduced sense of smell

• Nasal-sounding or “blocked” voice

• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge

• Sore throat accompanied by yellow or green phlegm

• Bad breath

• Fever (more commonly seen in acute sinusitis)

Due to the close anatomical relationship between the sinuses, eyes, and brain, severe or untreated sinusitis may lead to serious complications. These include the spread of infection to the eye, causing visual disturbances, double vision, or even blindness. In rare cases, the infection may spread to the brain, potentially resulting in permanent neurological damage or death.

Factors Contributing to Sinusitis

• The risk of developing sinusitis after a common cold is approximately 0.5–5%

• Approximately 1 in 8 individuals will experience sinusitis at some point in their lifetime

• Individuals with nasal allergies have a 50–70% higher risk of developing sinusitis

• Structural abnormalities, such as a deviated nasal septum

• Smoking or frequent exposure to secondhand smoke

• Living in areas with high levels of air pollution

Treatment of Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a sudden-onset condition that is commonly treated with medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed when a bacterial infection is suspected, typically for 7–14 days. In some cases, physicians may collect a nasal discharge sample to identify the causative bacteria, allowing for more targeted antibiotic therapy.

Additional treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications and therapies that enhance sinus drainage. These include oral medications and intranasal corticosteroid sprays, which help reduce inflammation and swelling of the sinus lining. Modern steroid nasal sprays are generally safe and associated with minimal side effects. However, according to a Cochrane Review, these sprays are most effective when they are able to adequately reach the sinus cavities.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a long-standing condition that often requires a combination of medical and surgical treatment. Surgical options include conventional sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty.

• In early stages, surgery primarily aims to improve sinus drainage

• In advanced cases, the procedure focuses on removing obstructions, enlarging sinus openings, and restoring normal airflow and mucus drainage

These interventions help reduce symptoms, prevent recurrence, and improve long-term sinus health.

For further information or Booking..