Summary about Disease
Maxillary sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the lining of the maxillary sinuses. These sinuses are located in the cheekbones, on either side of the nose. This inflammation often results from a viral infection, but can also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). The condition leads to mucus buildup, pain, and pressure in the face.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of maxillary sinusitis include:
Facial pain/pressure (especially around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead)
Nasal congestion and stuffiness
Nasal discharge (may be clear, yellow, or green)
Postnasal drip (mucus draining down the back of the throat)
Headache
Toothache (especially in the upper teeth)
Fatigue
Cough
Fever (more common in acute sinusitis)
Reduced sense of smell
Causes
Maxillary sinusitis is primarily caused by:
Viral Infections: Common cold or flu viruses.
Bacterial Infections: Often follow a viral infection and are caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis.
Fungal Infections: Less common, but can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or diabetes.
Nasal Polyps: Growths in the nasal passages that can block the sinuses.
Deviated Septum: A crooked nasal septum can restrict sinus drainage.
Allergies: Allergic rhinitis can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Dental Infections: Infections in the upper teeth can spread to the maxillary sinuses.
Weakened Immune System: Conditions or medications that suppress the immune system.
Medicine Used
Medications used to treat maxillary sinusitis include:
Decongestants: Help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages (e.g., pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline). Use with caution and as directed.
Nasal Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone).
Saline Nasal Sprays: Help to moisten the nasal passages and loosen mucus.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and fever.
Antibiotics: Prescribed if the sinusitis is bacterial (e.g., amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin). Must be prescribed by a doctor.
Antifungal Medications: Used for fungal sinusitis; prescribed by a doctor.
Mucolytics: Help to thin and loosen mucus (e.g., guaifenesin).
Allergy Medications: Antihistamines or other allergy medications may be used if allergies are contributing to sinusitis.
Is Communicable
Viral sinusitis, resulting from the common cold or flu, is communicable. The viruses causing the cold or flu can be spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Bacterial and fungal sinusitis are generally not communicable.
Precautions
Precautions to help prevent maxillary sinusitis or its spread include:
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently, especially after being in public places.
Avoid Close Contact: Limit close contact with people who are sick.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin.
Use a Humidifier: Moist air can help loosen mucus.
Avoid Irritants: Avoid smoke, pollutants, and allergens.
Treat Allergies: Manage allergies effectively to prevent sinus inflammation.
Proper Nasal Hygiene: Use saline nasal sprays to keep nasal passages moist and clear.
Quit Smoking: Smoking irritates the nasal passages and sinuses.
How long does an outbreak last?
Acute Sinusitis: Symptoms typically last less than 4 weeks.
Subacute Sinusitis: Symptoms last between 4 and 12 weeks.
Chronic Sinusitis: Symptoms last for 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment. Recurrent acute sinusitis means multiple episodes within a year.
How is it diagnosed?
Maxillary sinusitis is usually diagnosed based on:
Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Physical Examination: Includes examining the nasal passages and face for tenderness.
Nasal Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the nasal passages to visualize the sinuses.
Imaging Tests:
CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the sinuses and can help identify inflammation, blockages, or structural abnormalities.
MRI: May be used in certain cases, especially if fungal sinusitis or tumors are suspected.
Nasal Culture: A sample of nasal discharge may be taken to identify the specific bacteria or fungi causing the infection.
Allergy Testing: May be done to identify potential allergens contributing to sinusitis.
Timeline of Symptoms
Early Stage (Days 1-3): Nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, mild facial pressure. Symptoms resemble a common cold.
Mid Stage (Days 3-7): Increased nasal congestion, thicker yellow or green nasal discharge, increased facial pain and pressure, headache, fatigue.
Late Stage (Days 7+): If bacterial, symptoms persist or worsen. High fever, severe facial pain, potential toothache, persistent cough. In viral cases, symptoms should begin to improve, but secondary bacterial infection may occur. Chronic sinusitis symptoms persist for 12+ weeks.
Important Considerations
See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persist for more than a week, or worsen after initially improving.
Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions should seek medical attention promptly.
Uncontrolled sinusitis can lead to complications such as orbital cellulitis (infection around the eye) or, in rare cases, meningitis or brain abscess.
For chronic sinusitis, identifying and managing underlying causes like allergies or structural abnormalities is crucial.
Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.