Sinusitis - sinusitis: what is it and what symptoms does it have?

Most common symptoms

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What is sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), why does it occur and what are its manifestations?

The sinuses are cavities located in the bones of the skull. There are several of them - frontal, maxillary, maxillary, olfactory. They are all paired. They are lined with nasal mucosa and are pneumatized (filled with air).

The sinuses have their own small openings and communicate with the nasal cavity.

Animated model/image of sinusitis and sinusitis — Sinusitis and inflammation. Source: Getty Images

Inflammation is the body's response to a disease stimulus, in this case most often bacteria. They enter the sinus area and cause inflammation.

However, it can also be a so-called secondary infection, in which case the bacteria "stick" to the already virus-damaged area.

The disease occurs in both adults and children. The latter may be more susceptible to these problems. For pregnant women, emphasis should be placed on effective and safe treatment.

Sinusitis often arises from acute rhinitis. It can also arise from inflammation of the dental bed, from where the inflammation can spread to the nasal cavity (up to 13 % of cases of sinusitis).

Classification of sinusitis according to duration:

Acute (sinusitis acuta) - newly occurring.
Subacute (sinusitis subacuta) - lasting more than two weeks
Chronic (sinusitis chronica) - lasting more than three months

The disease involves a disturbance in the normal transport of mucus, as the mucous membrane is often infected with pathogens. Sometimes a buildup with bacteria can form in the nasal cavity, which is clearly visible on an X-ray.

The movement of the ciliated cells lining the sinuses is restricted. This leads to the accumulation of secretions in predisposed areas of the sinuses.

Classification of sinusitis according to the external causative agent:

Viral
Bacterial
Fungal

The literature also lists so-called internal causes: hormonal, immune, neuroregulatory, anatomical or emotional.

Viruses penetrate the cells of the tissue. They damage the tissue so that the cells are unable to fight the virus. Consequently, in most cases, the cells disintegrate.

Of the bacterial infections, bacteria from the Haemophilus and Pneumococcus spectrum are common causative agents of sinus infections. Moraxella or Mycobacterium tuberculosis may also be quite common infectious agents.

Among fungal infections of the sinuses, infections caused by Aspergillus or Candida predominate.

In most cases, a person with this disease is contagious and can thus be a carrier of the disease.

Acute sinusitis is manifested by increased temperature, fatigue, general malaise or headache. The pain spreads from the nasal cavity to the area under the eye, on the forehead or in the back of the head. Sometimes the pain is triggered by bowing the head.

Purulent nasal discharge is a common symptom, but may not be the rule.

The aforementioned headaches arise due to impaired drainage of the sinuses.

Pain in the upper jaw or teeth also occurs.

Model representation of cavity locations — Cavities and their location - model representation. Source: Getty Images

Chronic sinusitis arises from untreated acute inflammation, which sometimes develops covertly (asymptomatic). It is either purulent or polypoid (a small growth with a stalk).

The disease may manifest as a so-called hidden foci inflammation and be a source of later and systemic complications.

Infection may also spread from the paranasal sinuses to the orbit (abscess - pus-filled cavity) or skull (meningitis - meningitis). Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi is a frequent complication. It may also spread to the pharynx.

In chronic sinusitis, polyps (small growths with a stalk) may appear. About 5 % of the population suffers from this condition. Sometimes the condition can be complicated by inflammation of the surrounding bones.