Acute sinusitis: what it is, maxillary sinusitis and its symptoms

A runny nose, nasal congestion, and heaviness above the eyebrow — a familiar picture after every cold. Acute sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal sinuses, which most often follows a cold or flu, and maxillary sinusitis is when the maxillary sinus specifically is inflamed. Let's calmly sort out what is happening inside and what to watch for.

Acute sinusitis: what it is

Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses. The sinuses are small empty cavities in the bones around the nose that connect to the nasal cavity and produce mucus. With inflammation, the membrane swells, mucus stops draining normally into the nose and throat, and a feeling of congestion appears. Acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks; subacute — from 4 to 12 weeks, chronic — longer than 12 weeks, and recurrent causes several episodes per year. It often starts as an ordinary cold, and then a bacterial infection joins it.

Maxillary sinusitis: where it occurs

Maxillary sinusitis — inflammation of the maxillary sinus. It is located in the bone above the upper teeth, on both sides of the nose, so discomfort is most often felt in the cheeks. There are several sinuses in total: frontal (frontal sinusitis), ethmoid (ethmoiditis), sphenoid (sphenoiditis). If all sinuses on one side of the face are inflamed, it is called hemisinusitis; on both sides — pansinusitis.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis

The main signs are pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, a blocked or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, yellow-green mucus, and high fever. There may be headache and toothache, bad breath, cough, and pressure in the ears. At night a person may snore, and the voice sounds nasal. In young children, sinusitis sometimes manifests as irritability, difficulty feeding, and mouth breathing. In children, it can be suspected if, after the runny nose subsides, the temperature rises again after a few days and thick discharge appears. The diagnosis is more often made in children aged 3–15 years.

• pain and pressure in the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, worsening when bending the head forward
• nasal congestion and thick yellow-green discharge
• high fever, weakness, fatigue
• reduced sense of smell, headache or toothache
• in children — irritability and refusal to eat

Causes of acute sinus inflammation

Sinusitis can be caused by viruses and bacteria. Predisposing factors include a recent acute respiratory viral infection, allergic rhinitis, polyps in the nasal passages, deviated nasal septum, and congenital features of the nasal structure. The maxillary sinus is often inflamed by problems with the upper teeth. Viral sinusitis does not require antibiotics.

How sinusitis is diagnosed

The doctor makes the diagnosis based on symptoms and examination of the nose and face. If necessary, imaging is prescribed: sinus X-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Severity is assessed by congestion, the nature of the discharge, temperature, and changes on the images.

Possible complications and when to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if symptoms do not resolve after 7 days of treatment or after 3 weeks of self-care, if sinusitis recurs, and also if the child is 11 years old or younger. With weakened immunity, worsening pain, or deterioration of well-being, help is needed without delay. Complications are possible from the orbit and inside the skull, so a visit to the doctor should not be postponed.

Sinus inflammation by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; call 103 or 112 if eyelid swelling, displacement or bulging of the eyeball, or signs of intracranial complications appear.

This material is for reference: it helps to understand the terms and notice warning signs in time, but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer