Sinusitis: what it is, symptoms, causes, types and treatment

Sinusitis is inflammation of the nasal sinuses that leads to the accumulation of secretions in the cavities of the nose, eyes and cheekbones, resulting in symptoms such as headache, runny nose and a feeling of pressure in the face.

This inflammation can be caused by viral infections, such as the Influenzawhich is why it is very common during flu attacks, but it can also occur due to bacterial or fungal infections, or even allergies.

Sinusitis can be cured and its treatment must be guided by a general practitioner or otorhinolaryngologist, who may recommend nasal washing, use of nasal sprays, analgesics, oral corticosteroids or antibiotics, which varies depending on the type of sinusitis and severity of symptoms.

Sinusitis symptoms

The main symptoms of sinusitis are:

• Thick, yellowish nasal secretion;
• Stuffy nose;
• Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the face;
• Headache;
• Cough that gets worse at night;
• Loss of smell.

Sinusitis can only affect the sinuses on one side of the face, and is called unilateral sinusitis. When it affects the nasal sinuses on both sides, it is called bilateral sinusitis.

In the presence of signs and symptoms of sinusitis, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist so that a diagnosis can be made, the type of sinusitis identified and the most appropriate treatment indicated. Check out other symptoms of sinusitis.

Online symptom test

To find out if you may have sinusitis, mark the symptoms of sinusitis you have on the test below:

The symptom test is a tool that only serves as guidance, does not serve as a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist or general practitioner.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of sinusitis is made by the otorhinolaryngologist by evaluating the symptoms, as well as when they started and their duration, health history and physical examination, palpating the nasal sinuses to assess whether there is sensitivity in this region.

Make an appointment with an otorhinolaryngologist in the region closest to you:

Sinusitis exams

However, the doctor may also order other more specific tests, such as:

• Endoscopia nasal: a small tube is inserted through the nose to observe the inside of the nasal sinuses, being able to identify if there are other causes, such as nasal polyps, that could be causing sinusitis;
• Computed tomography: evaluates the presence of deep inflammation that may not be identified with nasal endoscopy and also allows the anatomy of the nasal sinuses to be observed;
• Collection of nasal secretions: the doctor collects a small sample of nasal secretions to send to the laboratory and evaluate the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses;
• Allergy tests: Allergy tests are used to identify an allergic cause, when the doctor cannot find viruses or bacteria in the secretion collection test, for example. See how an allergy test is done.

Although it was widely used, the X-ray exam is no longer requested by doctors, as computed tomography has greater precision in confirming the diagnosis, in addition to the diagnosis being mainly clinical.

Types of sinusitis

Sinusitis can be classified into different types, according to the duration of symptoms or the cause of inflammation in the nasal sinuses, the main ones being:

1. Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a type of sinusitis that lasts less than 4 weeks and is usually the result of a virus infection or allergic reaction.

2. Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a type of sinusitis in which symptoms last more than 3 months and is generally caused by bacteria.

This type of sinusitis can also occur as a result of untreated or incorrectly treated acute sinusitis.

3. Subacute sinusitis

Subacute sinusitis is a type of sinusitis in which symptoms last between 4 weeks and 3 months.

4. Bacterial sinusitis

Bacterial sinusitis is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae e Moraxella catarrhaliswhich enter the nasal sinuses and multiply, usually as a result of flu, colds or allergic attacks.

In addition to the typical symptoms of sinusitis, bad breath, a smelly nose and fever may also appear, which may last more than 10 days, or remain for up to 4 weeks.

5. Viral sinusitis

Viral sinusitis is the most common type of sinusitis caused by viruses such as Influenza or rhinovirus, causing an accumulation of secretions in the nose and sinuses, resulting in symptoms.

6. Allergic sinusitis

Allergic sinusitis is caused by allergies to dust mites, dust, chemicals or foods, and is more common in people who have allergic rhinitis, as it favors nasal congestion, accumulation of phlegm and obstruction of the sinuses. See other causes of allergic sinusitis.

Read too: Allergic rhinitis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

7. Fungal sinusitis

Fungal sinusitis is a rare type of sinusitis caused mainly by the fungus Aspergillusin addition to other fungi such as Mucor, Rhizopus or Rhizomucor which also cause mucormycosis.

This type of sinusitis can occur more frequently in people with a weakened immune system, such as in cases of diabetes, chemotherapy, use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, or HIV infection.

Read too: Mucormycosis (black fungus): what it is, symptoms and treatment

8. Odontogenic sinusitis

Odontogenic sinusitis is a type of sinusitis caused by infections in the teeth of the upper dental arch, which reach the nasal sinuses, due to their proximity to the upper dental arch.

This type of sinusitis can be acute or chronic and is usually caused by dental surgery, tooth extraction, implants or periodontal disease, for example.

9. Rinossinusite

Rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the nasal sinuses and nasal mucosa at the same time, and can be acute, chronic or recurrent.

Generally, rhinosinusitis occurs due to viral or bacterial infections, but it can also occur due to allergies or nasal polyps, for example. See other causes of rhinosinusitis.

10. Recurrent sinusitis

Recurrent sinusitis is a type of acute sinusitis that appears 4 or more times a year, and is usually caused by allergic rhinitis, deviated septum or narrowing of the nasal sinuses.

11. Barossinusite

Barosinusitis is a rare type of sinusitis caused by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, and is more common in airline pilots or divers.

Changes in atmospheric pressure can result in a pressure difference between the sinuses and the external environment, resulting in sinus injuries.

In addition to the common symptoms of sinusitis, barosinusitis can also cause watery eyes or nosebleeds.

Read too: Bloody nose: 9 main causes (and what to do)

Causes of sinusitis

The main causes of sinusitis are:

• Infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi;
• Allergies to dust mites, dust, animal dander, pollution, chemicals or food;
• Allergic rhinitis;
• Nasal polyps, deviated septum or adenoid hypertrophy;
• Dental problems.

Furthermore, some factors can increase the risk of sinusitis, such as smoking, HIV infection, weakened immune system, anatomical changes in the nasal sinuses or cystic fibrosis, for example.

When is sinusitis serious?

Sinusitis is considered serious when symptoms are intense, such as pain or fever for more than 3 days, or prolonged, lasting 10 days or more.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of sinusitis should be carried out under the guidance of an otorhinolaryngologist or general practitioner, with the aim of relieving symptoms and combating the cause of inflammation in the nasal sinuses.

The main treatments for sinusitis are:

1. Nasal wash with serum

The nasal wash for sinusitis is made with 0.9% saline as it helps to fluidize the secretions of the nasal sinuses, facilitating their elimination and relieving the pain and sensation of pressure in the cheekbone.

Read too: Homemade saline solution with bicarbonate for sinusitis

This type of treatment may be recommended by the doctor for all types of sinusitis, as a way of complementing treatment with medication.

Watch the video with nurse Manuel Reis on how to wash your nose for sinusitis:

2. Nebulization

Nebulization for sinusitis may also be recommended by the doctor for acute, subacute or chronic sinusitis, as it helps to moisten the nasal sinuses and make the phlegm more fluid, facilitating its elimination.

This nebulization can be done with saline solution or the use of medicinal plants, such as eucalyptus, for example. See how to nebulize for sinusitis.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of nebulized medications.

Read too: Nebulization: what it is, what it is for and how to do it

3. Use of medicines

The use of medicines for sinusitis may be recommended by your doctor to alleviate symptoms or fight infections.

Therefore, the doctor may recommend the use of decongestants or corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, antipyretics or anti-allergens. Check out all the remedies for sinusitis.

Furthermore, when there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be indicated for sinusitis, or antifungals, to eliminate fungi that are causing the sinus infection.

4. Surgery

Surgery for sinusitis may be recommended by the doctor in cases of recurrent or chronic sinusitis, with the aim of opening the nasal sinus channels and facilitating the drainage of secretions.

This surgery can also be performed in more serious cases, when there are complications such as abscesses. See all treatment options for sinusitis.

Home remedies for sinusitis

To complement the treatment, there are some home remedies for sinusitis, such as mint juice with nettle or saffron tea, which can help reduce inflammation of the sinuses and relieve sinusitis symptoms as they have anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antiseptic effects. . Learn how to prepare home remedies for sinusitis.

Discover some home remedies that help treat this problem by watching the video:

Self-care for sinusitis

Self-care for sinusitis helps relieve symptoms more quickly, and it is recommended:

• Avoid staying in closed, polluted or dusty places for a long time;
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day;
• Apply warm compresses to the face;
• Avoid smoking or stop smoking;
• Avoid contact with substances or foods that cause allergic sinusitis.

Additionally, other self-care measures include using natural ways to help alleviate symptoms and recover faster, such as resting, drinking warm teas and consuming anti-inflammatory foods. Check out the complete list of anti-inflammatory foods.

Read too: 4 natural treatments for sinusitis (and how to do it)