Do you also have a constant runny nose? Could this be sinusitis?

Are you also suffering from a cold, a stuffy nose, or a headache that doesn't get better after a week or two? Most of the time, we ignore it, thinking it's just a common cold. But sometimes this is something a little different and needs attention. Today we are talking about a condition called sinusitis that afflicts many people in our country, but is not properly diagnosed.

What is the difference between a cold and sinusitis?

First, let's simply understand the difference between these two.

The common cold is something that almost everyone gets. It is characterized by a runny nose , stuffy nose, sneezing, and a scratchy throat . It usually subsides in about a week .

But sinusitis is a little more than that. Simply put, it's an inflammation or infection of the membranes inside the air-filled cavities in the skull around our nose (which we call the sinuses ). This can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or sometimes even a fungus.

So since the symptoms of these two are very similar, how do we differentiate and identify them exactly?

Another important thing is the condition called “double-worsening.” That is, you get a cold and feel a little better. But in two or three days, it comes back worse than before. Things like fever and headache come back again and again. This is a major symptom of sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection.

How do I know if I have sinusitis?

In sinusitis, especially in the acute stage, symptoms can appear suddenly and last for several weeks. Watch out for the following symptoms.

If you have these symptoms and are not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers , be sure to see your doctor .

When to seek immediate medical advice

If you have any of the following severe symptoms , see your doctor immediately as they could be a sign of a serious infection. If necessary, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• High fever (over 102 Fahrenheit/39 Celsius)
• Very severe headache
• Difficulty seeing or double vision
• Stiff neck
• Facial swelling
• How many times have you had sinus infections in the past year?

How is sinusitis diagnosed and treated?

This is not something you can decide on your own. You should definitely see a doctor and tell them exactly how long your symptoms have been present, whether they have increased or stayed the same. Based on that information, your doctor will determine whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria.

Viral Sinusitis

If your symptoms last for 7-10 days and don't get worse, it's likely a viral infection. In that case, it will go away on its own without any special treatment .

During this time, symptoms can be controlled with things like saline rinses, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and nasal corticosteroids to reduce swelling.

Bacterial Sinusitis

If you have symptoms for more than 10 days, or if you get better and then get sick again (double-worsening), it could be a bacterial infection. You should see a doctor to confirm this.

In such a case, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for you. In addition, they will recommend palliative treatments, such as the saline nasal rinses mentioned earlier.

What tests are done to confirm sinusitis?

Most of the time, your doctor can make a diagnosis by talking about your symptoms and examining your facial sinuses. However, in some cases, especially if the condition recurs or there are complications, the following tests may be needed.

• Nasal Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin tube with a small camera into the nose to examine the sinus cavities and the inside of the nose. This is not a painful test.
• CT Scan: This is a special type of X-ray. It can take much clearer, more detailed pictures than a regular X-ray. It can show exactly how much swelling has spread inside the sinus cavities and whether there is any blockage.
• Sinus and Nasal Culture: A sample of mucus taken from inside the nose is tested for germs. This can help determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria or fungi.
• Allergy Test: Sometimes an allergy can be the underlying cause of sinusitis. If this is suspected, the doctor will perform a skin prick test or blood test to determine the cause of the allergy.
• Blood Tests: If the disease recurs, blood tests may be ordered to check for any weaknesses in your body's immune system.

After these tests, you will receive a definitive diagnosis of your condition. After that, the best treatment plan can be started.

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