Sinusitis - find a doctor & information

Sinusitis is a common condition that affects many people - especially during the cold season. It can be acute or chronic and is sometimes accompanied by severe symptoms.

Here you will find further information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options well as selected doctors for the treatment of sinusitis.

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Brief overview:

What is sinusitis? An inflammation of the sinus mucosa. It can be acute or chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks).
Causes: Viruses, bacteria or fungi usually cause the inflammatory reaction in the accesses to the paranasal sinuses.
Symptoms: Different headaches occur depending on the sinus cavity affected. They can be localized behind the eyes, on the forehead or at the back of the head.
Diagnosis: A medical history and physical examination are sufficient for the diagnosis; if chronic inflammation is suspected, a CT scan is often used.
Treatment: The acute form is usually treated conservatively, for example with nasal drops and high insoles. The chronic form requires further medication and possibly surgery to widen the accesses.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the paranasal sinuses - the air-filled cavities in the skull bone that are connected to the nasal cavity.

Doctors distinguish between two forms of sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis: This usually develops after a cold and usually lasts less than 12 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis: If the symptoms persist for longer than 12 weeks, it is referred to as a chronic form. It can be permanent or recurrent.

For those affected, the disease often means a severe reduction in quality of life due to a blocked nose, headaches and a general feeling of illness.

Neben Schnupfen und verstopfter Nase sind Schmerzen im Gesicht und Kopf typisch für eine Nasennebenhöhlenentzündung.
In addition to a cold and blocked nose, pain in the face and head is typical @ Prostock-studio /AdobeStock

Typical symptoms of sinusitis

The symptoms vary depending on the location of the affected sinus. Common symptoms are

Stuffy or runny nose
Feeling of pressure in the face, especially in the forehead, eyes and cheeks
Headache, which can worsen when bending down
Reduced sense of smell
Tiredness and fatigue
Purulent nasal discharge
Fever (in the case of bacterial infections)

Note: If several paranasal sinuses are inflamed at the same time, this is referred to as pansinusitis.

Causes and risk factors

Acute sinusitis usually occurs as a result of a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, i.e. a common cold. This causes the mucous membranes to swell and the mucus can no longer drain properly - an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Possible pathogens are

Viruses (e.g. colds)
Bacteria (often due to superinfection)
Less frequently: fungi

Risk factors for the development of sinusitis include

Allergies (e.g. hay fever)
Bronchial asthma
Curvature of the nasal septum
Polyps in the nose
Intolerance to analgesics
Smoking
Chronic irritation caused by pollutants or dry air

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis begins with a detailed medical consultation (medical history) and an examination of the nose. The following examination methods are used

Endoscopy of the nose: view into the nasal cavity with a small camera
Ultrasound (especially in children)
Computed tomography (CT): important for chronic sinusitis or before an operation
Allergy tests: if allergic involvement is suspected
Smear test: if bacterial infection is suspected

Treatment of sinusitis

The therapy depends on the course of the disease (acute or chronic) and the underlying trigger.

Acute sinusitis - therapy:

In most cases, acute sinusitis heals without special treatment. Supportive effect:

Decongestant nasal sprays (no longer than 7 days)
Inhalations with saline solution
Drink plenty of fluids to liquefy the mucus
Painkillers if required
Moist heat (e.g. steam baths, nasal showers)

The use of antibiotics may only be necessary in the case of a bacterial infection.

Chronic sinusitis - therapy:

In the chronic form, structural or inflammatory changes are usually responsible. Treatment options are:

Nasal sprays or tablets containing cortisone
Allergy treatment if an allergy is involved
Surgery (e.g. endoscopic sinus surgery) for severe symptoms or anatomical constrictions

The aim of sinus surgery is to improve ventilation and drainage of the sinuses.

Progression and prognosis

Acute sinusitis usually heals without consequences within 1 to 2 weeks. It is important to cure it consistently in order to prevent it from spreading to neighboring structures (e.g. eyes, brain).

Chronic sinusitis can severely restrict quality of life. However, with the right treatment - medication or surgery - it is usually possible to control the symptoms well.

Frequently asked questions about sinusitis

Is sinusitis contagious?

Not directly. The underlying viral infection is transmissible via droplets - sinusitis itself is not.

When should you see a doctor?

If the symptoms last longer than 10 days
In the event of a high temperature
In the event of severe pain in the face or head
If the symptoms suddenly worsen after an interim improvement

Which specialists are responsible?

An ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat specialist) is the right person to contact for diagnosis and treatment.

Fazit

Sinusitis is a common and often unpleasant condition. While the acute form is usually harmless, chronic sinusitis can be persistent. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, complications can be avoided and symptoms significantly alleviated.