Are you feeling dizzy and your nose is stuffy? Let's learn about sinusitis!

Do you often have a stuffy nose? When you wake up in the morning, do you feel a heavy head, aching in your forehead, under your eyes, or on your cheeks? Do you have thick yellow or green mucus? These are problems that many people have. Most of the time, we think this is just a common cold. But sometimes it can be a condition that goes a little further, that is, sinusitis. Don't worry, this is a condition that many people develop and can be cured. Let's talk about this simply today.

What exactly is sinusitis?

Simply put, sinusitis is an inflammation of the delicate lining of your sinuses. Okay, now you're probably wondering what these sinuses are.

Inside our face, in places like our forehead, cheeks, and between our eyes, there are four small air-filled cavities inside the bones of our skull. These are what we call sinus cavities. Normally, they only contain air. A small amount of mucus is constantly produced from these cavities, which goes into the nose and helps keep the nose clean and moist. This is like a natural cleaning system in our nose.

However, when the lining of these sinus cavities becomes inflamed due to a virus, bacteria, or an allergy, the mucus drains out. Then the mucus builds up inside and starts to harbor germs. That's when symptoms like a heavy head, facial pain, and nasal congestion start to appear. This is what we call sinusitis, sometimes called rhinosinusitis.

What are the main types of sinusitis?

We divide sinusitis into several types depending on how long it has been present and what causes it.

Sort by available time

• Acute Sinusitis: This is a sudden, short-term condition. Symptoms (stuffy nose, runny nose, facial pain) last less than four weeks . It is often caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold.
• Subacute Sinusitis: This is the name we give to symptoms that last from four weeks to twelve weeks (3 months) .
• Chronic Sinusitis: This is a long-term sinus problem. Symptoms persist for more than twelve weeks (3 months) . Often, this is due to a bacterial infection or other underlying cause.
• Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: This is when sinusitis occurs four or more times within a year, and each time it gets better within about two weeks.

Classification according to the cause of the disease

• Viral Sinusitis: The majority of sinusitis cases are caused by viruses, like the viruses that cause the common cold. Antibiotics are not effective against these, and they usually clear up on their own in a few days.
• Bacterial Sinusitis: Sometimes, bacteria can grow in the sinus cavities after a viral infection. If you have a runny nose for more than ten days, a sore throat, and a recurring sore throat that goes away after a while, it could be a bacterial infection. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for this.
• Fungal Sinusitis: This is a bit rarer, and can be a bit more serious. People with weakened immune systems (for example, HIV and cancer patients) are more likely to develop this condition.

Is this sinusitis, a cold, or an allergy?

Since all three have very similar characteristics, it can be a bit difficult to tell them apart. Let's take a look at the main differences between them.

What are the main symptoms of sinusitis?

You may have one or more of these symptoms:

• Nasal congestion: The nose feels completely blocked, making it difficult to breathe.
• Thick mucus: Yellow or green thick mucus coming out of the nose.
• Postnasal drip: A feeling of mucus running down your throat instead of coming out of your nose. This can cause a constant sore throat and coughing.
• Facial pain and pressure: A feeling of pressure or pain in the forehead, around the eyes, and in the cheeks. If this pain increases when you tilt your head forward , it is a key symptom of sinusitis.
• Loss of smell and taste: The sense of smell may be reduced or completely lost.
• Other features:
• Bad breath (Halitosis)
• A pain in the upper teeth
• Pressure or pain in the ears
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Constant fatigue

Causes and risk factors for sinusitis

There is no single cause for sinusitis. There can be several factors that contribute to it.

Main reasons:

• Viruses: Viruses like colds and influenza are the main cause.
• Bacteria: Bacteria such as `Streptococcus pneumoniae` and `Haemophilus influenzae`.
• Allergies: Allergies to things like dust and pollen can cause the membranes inside the nose to swell and block the sinus cavities.

Factors that increase risk:

Some people are more likely to develop sinusitis than others. Here are some factors that can contribute to it.

How does a doctor recognize this?

Most of the time, your doctor can tell if you have sinusitis by listening to your symptoms and examining you. He or she will examine your ears, nose, and throat to see if there is any swelling or mucus.

Sometimes, especially if you have chronic sinusitis, further tests may be needed.

• Nasal Endoscopy: A thin, camera-equipped tube is inserted into the nose to examine the openings of the sinus cavities.
• CT Scan: This can take a clear picture of the inside of the sinus cavities. This can help to see how much mucus is inside and if there are any other problems.
• Allergy Testing: This test can be done to find out if your sinus problems are caused by allergies.

How to treat it? Things you can do at home

Sinusitis is usually not serious and can be relieved with simple things you can do at home.

Treatments that can be done at home:

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, such as water, fruit juice, and porridge. This will help thin out mucus and make it easier to come out.
• Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation from a bowl of hot water is very good. This reduces nasal congestion and loosens mucus. Do this for about 10-15 minutes two or three times a day.
• Nasal Saline Rinse: Rinsing your nose with saline solution, available at the pharmacy, or homemade saline solution, can help flush out mucus, dust, and allergens. Ask your doctor how to do this.
• Rest: It is very important to rest your body. This gives your immune system the strength to fight the disease.
• Hot compress: Placing a cloth soaked in hot water on the painful areas (forehead, cheeks) can provide relief.

Treatment prescribed by the doctor:

If your symptoms last more than 10 days, get worse, or have a high fever, be sure to see a doctor. He or she may prescribe you treatments such as:

• Antibiotics: These are only prescribed if you suspect you have a bacterial infection. It is very important to take the entire course of medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Nasal Sprays: Sprays containing steroids that reduce swelling may be prescribed.
• Painkillers: Painkillers like paracetamol can help reduce headaches and facial pain.

When to seek immediate medical advice

Although sinusitis is usually not dangerous, very rarely the infection can spread to the eyes or brain. It is an emergency. If you have the following symptoms, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.

• Very high fever (over 40 Celsius / 103 Fahrenheit).
• Severe headache and neck stiffness .
• Dizziness or agitated behavior.
• Vision changes (double vision, blurred vision) or swelling and redness around the eyes .
• Seizures.

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